Dock in charming, Victorian downtown Astoria, then you are off to Fort Clatsop, the winter fort of the 1804-1806 Lewis and Clark Expedition. Check out the exhibits and follow trails to the replica fort or take a low, no-elevation walk from the visitor center to view replica dugout canoes. For a longer but easy hike, a one-mile trail along the Lewis and Clark River leads to an outdoor viewing area highlighting the landscape and stories described in the journals of Lewis & Clark. Hard chargers can take a 7-mile, one-way hike on the Fort to Sea Trail through forest, fields, and dunes. Whichever you opt for, everyone experiences Fort Clatsop and beach walks. Back downtown, explore on your own, walk the waterfront trail, or visit the Astoria Column. Afterwards, set sail upriver and see what delectable treats your chef and crew have in store for the evening—a nibble from a local harvest, a special pairing perhaps?

Slip through the Bonneville Dam locks, then head behind the scenes at the visitor center. You are in luck with a private tour of its massive turbines and fish ladders. Take a walk on the wild side at Multnomah Falls—the tallest in the state. Snap a few photos before your next big adventure: a guided hike in the heart of the Columbia Gorge that gets your legs going while you soak in the lush fern-filled forest. Choose the low elevation option, or trek upward to a waterfall amidst towering trees. Back on board, your onboard sommelier has a “Best of Hood River Valley” wine tasting dialed in. All you must do is take a seat in the lounge—you are in good hands.

Start your day cruising the famed Wallula Gap. Today’s theme is all things Walla Walla including nibbles from visits with an olive oil maker, a local chocolatier, and makers of hand-cured meats and sauces. For lunch, try culinary delights that are truly of the area at the historic Gesa Powerhouse Theatre. With local bites come local sips and time to stretch your legs. Tour and taste at family-owned Dunham Cellars. In historic downtown Walla Walla, visit multi-media artist Squire Broel’s studio and stroll downtown with your guides where boutique shops and over 30 tasting rooms await. Bellies full, the afternoon is perfect for easy cruising in the most unique river system in the nation. Join your guides for interpretive presentations of a land rich in history.

Wake up at the mouth of the Palouse River. The essentials of the day: kayaks, paddle boards, and swimsuits. Bring your binocs, too. There is the chance of an early morning skiff outing for some great birding—hawks and herons and grebes. At the confluence of the Palouse and Snake rivers, your crew has everything set with a beach party at Lyons Ferry State Park—go for a long or short paddle and a swim. Wind up the afternoon cruising one of the most scenic stretches of the Snake River.

River play is on the agenda today—whichever option you pick, start with a shallow wet landing on the beach. Choose whitewater with a Deschutes rafting adventure. Class II and III+ rapids come with names like Elevator and Surf City. Rafting guides provide the gear (including optional wetsuits) and expertise; your ship’s chef provides the picnic lunch. Stick to dry land and visit Columbia Hills State Park on foot or, if weather permits, by skiff. Take a dip in a lazy section of the river, and let the sunshine dry you off after a swim. Along the river’s edge, listen to the rustle of cottonwoods. Swap stories with your shipmates over sunset cocktails and appetizers.

Lava flows, floods, and volcanic ash deposits shaped the Rowena—sheer cliffs, basalt landforms, wide-stretching plateaus. At Rowena Overlook, it is boots-on-the-ground exploration. You may choose a 2-mile round trip hike to the crest of Tom McCall Nature Preserve. Your reward: expansive views in every direction—including the river far below. Or choose the steeper, 3.6-mile round trip Tom McCall Point trail. On a cloudless day, your effort gaining 1,000 feet of elevation pays off with views of Mt. Adams, Mt. Hood, and the Columbia River. Cheers to adventure, wine, and your week aboard. Wrap it up cruising through the Columbia River Gorge and popping a few corks at the Farewell Dinner.

After one last breakfast on board, disembark and transfer to the airport for your flight home. While you might return to life as usual, you will be forever changed by the time you spent in these amazing places.

The modern Hotel Rose is set along the Willamette River in Downtown Portland. The rooms are large, comfy, and have all the modern amenities you need for a comfortable stay. There is one restaurant/bar with a floor-to-ceiling fireplace, and a gym.