Lindblad Expeditions: National Geographic Sea Lion

Portland is well known for its cutting edge rock'n'roll, though Shakespeare, Broadway shows, ballerinas, chamber music ensembles and full blown classical orchestrations exist here. Try one of many outdoor activities available year round with views of some of the country's best scenery. Portland has historical and cultural monuments, museums, and historic sites. According to a recent CNN survey, Portland is one of the five most "kid-friendly" cities in the United States. Portland has OMSI (the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry), the nations fifth largest science museum, the Oregon Zoo, and the Children's Museum with a strict "please touch" policy. For adventure, head for the indoor North Clackamas Aquatic Park, with its four foot waves and water slides, or visit an old fashioned Oaks Amusement Park, featuring roller coasters, thrill rides, a train, go carts, and bumper cars.

Astoria is a city of 10,000 people on the Columbia River, just a few miles from the Pacific Ocean. It is surrounded by the beauty of the forest, mountains, 3 rivers and the sea. Astoria is part of a nationally significant historic region at the western end of the Lewis & Clark Trail. Astoria is the oldest American settlement west of the Rockies; a place that takes visitors back to simpler times, its architecture dominated by hundreds of Victorian homes clinging to steep wooded hillsides and with a revitalized 1920s era downtown; all set against a backdrop of tremendous natural beauty. Unspoiled and generally uncrowded, Astoria is near several first-class interpretive attractions including Fort Clatsop, the Columbia River Maritime Museum, the Flavel House, Fort Stevens State Park, the Astoria Riverfront Trolley and the Astoria Column. Because of its steep hills and beautiful Victorian homes, Astoria has been called the "Little San Francisco of the Pacific Northwest."

There is plenty to do around the Port of Hood River Marina in Hood River, Oregon. The waterfront around Hood River offers many activities, including watersports, fishing, dog walking, windsurfing, kiteboarding, kayaking, sailing, and Hood River Yacht Club activities. There is also a grassy landscape and sand for visitors to enjoy, as well as a picnic shelter and the Marina Green, which provides space for larger events.

The Columbia River Gorge is a spectacular river canyon cutting the only sea-level route through the Cascade Mountain Range. It's 80 miles long and up to 4,000 feet deep with the north canyon walls in Washington State and the south canyon walls in Oregon State.

Westward expansion and the gold rush shaped the Washington Territory, and modern Walla Walla's sites offer a perfect sampling of the renown regional wines, art and history of the Pacific Northwest. Visit an old pioneer's settlement at Fort Walla Walla's museum, the Heritage Station Museum for rotating exhibitions, or the Tamastslikt Cultural Institute in nearby Pendleton to learn about the regional native tribes of Washington and Northern Oregon. Lovers of art and theatre will find much to do in Walla Walla, with a local foundry, numerous galleries, and annual summer outdoor symphonies. Other annual festival highlights include the Walla Walla Sweet Onion Blues Fest and the annual Balloon Stampede in May. With 1,500 acres of vineyards in the surrounding countryside, wine-tasting waits as a reprieve from the site-seeing, as does the hiking of nearby trails, exploring the many rivers and lakes, or horseback riding.

River Cruising

Clarkston is the gateway to Hells Canyon. Take a professionally guided jet boat tour of Hells Canyon, raft the Snake River, paddle a canoe down the Clearwater River on the historic Lewis & Clark Trail, rent your own jetboat, or try your hand at some of the best fishing in the Northwest! Follow the footsteps of Lewis and Clark, learn about the history of the Nez Perce Native American Indians, explore museums full of pioneering history and exhibits, or view bronze sculptures and paintings at local galleries. It is located within easy reach of Lewis-Clark Valley - which offers a wide variety of activities.

Clarkston is the gateway to Hells Canyon. Take a professionally guided jet boat tour of Hells Canyon, raft the Snake River, paddle a canoe down the Clearwater River on the historic Lewis & Clark Trail, rent your own jetboat, or try your hand at some of the best fishing in the Northwest! Follow the footsteps of Lewis and Clark, learn about the history of the Nez Perce Native American Indians, explore museums full of pioneering history and exhibits, or view bronze sculptures and paintings at local galleries. It is located within easy reach of Lewis-Clark Valley - which offers a wide variety of activities.