We visited/toured many interesting cities along the rivers showcasing wineries, museums and many locks and hydroelectric plants/dams. Some of the tours we visited are shown below:
Richland, WA – We toured the REACH Museum. This museum discusses the Manhattan Project and the Hanford Research Facility. It also covers the local geographical features and history. A very interesting museum. We also toured the Sacajawea State Park on the confluence of the Snake and Columbia Rivers. This location also includes a little museum. A good place to learn about Sacajawea and her involvement in the Lewis and Clark “Corps of Discovery” in 1803 – 1806.
The Dalles, OR – In The Dalles, we walked into town and toured the National Neon Sign Museum. Later in the day, we took The Dalles Loop, a bus ride around the town provided by the cruise line.
Stevenson, WA – We took the Multnomah Falls trip in the morning and the Bonneville Dam Tour in the afternoon. The water falls are very impressive; great place to take photos. I went all the way to the top of the falls and the view was amazing!!! The Dam is a very significant hydroelectric plant along the Columbia River. It's a very interesting tour. It also included a trip to a fish hatchery showcasing some of the largest sturgeon around.
Kalama, WA – In Kalama, we took the bus trip to Mount St. Helens. It's a 4 to 5 hour round trip and it was a phenomenal stop!
Astoria, OR – The dock is next to a interesting museum and a Coast Guard Station. We took the trip to Cape Disappointment in the morning. This is the end of the road (river). The drive is fantastic and the visitor center very well done. It's larger than you think so plan on at least an hour in the area. In the afternoon, we toured Fort Clatsop, the last winter stopping place for Lewis and Clark. The fort is a full sized replica and the museum is very nice.
American Cruise Lines provided bus tours to get to the excursions and always had water on board for everyone~ The fees for the museums and bus trips, in most cases, were included in the cruise cost. On board staff tips were also included In the cost of the cruise.
Overall, we learned a lot about the Lewis and Clark expedition from the historian on board, the museums and local guides. You will learn about the extensive history and geography of Washington and Oregon states on this trip. The Harmony staff were wonderful … always ready to help.
The cruise was great. You will see many beautiful areas, museums, churches and houses along the rivers and you will meet super nice people on the ship, both staff and cruisers. The other cruise guests were professionals so I found them to be very interesting! You will also walk a good amount! Bring good walking shoes. American really took good care of us; they were always there to make sure everything was taken care of during the trip and on the excursions. They really took the time and effort to show how much they cared. A great trip and the first of we hope, many, aboard American Cruise Lines!
