Imagine waking up to a gourmet breakfast before embarking on a day full of adventures exploring the Pacific northwest. Days are spent hiking high desert plateaus and waterfalls, spotting bald eagles and bighorn sheep, or whitewater rafting class III and IV rapids. Learn about Native American culture and follow the path taken by Lewis and Clark. Wind down at the end of the day with a cocktail in hand before enjoying a fantastic three course dinner. This is how UnCruise explores the the Snake and Columbia Rivers through Washington and Oregon.
I was a guest of UnCruise but all opinions and calories consumed remain my own.This post may contain affiliate links, when you make a purchase or book a hotel through these links the Casual Travelist receives a small commission that helps support this site at no additional cost to you.
I’ve heard fantastic things about UnCruise’s small ship adventure cruises in epic places like Alaska, Hawaii and Costa Rica so I couldn’t pass up an invitation for Steve and I to experience a week on the SS Legacy cruising the Snake and Columbia Rivers. We met the UnCruise team in Spokane and they transferred us to our starting point in Clarkston, Washington. We were warmly welcomed to the SS Legacy by the captain, then the friendly crew showed us to our stateroom where our luggage (be sure to pack plenty of hiking gear) awaited us. Over a welcome glass of prosecco and cassis we were filled in on the details of the week’s coming adventures.
UnCruise is all about the experience and that goes for both culture and adventure. Our first morning we were treated to a brief overview of the area’s Native American history by J.R.Spencer, a member of the Nez Perce tribe. We learned about the fascinating history of the Nez Perce and their deep connection to the Columbia River. Educational excursions included WWII efforts and the Manhattan project in Hanford, WA as well as the economic and ecologic impacts of the Bonneville Dam.
Naturally many of the adventures on this cruise are tied to the water. Our first taste of how wonderfully wild this part of the country is was a jet boat tour through Hell’s Canyon. At 8,000 feet Hell’s Canyon is the deepest canyon in North America ( nearly 2,000 feet deeper than the Grand Canyon!) . The Snake River, wind and time cut a beautifully dramatic path through the volcanic basalt where the borders of Washington, Oregon and Idaho meet. Big horn sheep, bald eagles and monster 12-foot long sturgeon are a few of Hell’s Canyon’s residents we had the good fortune to see as we jetted down the river; and while enjoying lunch at Garden Creek Ranch (a Nature Conservancy property reachable only by boat) we spotted a family of deer and a flock of wild turkeys who made these cliffside orchards home.
If there’s a chance to get out on the water and paddle you know I’m going to take it. First on deck was the mirrored waters of Palouse Falls State Park in Eastern Washington where I took the opportunity to both SUP and kayak. The golden cliffs of Eastern Washington’s high desert were the perfect contrast to the bright blue of the mid-autumn sky. After a few hours out on the water the UnCruise crew brought us back to to the SS Legacy via skift boat.
A few days later we embarked on much wilder adventure whitewater rafting on the Deschutes River in Oregon. Outfitted in wetsuits (you will most definitely get soaked) we tackled the class III and IV rapids of one Oregon’s most adventurous rivers. Aside from the adrenaline rush of the rapids we also got a bonus – we spotted a wild bobcat drinking from the banks of the river! This was during one of the crazier sections of the river so unfortunately I wasn’t able to snap a picture but the experience was just the cherry on top of an already amazing day.
If hiking is more your thing then UnCruise has you covered with a variety of hikes suited for almost any ability. I opted for the more adventurous hikes so I could indulge in more of the amazing food the chefs on the Legacy were cooking up (more on that in a bit). My first big hike was at Palouse Falls and our group was blessed to have this gorgeous part of Eastern Washington all to ourselves. After viewing the beauty of Palouse Falls from the top of the gorge our intrepid group hiked down a steep path of volcanic rocks with dramatic views of basalt cliffs all around us. Once at the bottom we found an oasis among the stark beauty of the desert plateau.
Further west along the Columbia Gorge we stopped at Rowena Crest for some of the most jaw dropping fall views during the entire trip.Each new turn on the ridge hike brought new fall colors, stunning vistas and a who new perspective of the Columbia River below. This was personally my favorite hike of the entire week.
Closer to Portland we stopped by Multnomah Falls, the most visited tourist attraction in Oregon. Now that we were west of the Cascade Mountains the scenery was much more emblematic of the classic Pacific northwest; towering pines in every shade of green and a low fog that clung to everything. The crowds here were larger than any other stop on our trip but the iconic views of Mulnomah’s 620 foot cascades are definitely worth the stop.
The hills surrounding the Columbia River are home to some of the best vineyards in the US and of course I had to sample some (purely for research, of course). Our first wine stop was Terra Blanca Winery, one of the most decorated wineries in Washington known for their cabernets. We also explore the beautiful wine country near Hood River by bike. Riding between wineries through rolling hills dotted with orchards and vineyards was made better with a few sips of Oregon’s famed pinot noir.
The food on the SS Legacy was nothing short of suberb. From starting my day with migas and braised pork belly to multi-course gourmet dinners featuring delectable plates like pistachio crusted rack of lamb with Israeli couscous or herb roasted tenderloin you will definitely not go hungry on an Uncruise. Uncruise can also accommodate any food allergies or special dietary needs as well. Make sure to save room for dessert, the Legacy has a dedicated pastry chef who is a master with all things sweet ( I’m still thinking about the pistachio cake with orange sauce and the tres leches cake!). Up in the lounge the mixologist crafts a daily cocktail special but will make you anything your heart desires.
I think what really sets UnCruise apart is their people. From the captain, to the stewards and all of the deck crew everyone is effusively welcoming and dedicated to making your trip relaxing and memorable. The expedition team on the Legacy was amazing as well; each team member was extremely knowledgeable, funny and would bend over backwards to make your experience the best it could be. I think it’s the UnCruise team that brings so many people back on their second, third or seventh cruises.
Want to cruise down the Columbia and Snake Rivers with UnCruise? Pin this post for later!
Miranda says
Honestly had no idea this existed! Definitely need to make a trip and try a cruise like this. Love your style of writing 🙂
Shelley says
Your photos of your food and activities are beautiful! I’ve never heard of that company, but feel inspired to now check out their website.
Andi says
When we were RVing we stayed at a spot on the Snake River that the Uncruise sailed by. I said to myself then, I need to find out more about that company, the idea of cruising on a river in the Pacific Northwest sounds like a blast. When we hit the road on to our next destination, I promptly forgot and I was SO excited when I started seeing photos on your social media because Uncruise certainly looks like it lives up to the initial impression I had of them! Thanks for triggering this out of the cobwebs, I am definitely going to look into Uncruise!
Emma says
Such a different way of crossing. I’ve never done a cruise, mostly because I think it might be a little boring or not enough activities to do that don’t involve eating and sitting. But this sounds great, and looks like you did so much. And at least get to work off all the amazing food
Josy A says
This all sounds amazing, from the food, the views and all those activities!!
Do you know why they call themselves Uncruise? Is it because they are trying to be different to normal cruises?
Bliss Eatts says
I love seeing a play by water, so this is something I’d be really interested in!
Lindz says
This. Sounds. INCREDIBLE! I’d love to get to the west coast and learn more about the Indigenous cultures of the area. The photos look absolutely fantastic too – I gotta look into this more!
Tiffany Pence says
Your adventure sounds fabulous! I love how the excursions are all different levels; from high adrenaline whitewater rafting to enjoy-the-view hiking. Love the pictures of you and Steve and the waterfalls. Bonus on hitting the wine areas! Looks like I need to check out Uncruise.