In the early 19th century, two men led an expedition through part of the unexplored Western region of the United States. During their two-year journey, Meriwether Lewis and William Clark covered over 4,000 miles, discovered and cataloged hundreds of unknown plant and animal species and interacted with members of Native American tribes.  

The Lewis and Clark Expedition, commissioned by President Thomas Jefferson after the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, set out to explore the new territory and chart a passage to the Pacific Ocean. Recently, I had the chance to retrace part of their historic route—this time in comfort—aboard the American Harmony, a luxury vessel operated by American Cruise Lines. 

The company offers more than 50 itineraries along U.S. rivers, bays and coastal waters, and this particular journey followed the Columbia and Snake Rivers through Washington and Oregon.

HISTORY ON THE RISE

My journey began at the National Lewis & Clark Historic Park in Astoria, Oregon. There, I toured a replica of Fort Clatsop, where the expedition members wintered in 1805-1806, and visited the Dismal Nitch, a cove where the team was pinned down for six days by a fierce storm.

Displays at the nearby Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center are focused on the travelers’ stay along the Pacific Coast that winter. Through timeline panels, paintings, photographs and journal excerpts, visitors gain a vivid sense of the group’s final leg to the Pacific Coast.

Equally impressive was the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center. One highlight is a life-size replica of a Columbian mammoth, evidence that the species once roamed this area. Exhibits also trace 10,000 years of Native American history, showing why the Columbia Gorge is considered one of the oldest continuously inhabited areas in North America.

The American Harmony in one of the locks we traversed.

The Columbia and Snake Rivers are lined with dams that generate hydroelectric power and support irrigation and flood control. Our passage through eight of these locks was a highlight for many passengers. It was fascinating to watch the captain guide the ship into a narrow chamber, where massive gates closed behind us and the vessel slowly rose with the incoming water before continuing at a higher elevation.

Onboard presentations explained the lock system in detail. Others covered the day’s shore excursions and included a behind-the-scenes tour of the ship’s pilot house.

On-board presentation by member of Nez Perce tribe.

A standout among the enrichment programs was a series of presentations by David Stephens, an expert in natural history, Native culture and art. Dancing and sashaying across the stage, he made complex topics—from the role of Columbia River dams to the life cycle of salmon and indigenous traditions—both engaging and entertaining.

My favorite program featured members of the Nez Perce tribe. A male presenter shared stories and historical insights, while a woman described the details of her traditional attire, some of it more than 200 years old. Their presentation provided a glimpse into the culture of Native peoples who have lived in the region for thousands of years.

PLAN YOUR CRUISE

American Cruise Lines ensures travelers are well prepared before departure. I received a stream of helpful materials before the trip, and a folder with my name tag, itinerary and other essentials was waiting at the hotel the night before boarding.

Staterooms aboard the American Harmony feature individual climate control and a private veranda. Free laundry facilities are available on board.

Cruises include at least one daily shore excursion, enriching onboard programs and lectures, gourmet meals, 24/7 snacks, cocktail hours and all gratuities and port fees. A hotel stay before or after the cruise is included.

For more information, visit AmericanCruiseLines.com or call 800-460-4518.