Following the Lewis and Clark Trail by River Cruise

Author: Victor Block
Published: 2025/04/30
Publication Type: Informative
Topic: Disability Travel America - Publications List

Page Content: Synopsis - Introduction - Main - Insights, Updates

Synopsis: This article provides a detailed and engaging account of a modern river cruise that retraces the historic Lewis and Clark Expedition route through the Columbia and Snake Rivers. While it explores the legacy of the original 19th-century journey - including stops at key interpretive centers, museums, and historic landmarks - it also highlights the luxury and accessibility features of American Cruise Lines' Harmony vessel. The article is particularly useful for travelers interested in American history, nature, and culture, and is of special relevance to seniors and individuals with disabilities, thanks to its emphasis on inclusive design, such as accessible staterooms, onboard lifts, and support for mobility aids. By blending historical education with scenic comfort, this information serves as both a travelogue and a practical resource for accessible tourism in the U.S. - Disabled World (DW).

Introduction

In the very early 19^th century, two men led an expedition to travel through and chart part of the largely unexplored western region of the United States. During their two-year journey into an unmapped part of the world they covered over 4,000 miles, discovered and cataloged hundreds of then unknown plant and animal species, and interacted with members of a number of Native American tribes.

Focus

I recently retraced some of the route followed by Lewis and Clark, but without having to overcome the many difficult and often dangerous challenges they faced. I was traveling in comfort aboard the American Cruise Lines' Harmony, one of that company’s fleet of luxury ships which follow more than 50 itineraries along rivers, bays and oceans in, or just offshore of, the United States.

Our itinerary included the Columbia and Snake Rivers as they flow through Washington State and Oregon, with stops along the way to explore and enjoy a variety of towns, historic sites and other land-based attractions. Reliving the story of the famous Lewis and Clark excursion was but one of a number of opportunities to delve into history, be immersed in some of Mother Nature’s most magnificent handiwork's, and enjoy five-star comfort and cuisine in what resembles a floating hotel.

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The image shows a serene, natural landscape featuring a gently flowing river in the foreground. On the far bank of the river, nestled against a steep, grassy hillside with rocky outcrops, there is a small, rustic wooden cabin. The hillside rises sharply behind the cabin, covered in patchy green vegetation and rugged rock formations. The overall scene is bright, sunlit, and peaceful, conveying a sense of isolation and tranquility in a remote, mountainous area - Image Supplied by Victor Block.

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I was impressed with the facilities and services available on American Cruise Lines’ vessels for those with a disability. All of them have designated accessible staterooms and many have elevators capable of accommodating mobility devices. Stryker chairs may be used to assist guests who need help boarding or leaving a ship, and lifts for those who require help boarding a tour bus. Working service dogs are permitted to accompany their owner and anyone planning a voyage who requires special arrangements is encouraged to contact their cruise specialist or ACL with any specific requests.

The Lewis and Clark Expedition whose route I was following was commissioned by President Thomas Jefferson after the Louisiana Purchase of 1803. He wanted the two men to check out the newly acquired territory, find a travel route through the western half of the continent to the Pacific Ocean and establish an American presence in the area.

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This image shows a long, flat barge being pushed by a white towboat along the Columbia River. The barge is carrying numerous containers filled with what appears to be golden-colored grain, neatly covered and arranged in rows. The surrounding landscape features rolling green hills with sparse vegetation and a few structures, including a small white building in the distance. The sky is clear and blue, and the water reflects both the barge and the hills, creating a serene and peaceful scene - Image Supplied by Victor Block.

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My initial introduction to the fascinating story of the Corps of Discovery, as the group was called, came during a guided bus tour of Astoria, Oregon, the location of the National Lewis & Clark Historic Park. Situated near the mouth of the Columbia River, it stretches some 40 miles along the rugged Pacific coastline.

Exhibits include a replica of Fort Clatsop, two log structures where the Corps spent the winter of 1805-1806. The 6.5-mile-long Fort to Sea Trail approximates the route followed by the explorers as they traveled to and from the ocean, and the Dismal Nitch is a cove where the expedition was pinned down for six days by a fierce storm.

Another intriguing chapter of the account came to light at the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center, located in Cape Disappointment State Park. That enclave is perched on a high bluff overlooking the pounding Pacific surf.

Displays at the museum are focused upon the Corps of Discovery’s stay along the Pacific Coast during the winter of 1805-1806. That story is told by mural-size timeline panels, paintings, photographs and the words of members of the group who kept journals. The eclectic collection also includes the bones of a gray whale, Native American artifacts and descriptions by Lewis and Clark of their encounters with many animals.

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The image shows a serene, natural landscape featuring a calm river in the foreground, with a narrow sandy beach running along the shore. Beyond the river, the land rises into gently sloping green hills that appear lush and grassy, dotted with patches of shrubs. Nestled in the middle of the hillside, near the water, is a small wooden shelter or shed with a white roof. In the background, larger and more rugged hills or low mountains loom under a clear blue sky, giving the scene a peaceful and isolated feeling - Image Supplied by Victor Block.

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Equally absorbing displays await visitors to the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center, which describe and display the geology, flora, fauna, history and development of the region. The life-size replica of a Columbian mammoth offers a perspective to the mammals that once lived in the area. Exhibits trace 10,000 years of indigenous native history which make the Columbia Gorge one of the oldest sites of human habitation in the Western Hemisphere. Some rooms replicate a rain forest and other natural environments, display the kinds of cargo that Lewis and Clark transported, and describe the dams located along the Columbia River.

That waterway, and the Snake River, are tamed by a series of dams which generate hydroelectric power, assist navigation, and provide flood control and irrigation. Our passage through eight of them became special events that prompted many passengers, including me, to find good viewing places from which to observe the action. We marveled as our captain carefully guided the ship into the narrow locks, a massive door behind us closed, the vessel slowly rose as water flowed into the chamber and we resumed our journey many feet higher than when we had approached the dam.

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The American Harmony in one of the locks we traversed. This image shows the view from the front of the boat as it approaches a lock chamber on a canal or river. The lock is a concrete structure with tall, straight walls on both sides, guiding the watercraft into a narrow passage. At the end of the chamber, a set of large, closed lock gates made of metal crossbeams holds back water at a higher level. Beyond the gates, the river stretches into the distance, flanked by rolling hills and cliffs under a clear blue sky. The boat’s white deck and railings are visible in the foreground, pointing toward the lock gates - Image Supplied by Victor Block.

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Explanations of lock operations were among a wide variety of on-board presentations that kept passengers involved. Others included detailed descriptions of each day’s shore excursions, a tour of the ship’s pilot house and painting, knitting and other craft activities.

One highlight was a series of presentations by David Stephens, an expert in natural history, native culture and art, and a showman who combines informative information with enjoyable entertainment. Prancing, dancing and sashaying across the floor he elucidated about topics as diverse as the Columbia River dams, the life of salmon and traditions of the native people of the region.

My favorite program was a demonstration by members of the Nez Perce people, descendants of Native Americans who were dominant in the region for thousands of years. The male presenter recounted historical tidbits that have been passed along by tribal storytellers for generations, while his female counterpart described items and adornments on her clothing, some of which were 200 years old.

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A person is standing indoors on a wooden floor, dressed in traditional Native American regalia. The outfit features a cream-colored dress adorned with long fringe along the sleeves and hem, and intricate beadwork on the cuffs and accessories. A blue, red, and white beaded cape drapes over the shoulders, and the person wears matching beaded leggings and moccasins. Around the neck is a multi-strand bone choker, and over one arm is a large, rectangular bag decorated with colorful floral beadwork, prominently displaying a rose design. The person is holding a microphone, suggesting they are speaking or performing in front of an audience. The background includes large windows with blinds and some modern furnishings - Image Supplied by Victor Block.

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This introduction to intriguing aspects of the life of indigenous people was one of many activities that added much interesting information, and enjoyment, to the cruise. It was another pleasant surprise among many that made my trip a memorable one.

If You Go

Outreach from American Cruise Lines began well before our voyage did. I received a flow of information along with the phone number of the “customer service team” in case I had any questions. When I checked into my hotel the night before boarding the ship, I was handed a folder with my name tag, the itinerary and a wealth of other helpful material.

The staterooms on the ship have individual temperature controls and an outside seating veranda, and free clothes washers and dryers are available.

American Cruise Lines voyages include at least one daily shore excursion; a variety of on-board lectures, enrichment programs and other activities; gourmet meals and 24/7 snack availability; cocktail hours; gratuities, port charges and other fees, and pre- or post-cruise hotel stay if required.

Insights, Analysis, and Developments

Editorial Note: The journey described represents what travel should aspire to be-educational, awe-inspiring, and accessible to all. While Lewis and Clark faced tremendous hardships mapping these territories over two centuries ago, today's travelers can appreciate the same landscapes in comfort while still gaining meaningful historical perspective. American Cruise Lines deserves recognition for creating experiences that accommodate diverse physical needs without diminishing the adventurous spirit of exploration. In a world where many historical sites remain challenging to access, this thoughtfully designed cruise route demonstrates how our shared American heritage can be opened to everyone-regardless of age or physical ability - Disabled World (DW).

Author Credentials: Victor Block has been a travel journalist for many years, and has written for major newspapers, magazines and travel websites and served as an editor of Fodor's Travel Guides. He is a member of the Society of American Travel Writers and the North American Travel Journalists Association. Victor is a regular contributor of reviews to the Disabled World travel section. Visit Victors's biography for further insights into his background and expertise.