The Snake River originates near Yellowstone Park in Wyoming. It meanders through Wyoming and Idaho, and then forms the border between Oregon and Idaho. The river becomes fierce as it passes through the deep gorge of Hells Canyon before flowing by flatter and more agricultural land in Washington. The Snake River empties into the Columbia River near the Tri-Cities area of Washington State. The landscape of the river is diverse, from the calm waters of the lower Snake River (where it is backed up by dams) to the fierce rapids of Hells Canyon.
Cruise West runs Columbia and Snake River cruises roundtrip from Portland, and the passengers travel up the Columbia River to the confluence with the Snake River, and then up the Snake River to Clarkston, Washington. While in Clarkston, we boarded jet boats for a wild ride 90 miles further up the Snake River into Hells Canyon. For those interested in geology, we saw rocks of all shapes, sizes, and shades of red and brown. It was a fascinating voyage