Sailing upstream on the Snake River between dark, rugged cliffs of basalt trimmed out with the golden grasses of autumn, we arrive at our destination and anchor at the confluence of the Snake and the Palouse Rivers. On this brisk and beautiful day, we Zodiac to shore and set out on motor coaches to the beautiful Palouse Falls. This is where the Palouse River flows over a precipice of basalt and plummets into its roiling green plunge pool 198 feet below. We have plenty of time here for strolling and photographing the stunning scenery from the falls to the magnificent Palouse Canyon downstream.

Under a partially cloudy sky this afternoon, the gorgeous Palouse Canyon awaits us, and we launch our Zodiacs for a ride upstream on the Palouse River. Bold basalt cliffs rise steeply on either side of the river where eagles soar overhead, and we keep an eye out for deer, coyotes, pheasants, and other wildlife in the area. This is perhaps the most beautiful part of our journey, and the scenery is unsurpassable.