DAY 1, AUGUST 6th - Arrive at Portland International Airport or Stevenson, Washington. “Get Acquainted” dinner with archaeology slide show. Overnight at luxury resort, Skamania Lodge in Stevenson, WA.

DAY 2, AUGUST 7th - Introduction to Northwest Archaeology and Archaeology of Southwest Washington. Comparisons will be made between Columbia River sites and upland sites. Behind the scene visit at the Columbia Gorge Interpretive Center. View seldom seen collections. Drive through the Forest to trailhead. Hike 2 miles to campsite. Buffet Breakfast at Skamania Lodge. Boxed lunch picnic en route to trailhead. Evening meal prepared by camp host.

DAYS 3 AND 4, AUGUST 8th and 9th - Rise and shine bright and early for a hearty breakfast. Short hike to sites. Document surface lithic concentrations or survey and map circular stone features. Evening musical entertainment by camp host and talks by specialists. Boxed lunch and savory dinner prepared by camp host.

DAY 5, AUGUST 10th - Field day similar to days 3 and 4. Hike out after lunch. Drive to Cascade Locks, OR to Best Western Columbia River Inn in for showers and hot tubs. Dinner finale. Departures via land and air.

OPTIONAL Day 6, August 11th, Rock Art Tour - visit rock art sites along the Columbia River. See unusual and well known Northwest pictographs and petroglyphs. An archaeologist specializing in rock art will join us for the day. Add $30 to fee. Includes a boxed picnic lunch. Breakfast on own. Departures via land and air.

LODGING PRIOR TO AND AFTERWARDS: We’ve reserved a block of rooms at Skamania Lodge in Stevenson, WA for the night prior to going into the field. For the evening before departure, you’ll stay at the Best Western Columbia River Inn in Cascade Lock, OR. Both are excellent facilities equipped with hot tubs, swimming pools and fantastic views

CAMPING: In sub-alpine terrain with scenic vistas overlooking the Columbia River Gorge. We provide tents, sleeping pads, food and drink. All you need to bring is your sleeping bag and personal gear. An equipment list is included in the registration packet. Horses will transport heavy equipment and sleeping bags. Water is at a premium so we will have to be thrifty.

FOOD: Healthy, fresh camp food will be served during the field part of the expedition. Other meals include boxed picnic lunches and a few meals in restaurants. Cost of the Expedition includes all meals.

GETTING THERE AND BACK: Flying, driving , hiking … If you arrive by plane, Explore the Gorge, Inc. will transport you from the Portland Airport to Stevenson, Washington on August 6th and return you to PDX on August 10th or 11th. We will transport the group to various destinations throughout the week so there is no need of a vehicle.

Once in the Forest, you will hike 2 miles to the campsite on rocky Forest trails. Horses will pack heavy gear in. All you need to carry is a day pack. Each day, additional hikes will take you to various archaeological sites.