Arrive in Portland and check into your hotel. Located where the Columbia and Willamette Rivers meet, the city’s growth and character are shaped by these vital waterways. Explore a place known for creative energy, green spaces, and an active outdoor culture supported by extensive bike routes and eco-conscious planning. Walk through districts filled with local art, diverse food options, and strong coffee traditions.

When it's time to board, American Cruise Lines handles all luggage and transportation, getting you to the port of Camas-Washougal smoothly to begin your cruise. Board your ship and begin cruising with Mount Hood and Mount St. Helens rising in the distance. As the route follows the historic Columbia River, take in scenes once traveled by early riverboats, complete with echoes of paddlewheels and steam whistles. Watch the landscape shift around you—clear rivers, dense forests, and wide skies once noted by explorer Meriwether Lewis. Spend time in the lounge with fellow travelers or head to the sun deck for uninterrupted views as your journey begins. As you embark upon your journey, enjoy a Welcome Aboard Reception with cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and entertainment. Meet the crew, your onboard experts, and fellow guests. Learn more about the wonderful adventure ahead of you.
 

Astoria, Oregon, stands dramatically at the edge where the mighty Columbia River meets the Pacific. Founded in 1811, it was the first American settlement on the western frontier. The sprawling Astoria-Megler Bridge, a marvel of engineering, arches boldly over the river, linking Oregon to Washington. At the Columbia River Maritime Museum, tales of peril on the treacherous waters known as the "Graveyard of the Pacific" come alive. Astoria's storied streets, lined with elegant Victorian homes and the grand, restored Liberty Theater, echo the prosperity of its salmon-canning heyday. Today, Astoria buzzes with a dynamic blend of history, art, and a thriving seafood scene, drawing visitors into its captivating charm. Stand on the city’s edge and see the mountains cascade into the sky and the calm waters brush up to the city’s side.

Columbia River Maritime Museum - Complimentary Excursion
Experience the Columbia River Maritime Museum on a self-guided excursion. The Columbia River Maritime Museum is the official maritime museum of the state of Oregon and also prides itself as being one of the finest maritime museums on the West Coast. 

Astoria Local Loop - Complimentary Excursion
Explore downtown Astoria on your own aboard this convenient shuttle which makes several stops on a continuous loop throughout the day including:
Downtown Astoria - for shopping and exploring
Heritage Museum - featuring Clatsop County’s rich and exciting history in permanent and changing exhibit galleries
Astoria Column - a tower overlooking the mouth of the Columbia River, from which you can enjoy the majestic views of the countryside from the land
Flavel House Museum - once the home of Captain George Flavel, this 1885 Queen Anne home features original Eastlake-influenced woodwork, period furnishings, and exotic hardwood.

Kalama, Washington, is a scenic gem on the banks of the Columbia River, known for its panoramic views and deep-water port. Established in the late 19th century, Kalama was originally envisioned as the northern final stop of the Northern Pacific Railroad, a plan that stamped the town with a strong industrial influence. Its waterfront is distinguished by totem poles, each intricately carved to reflect stories and symbols significant to local indigenous culture, celebrating the area's original inhabitants. 

Modern Kalama combines its historical roots with a welcoming small-town atmosphere, highlighted during community events like the Kalama Heritage Festival. The town also serves as a peaceful residential area and a gateway for exploring the natural beauty of southwestern Washington, attracting both nature lovers and those intrigued by its tranquil riverfront lifestyle.

With the new private dock, this port town is easy to explore. Whether you want to pave your own way or join a tour led by a local guide, there’s so much to learn in Kalama.

Mount St. Helens Experience - Complimentary
May 18, 1980, is a day etched into the history of the United States, as the powerful eruption of Mount St. Helens drastically changed the landscape of what is now referred to as the National Volcanic Monument. On your scenic journey to Mount St. Helens, learn about the eruption, how it affected the landscape and surrounding communities, and how the environment has responded naturally to the disturbance. Admire spectacular views of the pumice plain and blast site.

Port of Kalama Interpretive Center- Complimentary Excursion
Just a short walk from the ship, explore this new facility that celebrates Kalama’s unique place in Pacific Northwest history as a transportation and commercial hub and is designed to replicate a traditional waterfront warehouse of the 1800s. Exhibits track Kalama’s first inhabitants, the Cowlitz Tribe, and the settlers that followed over the next hundred years, including renowned Oregon Trail writer Ezra Meeker. Displays illustrate how Kalama’s particular landscape gave birth to a booming transportation system, impacting the area both culturally and economically.

From your exclusive private balcony, revel in the splendor of the Columbia River Gorge, where verdant bluffs draped in thick forests stand against a backdrop of rolling hills that seem to touch the clouds. Witness the dance of windsurfers and kiteboarders gliding across the expansive, shimmering river below.
Venture to nearby attractions for a day of diverse experiences. Marvel at the majestic Multnomah Falls, cascading an impressive 620 feet from mountain peaks into the rushing river. Explore the wonders of hydroelectricity at the Bonneville Dam visitor's center and delve into the intriguing exhibits of the Columbia Gorge Interpretive Center Museum. Experience the charm of Stevenson Village, conveniently accessible from the dock, boasting a unique Northwest ambiance. Alternatively, savor the tranquility of nature from the deck with a refreshing beverage in hand, basking in the sheer beauty of your surroundings.

Multnomah Falls - Complimentary Excursion
Plummeting 620 feet, Multnomah Falls is the second-highest year-round waterfall in the nation. Experience the sights and sounds of this magnificent waterfall, fed by rain, snowmelt, and underground springs on Larch Mountain. Admire the falls from the Visitor Center or take a short hike to Benson Bridge, one of the most photographed pieces of architecture in Oregon, to feel its misty spray and get a great photo. Multnomah Falls also offers one of the best places in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area to view the basalt rock formations exposed by Ice Age Floods.

Columbia Gorge Discovery Center- Complimentary Excursion
Discover the 10,000 years of indigenous native history that makes the Columbia Gorge one of the oldest areas of human habitation in the Western Hemisphere. Learn about early explorers like Lewis and Clark and the Oregon Trail pioneers, as well as energy and natural resources and early transportation along the Historic Columbia River Highway. The Raptor Program will introduce you to live birds of prey as you learn about these majestic birds and their habitat.

Conclude your adventure where it commenced, outside the city of Portland. As you bid adieu to this idyllic haven, cherish the moments and memories forged along the journey. Don’t worry, you’ll be taken to the airport too. There is so much more to the Columbia River, so, continue to explore wherever you go.