Columbia River Cruises
Travel made your way ™
| Trip Name | From | Days | Next Departure | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| National Geographic Sea Bird | $3,750 | Jun 27, 2025 | The Sea Bird, sister ship of the Sea Lion, can reach places inaccessible to larger ships due to its small size, yet it comfortably accommodates 62 guests in 31 outside cabins with windows, private facilities, and climate controls. | |
| American Jazz | $6,355 | Jul 04, 2025 | American Jazz offers a luxurious river cruising experience with modern amenities and stunning views. Relax on your private balcony, explore the five-story glass atrium, and enjoy spacious staterooms with full-size bathrooms. Unwind in style after a day of discovery. | |
| American Song | $6,060 | Jul 08, 2025 | American Song leads the American River Cruise Revolution with pioneering innovations. Featuring contemporary styling and modern design, this flagship vessel offers panoramic views from lounges soaring 40 feet above water. With spacious suites including private balconies, indulge in unparalleled comfort. | |
| American West | $5,240 | Jun 29, 2025 | Step aboard the American West and enjoy a unique paddlewheeler experience on the Columbia and Snake Rivers. Relish in luxurious comfort, modern amenities, and stunning views from private balconies. Dine on regionally inspired cuisine in the elegant restaurant and unwind in spacious lounges. Enjoy nightly live music, enriching activities, and exceptional service. | |
| National Geographic Sea Lion | $4,202 | Jun 26, 2025 | The Sea Lion, sister ship of the Sea Bird, can reach places inaccessible to larger ships due to its small size, yet it comfortably accommodates 62 guests in 31 outside cabins with windows, private facilities, and climate controls. | |
| American Pride | $3,890 | Oct 23, 2025 | Discover the Columbia and Snake Rivers on the iconic paddlewheeler American Pride, where the intimate setting of just 150 guests ensures unparalleled personalized service and hospitality. |
Embrace the Scenic Diversity: The Columbia River region offers a spectrum of landscapes, from majestic waterfalls and lush forests to arid plateaus. Prepare for a visual feast by exploring the varied ecosystems along the river, such as the stunning Columbia River Gorge or the high desert plains.
Weather-Ready Wardrobe: Be prepared for diverse weather conditions when you cruise the Columbia River. The basin experiences a range of climates, from coastal coolness to arid heat. Layered clothing is advisable to accommodate temperature fluctuations, especially if exploring both sides of the Cascade Range.
Explore Outdoor Adventures: With an abundance of outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, and water sports, Columbia River cruises are an adventurer's paradise. Bring appropriate gear for your chosen activities and consider guided tours for an immersive experience.
Respect the River's Power: Cruises on the Columbia River can experience strong currents and potential hazards. If engaging in water activities, be aware of safety guidelines, wear life jackets, and stay informed about river conditions. Respect the river's power and exercise caution.
Taste the Local Flavors: The Columbia River Valley is celebrated for its wine production and local cuisine. Explore the region's vineyards, breweries, and farm-to-table restaurants. Indulge in the unique flavors of the area, including fresh seafood and renowned wines.
Wildlife Awareness: The Columbia River Basin is home to diverse wildlife, including bald eagles, salmon, and various bird species. Respect their natural habitats, maintain a safe distance, and adhere to wildlife viewing guidelines for a memorable and responsible experience.
Discover Cultural Heritage: Visit cultural centers and museums when you cruise Columbia River regions. Gain insights into the history, traditions, and contributions of the Native American communities in the area, who have deep connections to the Columbia River and have called this region home for millennia.
Plan for National Parks and Recreation Areas: The Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area and other nearby parks offer numerous recreational opportunities. Plan your visit, check trail conditions, and obtain any required permits for an enjoyable and responsible exploration.
Majestic Length: The Columbia River ranks as the fourth-largest river in the United States, flowing approximately 1,243 miles from its headwaters in the Canadian Rockies to the Pacific Ocean.
Historic Expedition: Lewis and Clark navigated the Columbia River during their famous expedition to the Pacific Ocean from 1804 to 1806. The river played a crucial role in their exploration of the American West.
Powerful Waterfalls: Columbia River cruises feature views of the iconic Multnomah Falls, which plunges over 600 feet in two tiers. Located in Oregon, these falls are a popular tourist attraction and a symbol of the region's natural beauty.
Salmon Spectacle: A Columbia River Cruise is renowned for its significant salmon runs. Each year, millions of salmon migrate upstream to spawn in the river, showcasing one of the most remarkable natural phenomena in the Pacific Northwest.
Hydroelectric Hub: The Columbia River Basin is a major producer of hydroelectric power in the United States. Grand Coulee Dam, one of the largest dams in the world, harnesses the river's energy, contributing to the region's electricity supply.
Gorge-ous Scenery: The Columbia River Gorge, a stunning canyon that stretches over 80 miles, serves as a natural border between Washington and Oregon. It is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering hiking trails, waterfalls, and breathtaking vistas.
River of Many Names: The Columbia River has various names across different Indigenous languages. For example, in the Chinookan language, it is called "Wimahl" or "Wimahl chinook iloke," reflecting the rich cultural diversity of the native peoples along its banks.
Wine Country Gem: The Columbia River Valley is renowned for its wine production. The region, with a climate conducive to grape growing, boasts numerous vineyards and wineries, making it a popular destination on Columbia River cruises for wine enthusiasts.
International Flow: While primarily located in the United States, the Columbia River begins in Canada, making it an international river. The upper reaches of the river cross into British Columbia, showcasing the river's transboundary nature.
Unique Ecosystems: The Columbia River Basin supports diverse ecosystems, ranging from alpine forests to arid shrublands. This ecological variety sustains a wide array of plant and animal species, contributing to the region's biodiversity.
Columbia River cruise costs vary based on the vessel and itinerary length. Contact us for a deal quote based on what you would like to see and do in the region.
We feature four of the best vessels to cruise the Columbia River - the paddlewheeler American West, expedition cruise ships National Geographic Sea Bird and National Geographic Sea Lion, and river cruise ship American Jazz. Each of these ships is unique, featuring its own atmosphere and appointments onboard, but no matter which you choose you can expect comfortable and spacious accommodations, great food, and exciting itineraries.
A Columbia and Snake River cruise is ideal for active travelers willing to get their heart rate up to experience all of the exciting daily activities like biking, hiking, kayaking, paddle boarding, whitewater rafting, and wildlife viewing. You can also enjoy more relaxed wine tasting and hikes.
Your Snake and Columbia River cruise will take you to some of the top destinations in the Pacific Northwest, including Vancouver, Astoria, Clarkston, The Dalles, the Columbia River Gorge, Walla Walla, and Portland.
River cruises in general are ideal for adult travelers, and Columbia River cruises are best suited to active adults who are looking for a nature-based adventure in the Pacific Northwest. Older teens who like the outdoors may enjoy our Columbia River cruises, but they are not good for younger teens or children.
Most of our Columbia and Snake River cruises typically start in Portland, Oregon, and often finish by traveling from Richland to Lewiston, Idaho. Our itineraries usually go west first to the river's mouth and stop in the port town of Astoria before heading back upriver.
Summer months, particularly July and August, are generally considered ideal due to the reliable sunny, blue skies, which are a welcome contrast to the Pacific Northwest's typical gray, rainy conditions. However, late spring (May and June) and early fall (September and October) can also provide excellent experiences to cruise the Columbia River, showcasing the vibrant and unique colors of the spring and autumn vegetation, before the heavier rains arrive.
When packing for a Columbia River cruise, prioritize comfort and clothing suitable for a variety of weather conditions. Layers are your friend! Casual clothing like T-shirts, jeans, and comfortable walking shoes such as tennis shoes or hiking shoes are great for activities and excursions during the day. Layer with breathable, moisture-wicking clothing, and don’t forget a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen for protection from UV rays. A windbreaker or packable rain jacket can come in handy when you cruise Columbia River due to the Pacific Northwest’s notoriously unpredictable weather. In the evenings onboard, though dress codes are typically relaxed, you may opt to wear a nice top and slacks or a casual dress for women, or polo or collared shirt for men.
