Discover the best of the Pacific Northwest on this 9-day voyage from Vancouver, Washington to Clarkston, Washington aboard American Empress. Sail the Columbia and Snake rivers to explore the region's stunning coast, lush rainforests, and scenic mountains. Discover incredible hiking, biking, and kayaking opportunities. Delve into the region's history, from its unique geology, to the local Indigenous cultures, to the European explorers. Get a taste of the distinctive wines grown on the slopes of the surrounding hills and mountains. Explore funky port cities such as Portland, Astoria, The Dalles, and more.

Highlights

Explore Astoria, the oldest American settlement west of the Rockies
Experience the Columbia River Gorge Interpretive Center and Bonneville Dam
Jet boat the Snake River through Hells Canyon
Discover the legacy of the journey of Meriwether Lewis and William Clark

Activities

Places Visited

Trip Type:

Small Ship

Activity Level: Relaxed

Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Vancouver, Washington

Enjoy your complimentary stay at the pre-cruise hotel. The evening is yours to become acquainted with the city. Our Hospitality Desk will be located in the hotel, and our friendly staff can assist with everything from general questions about your upcoming voyage to reserving premium experiences. Both American Queen Steamboat Company and local representatives will be readily available to provide you with dining, entertainment and sightseeing options to maximize your time here.

Day 2: Vancouver, WA | Embark

Ship
1 Breakfast, 1 Dinner

A suburb of Portland, Oregon, Vancouver, Washington, has taken on a distinctive identity of its own. Located in an ideal spot among Mount St. Helens, the Columbia River Gorge and the Pacific Coast, Vancouver boasts a newly renovated waterfront and an abundance of activities, scenic landscapes and historic attractions for all to enjoy.

Day 3: Astoria, Oregon

Ship
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

Astoria is known to be the oldest American settlement west of the Rocky Mountains. There is no doubting the richness of the history grounded in this Columbia River town. For thousands of years, the Clatsop Tribe inhabited the lands. Today, you can climb to the top of the Astoria Column – wrapped in depictions of history – look out over the landscape toward the Pacific Ocean and watch your model wooden airplane glide through the air to its rest below.

Day 4: River Cruising

Ship
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

Watch small river towns and lush landscapes slowly become lost in the horizon as sunlight plays upon the deck. Take hold of a literary classic, curl up on a plush chair in a cozy corner and relish in the moment of tranquility. Experience the fulfillment that river cruising offers.

Day 5: Stevenson, Washington

Ship
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

Stevenson embraces the adventurist – with hiking trails, hot springs and local wineries, a visitor is sure to find plenty to do. Opportunities for educational enlightenment abound within the Columbia River Gorge Interpretive Center and at Bonneville Dam. Consider a stop downtown to visit restaurants, cafés and small locally owned shops in which reside treasures of the Pacific Northwest.

Day 6: The Dalles, Oregon

Ship
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

At the end of the overland Oregon Trail, The Dalles holds a unique place in history as a jumping-off spot for pioneers, soldiers, gold miners, adventurers, gun-slingers, floozies and scallywags. The Dalles, although a part of the Oregon High Desert, features a long growing season and a relatively warm climate that supports the growing of grapes. As a result, the region is home to a wine scene unlike any other in Oregon. Visitors will be pleased to see the rolling hills speckled with vineyards.

Day 7: Richland, Washington

Ship
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

Step off the boat directly into a perfectly polished park, and take a short stroll to downtown shops, eateries and attractions. Incorporated in 1910, Richland remained a small agricultural community until it was acquired by the U.S. Army for the site of the Hanford Engineer Works – used to produce plutonium during World War II and the Cold War. Today, the historic B Reactor and other important historic venues are part of the Manhattan Project National Historic Park. This and many other intriguing locations are offered as part of your experience in Richland.

Day 8: Clarkston, Washington

Ship
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

Nestled at the union of the Snake and Clearwater Rivers in southeast Washington, Clarkston is the gateway to North America’s deepest gorge – Hells Canyon – on the Snake River. Picturesque vistas, year-round mild climates and a deep history make this scenic inland port a desirable stop. Spend the day enjoying Clarkston, Washington and neighboring Lewiston, Idaho while tracing the legacy of the journey of Meriwether Lewis and William Clark – for whom the cities are named.

Day 9: Clarkston, Washington | Disembark

1 Breakfast

As the journey concludes, there are other opportunities for you to take in the town. Enjoy the city at your leisure, or consider a post-cruise premium experience with airport transfer.

Ship/Hotel

American Empress

Name: Pacific Northwest Tours & Travel
Brand: Adventure Life
Rating: 4.9 (376 reviews)

American Empress

The American Empress is an authentic paddle wheel river boat cruising the Columbia and Snake Rivers. Proudly serving as the largest overnight riverboat west of the Mississippi River, the American Empress guests will delight in the luxurious modern amenities, gracious service and endless authentic experiences of the American Northwest.

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Deals

Anniversary Offer: Book by June 30, 2022, and use 10ANV to enjoy big savings on cabins plus 10% Anniversary Savings on selected voyages. Applicable to new bookings and subject to availability. Call for more details.

Click for departure dates
Jul 31, 2022
Nov 6, 2022
Companion Sails Free: Book by May 31, 2022, and enjoy 50% off on selected summer voyages. Applicable to new bookings made with 22 COMPANION promotional code and subject to availability. Call for more details.
Applies to Jul 17, 2022 departure
Special Cabin Pricing: Enjoy big savings per stateroom as part of the Anniversary Sale by using the code SUMMER.

All American Countess cabins except Category E

All American Duchess cabins except Category IS

All American Empress cabins except Categories D and E

All American Queen cabins except Category E

Ocean Voyager Category AA only

Ocean Navigator Category AA only

All Ocean Victory cabins except Categories D and Premium Suite

Promo is until Jue 30, 2022. Combinable with the 10% anniversary savings. Please call for more details.
Applies to all departures
Traveling Solo Promo: Enjoy fares with as low as 125% single supplement on selected cabins on selected sailings in 2022! Offers expire in June 30, 2022. Call for more details.
Applies to Jul 31, 2022 departure

Per person starting at

$1,999

Select a Date

Outside Staterooms With Window (D)

180 sq. ft. 7 cabins located on the Explore Deck. Queen bed or two single beds, Full bathroom with shower, Interior access.

Select a Date

Veranda Staterooms (E)

150 sq. ft. 12 cabins located on the Vista Deck. Queen bed or two single beds, Full bathroom with shower, Semi-private veranda, Interior and exterior access.

Select a Date

Deluxe Veranda Staterooms (C)

180 sq. ft. 75 cabins located on the Discovery and Frontier Deck. Queen bed or two single beds, Full bathroom with shower, Private veranda, Interior access.

Select a Date

Superior Veranda Staterooms (B)

210-250 sq. ft. 9 cabins located on the Vista, Discovery and Frontier Deck. Queen bed or two single beds, Full bathroom with shower, Sitting area, Private veranda, Interior access, Stateroom 403 features a semi-private veranda.

Select a Date

Single Outside Stateroom With Veranda (SO)

160 sq. ft. 1 cabin located on the Frontier Deck. Single bed Full bathroom with shower, Private veranda, Interior access.

Select a Date

Suites With Veranda (A)

310 sq. ft. 6 cabins located on the Vista Deck. Queen bed or two single beds, Full bathroom with shower, Sitting area with sofa, Semi-private veranda, Interior and exterior access.

Select a Date

Luxury Suites With Veranda (LS)

410 sq. ft. 2 cabins located on the Discovery and Frontier Deck. Queen bed or two single beds, Full bathroom with shower, Sitting area with sofa, Private veranda, Interior access Commodore Services, including a River Butler.

Notes

INCLUDED IN YOUR FARE

One-Night Pre-Cruise Hotel Stay
Ground Transfers Between Hotel & Vessel
Unlimited Included Guided Tours
Unlimited Beverages
Open Bars and Lounges
Acclaimed Cuisine in Multiple Venues
All-Day In-Room Dining
Unlimited WiFi
Bicycles* & Hiking Sticks
Live, Daily Onboard Entertainment & Enrichment

NOT INCLUDED IN YOUR FARE

Port charges
Airfare to and from your home city
Optional premium shore excursions
Travel Protection Plan
Transfer to and from the airport
Mandatory Gratuities - Pay onboard or in advance

Payment Details

Terms & Conditions

Operated by American Queen Voyages

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This was our first trip to South America and we were a little nervous. But Adventure Life made things so easy! All our questions were answered before we left, and our guide, Vidal, was amazing! He gave us enough space to explore without rushing us along. He also knew where the best picture taking opportunities were, which was great.

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Vancouver to Clarkston

Full Itinerary

Day 1: Vancouver, Washington

Day 2: Vancouver, WA | Embark

Day 3: Astoria, Oregon

Day 4: River Cruising

Day 5: Stevenson, Washington

Day 6: The Dalles, Oregon

Day 7: Richland, Washington

Day 8: Clarkston, Washington

Day 9: Clarkston, Washington | Disembark

Ship/Hotel

American Empress

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Deals

Notes

Map

Inquire

We Love to Talk Travel

Pacific Northwest Travel Guide

Favorite Pacific Northwest Tours & Cruises

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