Columbia & Snake Rivers Cruise

Arrive in Portland, Oregon, and check into your hotel. Discover the city at the meeting point of the Columbia and Willamette Rivers, and learn about the pioneers who crossed the region on their journeys to the American West.

After breakfast at your hotel, meet in the lobby and travel to Multnomah Falls for an excursion before transferring to the ship. Board your vessel, get settled in your stateroom, and meet fellow travelers at a welcome reception to begin your Columbia River cruise. Your luggage from the hotel is delivered directly to your stateroom.

Multnomah Falls - Complimentary Excursion
Standing 620 feet tall, Multnomah Falls ranks as the nation's second-highest year-round waterfall. Observe the cascading water, supplied by rainfall, snowmelt, and underground springs on Larch Mountain.

View the falls from the Visitor Center or follow a short trail to Benson Bridge, one of Oregon's most photographed structures. Feel the spray from the falls and capture photos from the bridge. The Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area also provides views of basalt formations exposed by Ice Age floods.
Activity Level: Moderate | ADA Accessible: Yes

This small port city along the coast of Oregon is best known for its charming Victorian homes that cascade down the hillside and has earned the nickname “The Little San Francisco.”

Embark on your own adventure or choose from a selection of curated excursions in Astoria that will allow you to get to know this city. Immerse yourself in history with a guided tour of the National Park Service replica of Fort Clatsop, the winter camp where Lewis and Clark hunkered down during their legendary expedition.

Wander through the incredibly scenic Cape Disappointment State Park where the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center tells the duo’s story, or lose yourself in the captivating exhibits of the nearby Columbia River Maritime Museum.

Fort Stevens Exploration – Complimentary Excursion
Enjoy a narrated ride to Fort Stevens. Established in 1863 during the Civil War, Fort Stevens played a vital role in protecting the Columbia River as an essential lifeline for the Union. It later evolved into a key coastal defense site during World War II. After arriving at the park, explore the fort's historic batteries, barracks, and observation posts on foot, and discover its strategic military legacy. Then, walk along the beach to see the eerie remains of the Peter Iredale shipwreck, stranded in the legendary "Graveyard of the Pacific." 
Activity Level: Moderate | ADA Accessible: No

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. 
Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: Yes

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 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
Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: Yes

Astoria Farmers Market – Complimentary Excursion
Bask in the lively spirit of Astoria at the Astoria Sunday Market, a gathering of local artisans, growers, and food vendors. Stroll through rows of handcrafted goods, original artwork, fresh produce, and specialty foods while enjoying the welcoming atmosphere of this beloved community tradition. Browse for unique souvenirs, sample regional flavors, and meet the talented makers behind the products.  
Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: Yes

Pacific Coast Cranberry Experience – Complimentary Excursion
Discover the world of cranberries on this engaging visit to a working cranberry farm. Learn the rich history of this vibrant ruby-red berry and follow its journey from bog preparation and planting to harvest and the marketing of cranberry products. Enjoy time in the museum to browse exhibits at your own pace, then stop by the gift shop for delicious cranberry treats and souvenirs. Conclude with a walk through the picturesque bogs for an up-close look at one of the region’s most iconic agricultural landscapes.
Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: Partial

American Cruise Line’s private dock in Kalama, Washington allows you to venture where most cruises can’t reach. Take in the stunning Cascade Mountains as you journey toward nearby stoic Mount St. Helens. Led by a knowledgeable local expert, learn about the powerful story of the volcano’s cataclysmic 1980 eruption and its lasting impact on the surrounding region.

Right off the ship’s dock, learn more about other wonders of the region at the fascinating Port of Kalama Interpretive Center. Shop like a local for fresh produce, seafood, and artisan snacks at the Mountain Timber Market. Or you can even try for a bullseye at Castle Rock Axe House for a unique local experience.

Mount St. Helens Scenic Drive - Complimentary Excursion
Enjoy a scenic ride to Mount St. Helens. Mount St. Helens, located in southwestern Washington about 50 miles northeast of Portland, Oregon, is one of several lofty volcanic peaks that dominate the Cascade Range of the Pacific Northwest. It is the youngest of the major Cascade volcanoes, in the sense that its visible cone was entirely formed during the past 2,200 years. Take in the beautiful views of the landscape and the crater left behind from the eruption.
Activity Level: Moderate | ADA Accessible: Yes

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.
Activity Level: Low | ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes

Mountain Timber Market – Complimentary Excursion
The name “Mountain Timber Market” is a tribute to the town’s history and the original Mountain Timber Company that was a staple in the early 1900s. Nestled between two breathtaking parks along the shores of the Columbia River, this location is ideal for a day of meandering and experiencing the true essence of Kalama. Steps away from the ship, this vibrant marketplace serves as a hub where neighbors come together and create lasting connections. Immerse yourself in a world of locally sourced food and finely crafted goods, all thoughtfully curated to reflect the rich tapestry of the community.

The two-story atrium of the Mountain Timber Market also showcases a suspended 140-foot totem pole previously displayed in the nearby park. For nearly five decades the totem pole, created in the early 1960s by Chief Don Lelooska, towered over the port waterfront until weather damage forced officials to take it down in 2019 for restoration.
Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: Yes

Welcome to The Dalles, the final frontier of the iconic Oregon Trail. With towering Mount Hood and Mount Adams as your stunning backdrop, each reaching over 11,000 feet, this destination captures all the natural beauty the Columbia River Gorge and Pacific Northwest are known for.

Paddle the quiet river on a guided Gorge Kayak Tour, where you can be one with the vast nature that calls this river home. Don’t miss the expert-led wine tastings at Maryhill Winery, where you can sample the finest wines from the fertile Columbia Valley. 

The Dalles Local Loop - Complimentary Excursion
A convenient Cruise Coach provides a continuous loop with stops at the following locations:
Columbia Gorge Discovery Center - 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. Explore the many outdoor exhibits, activities, and native plantings surrounding this architectural gem.
Grand Theater - This historic venue, built in 1929 in a Spanish Revival architectural style, hosts a variety of performances in an intimate setting, including concerts, films, and live shows. In its early years, the theater was a popular stop for major stars, including  Judy Garland, known for her iconic role in The Wizard of Oz and her incredible vocal talent.
Neon Sign Museum - Imagine a simpler time. From streets that were fan faired with smaltz and glass beaded signs to windows dazzled from the glow of full storefront neon, America was booming. Suburbs were born and families were buying automobiles. Comics were a nickel and the good guys always won. Hamburgers were a dime and no one had sold a million. The National Neon Sign Museum captures the vibrant history, craftsmanship, and culture that shaped America as seen through the evolution of pre-electric vintage signage and advertising. From the turn of the century through the 1960s, The National Neon Sign Museum displays early ephemera, scientific equipment, industry machinery and spectacular examples of pre-electric and full store front neon signs. View, explore, and engage with signage and advertising from the turn of the century through the 1960s.  
Fort Dalles Museum - Housed in the former Surgeon's Quarters, the Fort Dalles Museum is the only remaining officer's quarters of the 1856 Fort Dalles military complex. Explore the unique collection of pioneer and military artifacts, as well as antique wagons at one of the Old West's most pivotal places in history. 
Anderson Homestead - There are three buildings that make up the Anderson Homestead: the log house, the granary, and the barn. Built in 1895 by Swedish immigrant Lewis Anderson, the house with its hand-hewn logs was the social center of Pleasant Ridge in the late 1800s. The construction of the barn, with its careful fittings and the use of wood pegs in corners and at other intervals, reflects a high order of craftsmanship. 
Downtown - Take time to explore downtown The Dalles at your leisure.  Admire the murals throughout town and take time to browse the local shops.Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: Yes

Enjoy a relaxing day of cruising and watch the Columbia River Gorge develop from your private balcony. The dynamic landscape is truly magnificent, and you can catch the best views up on the sun deck. Engage in destination-focused enrichment programs featuring guest speakers and onboard activities. From Art Classes to sizzling Cooking Demonstrations, Mixology magic, and brain-teasing Trivia, there is so much to discover on board.

Richland, Washington, is situated at the meeting point of the Yakima and Columbia Rivers, a place shaped first by Ice Age floods and later by the Atomic Age. Dock right along the waterfront with American Cruise Lines and set out to see how the past continues to shape this part of the Pacific Northwest.

Step inside the REACH Museum to learn about the area’s ancient geology, Native History, and Cold War science. Walk the ground at Sacajawea State Park, where Lewis and Clark camped among Native communities in 1805. Or spend the day in nearby Pendleton, Oregon, a town where the Old West lives on. Beneath its streets, uncover tunnels that once carried trade, secrets, and survival. From riverside museums to frontier tunnels, this port stop reveals the Northwest’s history in ways both unexpected and unforgettable.

The Richland Legacy – From Pre-History to the Atomic Age – Complimentary Excursion
Explore this captivating town by motorcoach as you discover its diverse history.  Along the way, learn about the Kennewick man. Make a stop at Triton Park where you can see the sail of a submarine, its control room, and learn about its connection to the Hanford Project. Next, visit the REACH Museum to discover Eastern Washington’s rich landscape and history from the Ice Age to the Atomic Age. Explore the featured galleries and rotating exhibits inside, as well as the amazing outdoor area with breathtaking views of the majestic Columbia River and surrounding scenery. Discover the geological impact of the Ice Age floods and basalt lava flows to the area. Learn about the Manhattan Project at Hanford and its continuous influence on the region.  
Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: Yes 

Richland Shuttle – Complimentary Excursion
Enjoy a convenient transfer to Richland’s vibrant town center, a charming, walkable riverside district known for its welcoming atmosphere and sweeping views of the Columbia River. Explore at your own pace as you browse local boutiques, discover art galleries, and visit cafés along the Parkway. Outdoors enthusiasts can stroll the nearby Riverfront Trail for beautiful waterfront views, while nearby Howard Amon Park offers a peaceful setting to relax, wander through manicured gardens, or simply take in the surroundings.  
Activity Level: Low – Moderate | ADA Accessible: Yes

Named for Meriwether Lewis and William Clark of the renowned Lewis and Clark Expedition, the neighboring towns of Lewiston, Idaho and Clarkston, Washington trace their stories to the expedition’s journey through this region and to the resilient Nez Perce tribe, the original stewards of this fertile land. Join a unique excursion to the heart of Hells Canyon, North America's deepest gorge. On a smooth-sailing jet boat, a local guide will highlight notable landmarks as you cruise down the Snake River. Cap off your scenic and historic Columbia and Snake Rivers cruise by sampling wine amongst sweeping views in the Clearwater River Valley.

Lewiston Local Loop - Complimentary Excursion
Please wear your lanyard and enjoy this complimentary option. Stops include: 
Hangar 180 - a living aviation museum where history is preserved not just on display, but in flight. Founded from a lifelong passion for aviation sparked by a ride in a Ryan PT-22, Hangar 180 is dedicated to honoring veterans and those who serve while keeping historic aircraft airworthy and alive for future generations. As you tour the hangar, you encounter an extraordinary collection of meticulously restored, flyable aircraft from the late 1920s through the 1950s, along with classic trainers and utility aircraft that shaped both military and civilian aviation. 
The Lewis and Clark Discovery Center at Hells Gate State Park - Lewis and Clark traveled through the Hells Gate State Park area during their journey to discover an inland waterway to the Pacific Ocean. The Lewis and Clark Discovery Center featured indoor and outdoor displays and a 32-minute film describing the journey of Lewis and Clark through Idaho. Be sure to stop by the Lewis and Clark gift shop. 
Main St. of Lewiston - Stop at Newberry Square, a small, indoor mall in downtown Lewiston. Stroll along Main Street for local shops, cafe's and restaurants and an opportunity to stretch the legs. 
Nez Perce Historical Society - Located in Lewiston, this small museum preserves the history of Lewiston, the Nez Perce People and the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Guests typically spend approximately 30-45 minutes at the museum. 
Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: Yes

After a final breakfast on board, bid farewell to the Pacific Northwest cruise ship and fellow travelers as you prepare to head homeward.