Columbia & Snake Rivers Cruise

Arrive in Portland and check into your pre-cruise hotel before the Oregon River Cruise begins. A motorcoach will transport you to the ship for a smooth boarding process. Positioned between the Columbia and Willamette Rivers, the city reflects the journeys of pioneers who explored the American West. Consider arriving a day early to explore the area. On the morning of the cruise, meet in the hotel lobby after breakfast for a transfer to the ship in Camas-Washougal. All luggage will be delivered directly to your stateroom, allowing you to focus on the journey ahead.

Observe the changing landscapes and wildlife as you navigate the Columbia and Snake Rivers. Travel past rugged cliffs, dense forests, and rolling terrain. Watch bald eagles soaring above and ospreys plunging into the water for fish. Scan the shoreline for deer grazing or otters playing near the water’s edge. Move through locks and dams to see the engineering that controls the river’s flow. Spot significant landmarks like Mount Hood and Bonneville Dam along the route.

This historical port is adorned with charming Victorian homes that cascade down the hillside, this town has earned the lively nickname of “The Little San Francisco.”

Embark on your own adventure or choose from a selection of thrilling excursions that will allow you to see this city from its shore where mountains paint the sky to the cliff where the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center is perched above the Pacific.

Step intof history with a guided tour of the National Park Service replica of Fort Clatsop, the very winter camp where Lewis and Clark hunkered down during their legendary expedition. Wander through the town's charming shops, galleries, wineries, and brew pubs, or lose yourself in the captivating exhibits of the nearby Columbia River Maritime Museum. 

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
Activity Level: Low | ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes

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 on being one of the finest maritime museums on the West Coast.
Activity Level: Low | ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes

The brand-new private dock in Kalama, Washington allows you to go where most cruises can’t. Take in the stunning Cascade Mountains as you drive to view the remnants of nearby Mount St. Helens. Guided by a knowledgeable local, delve into the gripping tale of the volcano's cataclysmic eruption in 1980 and its profound impact on both the environment and the lives of those in the surrounding area.Right off the ship’s dock, step into the beauty of an expansive city park, adorned with captivating local artwork that adorns the impressive adjacent hotel. Learn more about other wonders of the region at the fascinating interpretive center.Explore a charming family vineyard nearby for an afternoon of wine tasting, where you can savor the finest local varietals amidst stunning vineyard landscapes. 

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.
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 the towering Mount Hood and Mount Adams as your stunning backdrop, each reaching over 11,000 feet, this stop possesses all the natural beauty the Pacific Northwest is known for.

For an extra dose of excitement, opt for guided excursions that promise unforgettable experiences. A visit to Multnomah Falls, the largest waterfall in the state of Oregon, is a true wonder of nature. The 620-foot fall fills the world with its rushing sounds. Or paddle on the quiet river on a guided Gorge kayak tour where you can be one with the eagles, herons, osprey, and occasional otters that call this river home. Don’t forget to participate in expert-led wine tastings and sample the finest wines from the fertile Columbia Valley.

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.
Activity Level: Moderate | ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes

The Dalles Local Loop - Complimentary Excursion
The convenient Cruise Coach will provide 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 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

Get ready to seize the day on your private balcony and watch the Columbia River Gorge develop. Behold the majestic bluffs cloaked in greenery, while hillsides reach for the sky. The dynamic landscape is truly a wonder, catch the best views up on the sun deck.

But that's just the beginning, as the ship sails along, get ready for a range of exhilarating activities tailored just for you. Engage in destination-focused enrichment programs featuring guest speakers exploring all things regional and port-related. From captivating Art Classes to mastering the latest tech with the App-titude sessions, sizzling Cooking Demonstrations, Mixology magic, and brain-teasing Trivia– there is so much to discover on board. 

Richland stands at the intersection of the Yakima and Columbia Rivers, inviting exploration and discovery. The ship docks mere steps from the serene waterfront, where trails wind alongside charming shops and local wineries beckon with their unique flavors.

Guided excursions promise a journey through time and landscape. At the REACH Museum, uncover the history of Eastern Washington, from the ancient Ice Age to the modern Atomic Age. Sacajawea State Park offers a glimpse into the past, where the Corps of Discovery—led by Lewis and Clark—once camped amidst a thriving Native American community in October 1805.
A full-day adventure to Pendleton, Oregon unveils the essence of the Wild West, with its rich blend of Western heritage and Native American culture. Explore the intricate network of underground tunnels, witnesses to a century of legal trade and clandestine activities alike.

Sacajawea Interpretive Center - Complimentary Excursion
Explore this fascinating destination, located at the very place where the Lewis and Clark Expedition camped for two nights, amidst a thriving community of Native Americans. Learn about the activities that took place at the site through interactive exhibits about the Corps of Discovery and Sacagawea, a woman known for helping the Lewis and Clark Expedition Team. Stroll the green, tree-shaded grounds, and read the seven-story circle installations by internationally known artist Maya Lin.
Activity Level: Low | ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes

Richland City Exploration– 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 will see the sail of a submarine, and 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

As you sail, spot the untamed wilderness and canyon hillsides as they come to the forefront in a mesmerizing demonstration of ever-changing vistas. Keep your eyes peeled for the inhabitants of this pristine landscape – from the graceful white pelicans to the playful river otter. Named in honor of William Clark from the renowned Lewis and Clark Expedition, this historic town traces its lineage back to the resilient Nez Perce tribe, the original stewards of this fertile land. Prepare for a voyage into the heart of Hells Canyon, North America's deepest gorge. Let your spirit soar as you navigate the rapids and colossal mountain peaks that define this terrain.

Lewiston Local Loop - Complimentary Excursion
Hop on board this convenient shuttle. Please wear your lanyard for complimentary access to:

Lewis and Clark Discovery Center – Hells Gate State Park - Walk in the footsteps of America’s greatest explorers at this unforgettable stop that takes you back to the early 1800s, when Meriwether Lewis and William Clark passed through this dramatic landscape on their epic journey to chart a water route to the Pacific. At the Discovery Center, explore exhibits that bring the Corps of Discovery’s adventure to life. Learn about the incredible challenges they faced and the enduring relationships they built with Native American tribes. Stop by the Lewis and Clark Gift Shop to pick up unique keepsakes, books, and locally inspired souvenirs.

Nez Perce Historical Society - Discover the rich cultural heritage of the region at this fascinating museum which features engaging exhibits that showcase the stories of the Nez Perce people, early settlers, and the development of the Lewis-Clark Valley. Explore artifacts, photographs, and personal histories that bring the past to life.  

Main Street of Lewiston - Explore historic Main Street in Lewiston, where charming shops, local eateries, vibrant art, and rich history create a welcoming and walkable downtown experience. 

Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: Yes

Enjoy breakfast on board and treat yourself to a narrated aeriel adventure over Hells Canyon. As you are transported to the airport to begin your journey home, reflect upon your amazing adventure and the memories and friendships made along the way.