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Columbia River Gorge

Columbia & Snake Rivers Cruise

Portland to Clarkston - Example 9 Day Cruise aboard American West
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Experience the 9-day Columbia & Snake Rivers cruise aboard American West. Encounter the grandeur of Mount Hood and Mount St. Helens. Astoria, the oldest American settlement, offers Victorian charm and Lewis and Clark history. Explore Kalama's Cascade Mountains and Richland's scenic waterfront. Pendleton unveils Western heritage, and Clarkston showcases Hells Canyon. Immerse yourself in the picturesque landscapes, from deep green bluffs to the legendary Snake River. As you savor breakfast on board, reflect on the adventure, cherishing memories made along the way. Embark on a journey home, enriched by the captivating beauty and newfound friendships.
Enjoy stunning views of PortlandExplore beautiful PortlandBridge over Columbia River to Mount HoodColumbia River GorgeColumbia River GorgeExplore the Snake River in the Pacific Northwest of the USColumbia River Gorge
Highlights
  • Explore Astoria's Victorian charm and historic Lewis and Clark sites
  • Step ashore in Kalama for Cascade Mountain views and wine tasting
  • Discover Richland's scenic trails, wineries, and rich cultural heritage
  • Cruise the legendary Snake River to Clarkston's Native American history
Activity Level: Variable
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Portland, Oregon

Arrive in Portland and check into your hotel before starting your Oregon River Cruise. No need to worry about transportation—a motorcoach takes you to the ship for a smooth embarkation. Situated between the Columbia and Willamette Rivers, Portland reflects the journey of pioneers who helped shape the American West.
Arrive a day early to explore the city at your own pace.

Day 2: Embark in Portland | Cruising the Columbia River

Meet in the hotel lobby after breakfast for a quick transfer to the ship in Camas-Washougal. Your luggage is delivered directly to your stateroom, allowing you to relax and anticipate the adventure ahead. 

Cruise the Columbia and Snake Rivers and take in a variety of landscapes and wildlife. Travel past rugged cliffs, dense forests, and rolling hills while watching for bald eagles overhead and ospreys hunting in the water. Along the shoreline, spot deer grazing and river otters playing near the banks. Pass through locks and dams that showcase impressive engineering. Keep an eye out for significant landmarks, including Mount Hood and Bonneville Dam, as you continue your journey through this historic and scenic region.

Day 3: Astoria, Oregon

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. Immerse yourself in 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

Day 4: Kalama, Washington

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

Day 5: The Dalles, Oregon

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

Columbia Gorge Discovery Center - Complimentary Excursion
As you step off the ship, you will be greeted by members of the local visitor’s center who are dressed in period clothing from the pinnacle days of riverboating. The guide will meet you at the ship for a short narrated tour of the town before arriving at the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center. Explore the various exhibits that describe the volcanic upheaval and raging floods that helped to create the gorge. The highlight of the center visit includes a unique raptor exhibition where you can watch birds of prey put on an aerobatic display and learn about the protected eagles that call the gorge home.
Activity Level: Low | ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes

Neon Sign Museum - Complimentary Excursion
Imagine a simpler time. From streets that were fan-fired with smaltz and glass-beaded signs to windows dazzled from the glow of full storefront neon, America was booming. 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 storefront neon signs. View, explore, and engage with signage and advertising from the turn of the century through the 1960s.
Activity Level: Low | ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes

Fort Dalles Museum - Complimentary Excursion
Housed in the former Surgeon’s Quarters, the Fort Dalles Museum is located in the only remaining officer’s quarters of the 1856 Fort Dalles military complex. Explore the unique collection of pioneer and military artifacts and antique wagons at one of the Old West’s most pivotal places in history. View engaging exhibits and walk the grounds of this impressive military fort.
Activity Level: Low | ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes

Day 6: Cruising the Columbia River

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. 

Day 7: Pendleton, Oregon | Richland, Washington

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

Day 8: Clarkston

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.

The Lewis & Clark Discovery Center at Hells Gate State Park – Complimentary Excursion
Lewis and Clark traveled through the Hells Gate State Park area during their journey to discover an inland waterway to the Pacific Ocean. Located within the park, The Lewis and Clark Discovery Center features indoor and outdoor displays, as well as a film describing the journey of Lewis and Clark through Idaho. Explore the two-acre outdoor interpretive plaza on the banks of the Snake River with a beautiful moving stream and sculptures by artist Rip Caswell. Be sure to stop in the Lewis and Clark gift shop.  
Activity Level: Low | ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes

Day 9: Clarkston, Washington | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
Cherish the final breakfast on board and experience a narrated ariel tour over Hells Canyon before you say goodbye. As you bid farewell and prepare to send you off on your journey homeward, take a moment to bask in the glory of your extraordinary time here on the Columbia & Snake Rivers. Cherish every moment and carry the spirit of adventure with you wherever you voyage.

Ship/Hotel

American West

American West

Dates & Prices

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  • Jun 29, 2025from $5,240
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Deal available

Deals

Special Offers 23942
Promotional rates are available on select departures for a limited time. These offers cannot be combined with other discounts and are only valid on new bookings.  Please discuss with your trip planner about applicable dates and cabin types.
Applies to select departures

Per person starting at
$5,240
Rates are subject to change without notice. Book early to get the best rate.
Select a Date
Single Waterview
Single Waterview staterooms offer 203 sq. ft. of luxury for solo travelers. Enjoy full-size bathrooms, ample storage, and large picture windows with views. Each stateroom includes a desk, chair, dresser, and generous storage, along with complimentary WiFi throughout the ship.
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Single Balcony
Single Balcony staterooms offer 181 sq. ft. of personalized space for solo travelers. Enjoy a spacious bathroom, furnished private walk-out balcony, desk, chair, dresser, large closet, and complimentary WiFi.
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Standard Waterview
Standard Waterview staterooms offer 183 sq. ft. of space and are conveniently located for easy access to the lounge or dining room. Enjoy a large picture window with river views, a desk, chair, dresser, ample storage, complimentary WiFi, and premium toiletries in the full-size bath.
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Deluxe Waterview
Deluxe Waterview staterooms on the third deck offer 183 sq. ft. of space. Each includes a desk, chair, dresser, ample storage, a full-size bathroom with premium toiletries, and complimentary WiFi. Enjoy expansive views and convenient proximity to the ship’s study.
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Premium Waterview
Premium Waterview staterooms offer 204 sq. ft. of space, a full-size bathroom, desk, chair, large dresser, closet, and complimentary WiFi. Enjoy premium toiletries and stunning views of the Columbia and Snake rivers through large picture windows.
AAL Private Balcony
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Deluxe Balcony 2
Deluxe Balcony 2 staterooms, located on the second and third decks, offer 236 sq. ft. of living space. Each room includes a desk, chair, dresser, ample storage, and a full-size bathroom with premium toiletries.
AAC Private Balcony
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Deluxe Balcony 1
Deluxe Balcony 1 staterooms, located on the second and third decks, offer private balconies with panoramic river views. These 246 sq. ft. cabins include a desk, chair, dresser, ample storage, premium toiletries, and complimentary WiFi.
Veranda Suite Private Balcony
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Veranda Suite
The Veranda Suite offers 280 sq. ft. of comfort with a private balcony. Each suite features a full-size bathroom, cozy seating area, desk, ample storage, nightly “suite treats,” premium champagne, and a stocked refrigerator.
Included
  • 8 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 7 Dinners
  • 8 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Snacks
  • Onboard Entertainment 
  • Onboard gratuities
  • Port charges and fees
  • Complimentary cocktail parties
  • Dining service
Excluded
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Signature shore excursion - Should be reserved in advance due to limited availability.

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