At a glance
- Duration:
- 9 Days
- Start/End:
- Portland, OR to Clarkston, WA, or reverse
- From:
- $5,240
- Time of Year:
- April - November
Embark on an unforgettable 9-day journey through the Columbia and Snake Rivers, from Portland, OR to Clarkston, WA. Each day unveils a new marvel: evergreen forests rising skyward, waterfalls thundering into mist, sun-drenched cliffs glowing at dusk, and winding riverbanks that capture the untamed essence of the American West.
Your home for this voyage is the 150-guest paddlewheeler American Pride, where modern comfort meets classic riverboat character. Relax on wide-open decks as bald eagles wheel above, linger in intimate lounges framed by sweeping views, and savor cuisine inspired by the flavors of the Pacific Northwest. With elegant staterooms and panoramic windows, the river is never more than a glance away.
Stand in awe as your ship glides through the intricate lock and dam system—an engineering marvel of the modern age. With expert local guides at your side, uncover the rich stories of exploration, industry, and nature that shaped this storied waterway. Gaze upon icons like the mighty Mount St. Helens and the breathtaking Multnomah Falls, its 620-foot cascade draped in a silvery veil. Then, raise a glass at Maryhill Winery, where award-winning vintages are matched only by sweeping vineyard views over the Gorge.
From the rugged Cascade peaks to the serene Snake River canyons, this is a passage through landscapes as dramatic as they are timeless. Aboard the American Pride, every moment is designed to stir your sense of wonder, connect you to history, and immerse you in the wild beauty of America’s great rivers.
Columbia & Snake Rivers Cruise Highlights
- Scenic Voyage Through the Columbia River Gorge: Cruise beneath the dramatic silhouettes of Mount Hood and Mount St. Helens, surrounded by verdant forests, towering cliffs, and soaring bald eagles.
- Immersive Exploration of Astoria, OR: Discover America’s oldest settlement west of the Rockies. Visit the Columbia River Maritime Museum, stroll through historic Victorian neighborhoods, and explore Fort Clatsop, an iconic site of Lewis & Clark’s winter encampment.
- Cultural & Geological Insights in Kalama, WA: Venture ashore to learn about the eruption of Mount St. Helens on a guided drive through the blast zone, an evocative lesson in nature’s power and resilience.
- Majestic Cruising Along the Gorge: Enjoy a day at leisure from your private balcony, taking in the evergreen-clad canyon walls and river activity, watch windsurfers and kiteboarders slicing across the water below.
Columbia and Snake Rivers Cruise – American Pride Details
Day-to-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Portland, OR
Arrive in Portland and settle into your pre-cruise hotel room before your Oregon River Cruise begins. Don’t worry about getting to the ship, we’ll take you there by motorcoach, ensuring a hassle-free boarding process. Nestled between the serene waters of the Columbia and Willamette Rivers, this city tells the stories of the many Pioneers that traveled through, discovering the great American West.
Join us a day early and start your journey by exploring this port city. On the morning of your cruise, simply gather in the hotel lobby after a hearty breakfast, and we’ll whisk you away to the awaiting ship in the port of Camas-Washougal. Rest assured, all luggage will be swiftly transported from the hotel to your stateroom aboard the ship, leaving you free to relax and soak up the excitement of your upcoming voyage.
Day 2: Cruising the Columbia River
Take this time to witness a diverse array of landscapes and wildlife while you cruise the Columbia and Snake River. As you glide along its winding course, you’ll be greeted by breathtaking vistas of towering cliffs, emerald forests, and rolling hillsides. Be sure to notice the bald eagles soaring overhead and ospreys diving into the water in search of fish.
Along the riverbanks, you may spot deer grazing or river otters frolicking in the shallows. As you pass through locks and dams, experience the engineering feats that tame this mighty river. Don’t forget to look out for historical landmarks and points of interest, such as the towering Mount Hood and the striking Bonneville Dam.
Day 3: Astoria, OR
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.
Day 4: Kalama, WA
American Cruise Lines’ 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.
Day 5: The Dalles, OR
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. Like 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 otter 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.
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 our App-titude sessions, sizzling Cooking Demonstrations, Mixology magic, and brain-teasing Trivia– there is so much to discover on board.
Day 7: Pendleton, OR / Richland, WA
Richland stands at the intersection of the Yakima and Columbia Rivers, inviting exploration and discovery. Our 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.
Day 8: Clarkston, WA
As we 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.
Day 9: Clarkston, WA
Cherish the final breakfast on board and experience a narrated aeriel tour over Hells Canyon before you say goodbye.
As we 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. Until we meet again, cherish every moment and carry the spirit of adventure with you wherever you voyage.
