Awaken your sense of adventure on a summer voyage through the Pacific Northwest, where sunlight lingers late and the river breeze smells faintly of juniper and pine.
Picture yourself gliding along glass‑calm water, framed on either side by emerald vineyards, basalt cliffs, and snow‑capped sentinels—Mount Hood and Mount St. Helens—rising in the distance like legends come to life. That’s the magic of American Cruise Lines’ 9‑day Columbia & Snake Rivers Cruise, a journey that retraces the daring footsteps of Lewis and Clark while revealing the vibrant spirit that still pulses through these storied waterways.
A Route Steeped in Epic Tales
Your voyage opens in Clarkston, Washington, gateway to Hells Canyon, where rugged hills still echo with the lore of Native peoples and pioneer explorers. From there, each day feels like turning a page in an unfolding novel:
- Richland: sip award‑winning Cabernet right where the grapes grow, warmed by 300 days of sunshine.
- Kalama: step onto the riverbank to discover the area’s deep‑rooted timber history, then stroll its waterfront sculpture garden.
- Astoria: climb the iconic Astoria Column for a bird’s‑eye panorama of the Columbia meeting the Pacific, just as early traders once did.
- Portland: conclude amid the city’s rose‑scented parks, indie coffee shops, and cutting‑edge cuisine.
En route, you’ll thread the dramatic Columbia River Gorge, marvel at the colossal engineering of its locks and dams, and hear tribal storytellers share living traditions that long pre‑date the trailblazing Corps of Discovery.
Life On Board: Intimate, Indulgent, Inspiring
Choose between American Cruise Lines’ sleek new riverboats and nostalgic paddle‑wheelers—each carrying only 180 guests, ensuring space to breathe and staff who soon greet you by name. Every stateroom boasts a private balcony; wake to sunrise over rippling water and toast each sunset during the complimentary nightly cocktail hour.
- Farm‑to‑Table Flavors: Dungeness crab cakes, Columbia Valley wines, Rainier‑cherry desserts.
- Enrichment Beyond the Ordinary: Daily talks by historians, geologists, and vintners illuminate the scenery sliding past your balcony.
- Seamless Beginnings: An included pre‑cruise hotel stay lets you explore your embarkation city without hurry, then board refreshed and ready.
Included & Elevated Excursions
Every port features a curated excursion, no extra cost, no hassle:
- Multnomah Falls Experience: Stand in the cool mist of Oregon’s tallest waterfall.
- Astoria Column Exploration: Climb 164 spiral steps to sweeping coastal vistas.
- Mount St. Helens Scenic Drive: Witness the rebirth of a once‑devastated landscape.
Craving more? Upgrade moments into memories: soar above Hells Canyon on a flightseeing tour, paddle a hidden inlet on a guided kayak adventure, or savor limited‑release vintages during a private Rivaura Winery tasting overlooking the Clearwater River Valley.
Trade hurried highways for the rhythmic pulse of paddle wheels and sun‑dappled decks. Let the Columbia and Snake Rivers carry you through wine country, wild canyons, and living history—easy, exhilarating, and utterly unforgettable.
Download your free brochure today, or contact Sunstone Tours & Cruises toll-free at 1-888-815-5428 to begin planning the Columbia and Snake River cruise of a lifetime.
