Columbia and Snake Rivers Cruise

Pre-Cruise: Hells Canyon Pre-Cruise Package

Arrive in Clarkston and kick off your adventure with our exclusive Hells Canyon Pre-Cruise Package. This special package includes a 2-night hotel stay, with breakfast each morning to energize your days.

On your half-day excursion into Hells Canyon, the deepest canyon in North America, you’ll be awestruck by the towering cliffs that rise dramatically on either side, painted in stunning shades of reds, browns, and greens. The powerful river cuts through ancient rock, showcasing nature’s incredible force and beauty in a way you won’t soon forget.

Please note that Pre-Cruise Hotel Stays must be reserved at least 30 days prior to your cruise departure.

Day 1: Clarkston, WA

As we sail, witness the untamed wilderness and rugged canyon hillsides unfold before you, offering an ever-changing display of stunning vistas. Keep an eye out for the local wildlife, including graceful white pelicans and playful river otters, who call this pristine landscape home.

Named after William Clark of the legendary Lewis and Clark Expedition, this historic town also holds deep ties to the resilient Nez Perce tribe, the original stewards of this fertile land. Get ready for an unforgettable journey into the heart of Hells Canyon, North America’s deepest gorge. Feel the exhilaration as you navigate through its rapids, surrounded by towering mountain peaks that define this awe-inspiring terrain.

Day 2: Cruising the Snake River

Take this opportunity to immerse yourself in a variety of stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife. As you glide along the winding river, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of towering cliffs, lush forests, and rolling hillsides. Keep an eye out for bald eagles soaring high above and ospreys diving into the water to catch their prey.

Day 3: Pendleton, OR / Richland, WA

Richland lies at the confluence of the Yakima and Columbia Rivers, offering an inviting blend of exploration and discovery. Our ship docks just steps from the peaceful waterfront, where scenic trails meander past charming shops and local wineries, each offering unique flavors to savor.

Guided excursions reveal the region’s fascinating history and landscapes. At the REACH Museum, journey through Eastern Washington’s past, from the ancient Ice Age to the rise of the Atomic Age. Sacajawea State Park transports you back to 1805, when the Lewis and Clark expedition camped in the midst of a thriving Native American community.

For a deeper dive into the Wild West, a full-day excursion to Pendleton, Oregon, showcases the region’s rich Western heritage and Native American culture. Explore the underground tunnels that reveal a century of trade, secrets, and intrigue.

Day 4: Cruising the Columbia River Gorge

Prepare to greet the day from your private balcony as the stunning Columbia River Gorge unfolds before you. Admire the towering bluffs draped in lush greenery and the hillsides that stretch toward the sky, offering a dynamic landscape like no other. For the best views, head up to the sun deck and soak in the splendor of the surroundings.

But the adventure doesn’t stop there. As the ship continues its journey, you’re in for an array of exciting activities tailored to enhance your experience. Participate in engaging enrichment programs, featuring guest speakers who bring the region’s history and ports to life. Whether you’re enjoying captivating art classes, mastering the latest tech in our App-titude sessions, watching sizzling cooking demonstrations, shaking up some mixology magic, or testing your knowledge with trivia, there’s always something new to discover on board.

Day 5: Hood River, OR

Hood River, named for the river flowing from Mount Hood into the Columbia, has a rich history rooted in trade and commerce. Once the final stop of the Mount Hood Railroad, where timber and produce were shipped downstream, the town offers a fascinating glimpse into the past.

Today, Hood River invites exploration with its charming shops offering local artisanal treasures, along with some of the finest wineries and breweries in the Pacific Northwest. For adventure seekers, enjoy a guided kayaking expedition through the stunning waters of the Gorge or immerse yourself in the fascinating exhibits at The Western Antique Aeroplane & Automobile Museum.

Day 6: Kalama, WA

Our brand-new private dock in Kalama, Washington, offers access to places most cruises can’t reach. Take in the breathtaking views of the Cascade Mountains and journey to witness the remnants of the nearby Mount St. Helens.

With a local guide, uncover the gripping story of the 1980 eruption and its dramatic effects on the environment and the lives of nearby residents.

Step off the ship and into a scenic city park, where captivating local artwork enhances the beauty of the adjacent hotel. Learn more about the region’s natural wonders at the informative interpretive center.

For wine lovers, enjoy a visit to a nearby family vineyard, where you can indulge in a wine tasting, savoring local varietals surrounded by picturesque vineyard views.

Day 7: Astoria, OR

As the oldest American settlement west of the Rockies, this port is a blend of historic charm and natural beauty, with Victorian homes cascading down the hillside. Known as “The Little San Francisco,” this town offers a unique and lively atmosphere.

Set off on your own adventure or choose from a variety of exciting excursions that showcase the city’s scenic beauty, from its mountain backdrops to the cliffside Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center overlooking the Pacific.

Step back in time with a guided tour of the National Park Service’s replica of Fort Clatsop, the winter camp where Lewis and Clark stayed during their famous expedition. Explore the town’s quaint shops, galleries, wineries, and brewpubs, or immerse yourself in the fascinating exhibits at the Columbia River Maritime Museum.

Day 8: Day of Cruising

As you glide along the riverbanks, keep an eye out for deer grazing or playful river otters in the shallows. As the ship navigates through locks and dams, witness the impressive engineering that controls this powerful waterway. Along the way, take in iconic landmarks like the towering Mount Hood and the striking Bonneville Dam, each adding to the river’s rich history and beauty.

Day 9: Portland, OR

Savor your final breakfast aboard as we prepare to bid you farewell. Before you set off on your journey home, take a moment to reflect on the unforgettable experiences and memories you’ve made along the Columbia and Snake Rivers. From laughter and exploration to the friendships you’ve formed, these moments will stay with you long after. Until we meet again, carry the spirit of adventure with you wherever you go, cherishing every moment of your remarkable journey.