At a glance
- Duration:
- 9 Days
- Start/End:
- Portland, WA to Clarkston, WA, or reverse
- From:
- $6,995
- Time of Year:
- May - November
Embark on a thrilling 9-day voyage along the Columbia and Snake Rivers, tracing the path of legendary explorers from Portland, OR to Clarkston, WA. Every bend reveals a new spectacle: lush, forested mountains, cascading waterfalls, rugged riverbanks, and skies alive with soaring eagles, an ever-changing panorama that captures the spirit of the American West.
Aboard the 180-guest American Encore, modern luxury meets classic river charm. Stretch out on spacious decks with panoramic views, relax in intimate lounges, and savor exceptional regional cuisine crafted to delight every palate. With elegantly appointed staterooms, inviting public spaces, and thoughtful amenities, the American Encore is designed for comfort, connection, and the perfect vantage point to witness the passing wonders.
Experience the ingenuity of human engineering as the ship glides through the lock and dam system, then let expert local guides bring history and nature to life with captivating stories of exploration, industry, and the river’s wildlife. Stand in awe of iconic landmarks like the mighty Mount St. Helens and the thunderous 620-foot Multnomah Falls. Visit Maryhill Winery for a guided tour and tasting, where rolling vineyards meet dramatic river views.
From the jagged peaks of the Cascade Range to the serene waters of the Snake River, this journey reveals the Columbia River Gorge in all its majesty—untamed, unforgettable, and uniquely American. On the American Encore, every moment is designed to inspire, delight, and immerse you in the beauty and history of the Pacific Northwest.
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 Encore Details
Day-to-Day Itinerary
Pre-Cruise: Hells Canyon Pre-Cruise Package
Arrive in Clarkston and start your adventure early with our Hells Canyon Pre-Cruise Package. This exclusive package offers a 2-night hotel stay, complete with breakfast to start each day. Spend a half day in the breathtaking Hells Canyon, known as the deepest canyon in North America. As you venture deeper into the canyon, marvel at the towering cliffs that rise dramatically on either side, showcasing a palette of earthy reds, browns, and greens. The river’s powerful waters carve through the ancient rock, creating a spectacular display of nature’s force and beauty.
Pre-Cruise Packages must be reserved at least 30 days before your cruise date.
Day 1: 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 2: Cruising the Snake River
Take this time to witness a diverse array of landscapes and wildlife. 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.
Day 3: Pendleton, OR / Richland, WA
Richland stands boldly 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 4: Cruising the Columbia River Gorge
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 5: Hood River, OR
Hood River holds a name derived from the river that flows from Mount Hood into the Columbia. Once renowned as the final stop of the Mount Hood Railroad, where timber and produce embarked on their journey downstream, this town exudes a long history of trade and commerce.
Today, Hood River beckons with a tapestry of delights, from quaint shops showcasing local artisanal treasures to some of the Pacific Northwest’s finest wineries and breweries. Embark on a guided kayaking expedition through the Gorge’s breathtaking waters or visit the fascinating exhibits of The Western Antique Aeroplane & Automobile Museum.
Day 6: 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 7: 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 8: Day of Cruising
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 9: Portland, OR
Enjoy a final breakfast on board before you say goodbye. As we bid farewell and prepare to send you off on your journey homeward bound, take a moment to bask in the glory of your extraordinary time here on the Columbia & Snake Rivers. Let the memories of laughter, exploration, and newfound friendships be some of the few things you take with you. Until we meet again, cherish every moment and carry the spirit of adventure with you wherever you voyage.
