The American Pride paddlewheeler sailing th Columbia River near Portland, Oregon

Northwest Pioneers Cruise

At a glance

Duration:
11 Days
Start/End:
Portland to Clarkston
From:
$6,385
Time of Year:
April - September
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American Cruise Lines

On this 11-day Northwest Pioneers Cruise, experience the historic journey of the intrepid explorers Lewis and Clark, while admiring the magnificent views of the Pacific Northwest. Retrace the last leg of the Corps of Discovery Expedition that began on the Mississippi River in 1804 and finally reached the Pacific Ocean in 1806.

Visit Mount St. Helens and bear witness to the awesome power of the once active volcano. Get an up-close view of Multnomah Falls, the 2nd tallest waterfall in the country. Enjoy the scenic views and abundant wildlife of the Columbia River Gorge.

Northwest Pioneers Cruise Details

Hotel Staff

Pre-Cruise: Complimentary Package

Each Columbia & Snake Rivers itinerary comes complete with a Complimentary Pre-Cruise Package, providing you with a seamless way to board the ship and explore the local area. Arrive the day before your scheduled cruise date and American Cruise Lines will handle the rest. The package includes a premium hotel stay, where you can enjoy the city at your leisure. On the morning of the cruise, meet in the hotel lobby after breakfast and we will transport you to the ship to begin your cruise. All luggage will be brought directly from the hotel and placed in your stateroom aboard the ship.

Pre-Cruise Packages must be reserved at least 30 days before your cruise date.


Portland, Oregon

Day 1: Portland, OR

At the confluence of the Columbia and Willamette Rivers, Portland was once a sanctuary for pioneers. Today, the city is surrounded by national parkland but also features an array of museums and shopping areas. Arrive a day early and visit the Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum or the Portland Art Museum.


The coastline of Astoria, Oregon

Day 2: Astoria, OR

The oldest American settlement west of the Rockies, the town of Astoria is steeped in culture and tradition, with more than 70 Victorian-era homes lining its historic streets. Visit a replica of Fort Clatsop and learn about what the Lewis and Clark Corps of Discovery Expedition endured on their pioneering journey into the West. Explore the Columbia River Maritime Museum, a tribute to mariners around the globe for their service on the high seas.


Mount St. Helens

Day 3: Kalama, WA

Explore Kalama, a small town nestled in between the big cities of Portland, OR, and Seattle, WA. While here you can peruse one of the many antique stores, take a walk along the Columbia River, or visit one of the nearby wineries. Perhaps the most impactful of all landmarks in the region is Mount St. Helens. From high on an overlook, bear witness to the awesome power of the volcano whose eruption in 1980 scorched 230 square miles of forest land and forever changed the landscape and the lives of those in the surrounding towns.


Mt. Hood Valley

Day 4: Day of Cruising the Columbia River Gorge

The Columbia River Gorge is a spectacular river canyon cutting through the Cascade Mountain Range with amazing natural contrasts of rain forest and desert, sea-level passage and alpine meadows. As a the largest federally protected National Scenic Area in the United States, the Gorge boasts stunning waterfalls, basalt cliffs, lakes, streams, rivers, and fields of wildflowers.

In the 1800’s, Lewis & Clark traveled down the scenic Columbia River Gorge on their journey westward, with the Oregon Trail pioneers following soon after. Today, the area offers a variety history museums and art centers, fine dining, theaters, wineries, many recreational opportunities, as well as some of the most impressive landscapes in the world.


Stevenson, Washington

Day 5: Stevenson, WA

Multnomah Falls is an awesome sight to behold. After cruising past the waterfall, enjoy an up-close view of one of North America’s tallest waterfalls. Stroll along the footpath to Benson Bridge for the best view of this natural wonder. Explore the village of Stevenson, easily accessible from our dock, offering small town charm and a unique Northwest flair.


Scenic Hood River

Day 6: Hood River, OR

At the base of Mount Hood lies the sleepy town of Hood River. The old trading post is most famous as the terminus of the Mount Hood Railroad, where timber and produce would be transferred to ships and sent downriver. Now the historic railroad is a highlight of the area, winding its way high into the mountains for unprecedented views of the Gorge and the tallest peak in Oregon.


Bald Eagle over the Dalles, Oregon

Day 7: The Dalles, OR

Located between Mount Hood and Mount Adams, The Dalles is famous for being the last stop on the historic Oregon Trail. To the pioneers, the terrain was treacherous; to today’s visitors, it is simply stunning. Overlooking the Columbia River Gorge is Cascade Cliffs Winery, the ideal place to spend an afternoon with expert sommeliers enjoying the bounty of the fertile Columbia Valley.


Docked in Richland Washington

Day 8: Richland, WA

Incorporated in 1910, Richland sits at confluence of the Yakima and Columbia River. Enjoy strolling along its picturesque waterfront which offers walking trials, antique shops, and several wineries. This vibrant city is also home to a variety of theaters, art galleries, and museums. Visit the REACH Museum, a popular destination which illustrates the unique culture and history of the region through over 14,000 square feet of exhibits.


Rodeo in Pendleton, Oregon and Richland, Washington

Day 9: Pendleton, OR

A charming city in Umatilla, OR, Pendleton began as a European-American commercial center around 1851. Incorporated as a city in 1880, Pendleton is known for its beautiful countryside, indigenous Native American tribes, and the network of underground tunnels created a century ago for illicit activities. The area is also famous for its lucrative wool trade in the 18th and 19th centuries. Visit the Pendleton Woolen Mill and Museum to learn about the town’s weaving process that has produced world famous woolens since 1901.


Clarkston, Washington

Day 10: Cruising the Snake River

On your journey to Clarkston, WA, cruise the renowned Snake River along mountain ranges, canyons, and plains. Relax on the sun deck or your private balcony and view the spectacular wildlife that lives along its shores, including Otter, Coyote, Pronghorn, Deer, Coyote, Mountain Goat, and Marmots. You may also spot Osprey and Eagles and variety of different species of birds.


Clarkston, Washington

Day 11: Clarkston, WA

Conclude your incredible voyage in Clarkston, WA, named for William Clark of the historic Lewis and Clark Expedition. After breakfast, we will transport you to the Lewiston-Nez Perce County Regional Airport (LWS) to begin your journey home.

Or you may take advantage of our brand new Hells Canyon Post-Cruise Package which includes a 1-night hotel stay, Hells Canyon Jet Boat Adventure, breakfast, and transportation to the airport the following day.


Columbia River Northwest Pioneers Cruise Itinerary Map

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Dates & Rates - Columbia River - ACL - Northwest Pioneers
DateDirectionShipAAAGAARAALAACAAMVeranda SuiteOwner's SuiteGrand SuiteSingleSingle w/ Balcony
Sep 19, 2021Portland to ClarkstonAmerican Song$8,170$8,515$9,255$9,695$10,485$11,675$12,685$15,625$10,685
Sep 29, 2021Portland to ClarkstonAmerican Song$8,170$8,515$9,255$9,695$10,485$11,675$12,685$15,625$10,685
Apr 12, 2022Portland to ClarkstonAmerican Pride$6,385$7,215$7,845$8,215$10,750$8,195$9,055
Apr 14, 2022Portland to ClarkstonAmerican Song$7,340$7,650$8,315$8,710$9,300$10,490$11,395$14,035$9,600
Apr 18, 2022Portland to ClarkstonAmerican Harmony$7,650$8,315$8,710$9,420$10,490$11,395$14,035$9,600
Jun 28, 2022Portland to ClarkstonAmerican Pride$6,770$7,650$8,315$8,710$11,395$8,685$9,600
Jun 30, 2022Portland to ClarkstonAmerican Song$7,755$8,080$8,785$9,200$9,950$11,080$12,040$14,830$10,140
Jul 4, 2022Portland to ClarkstonAmerican Harmony$8,080$8,785$9,200$9,950$11,080$12,040$14,830$10,140
Sep 27, 2022Portland to ClarkstonAmerican Pride$7,150$8,080$8,785$9,200$12,040$9,180$10,140
Sep 29, 2022Portland to ClarkstonAmerican Song$8,170$8,515$9,255$9,695$10,485$11,675$12,685$15,625$10,685
Oct 3, 2022Portland to ClarkstonAmerican Harmony$8,515$9,255$9,695$10,485$11,675$12,685$15,625$10,685
Jun 29, 2023Portland to ClarkstonAmerican Song$7,755$8,080$8,785$9,200$9,950$11,080$12,040$14,830$10,140
Jul 3, 2023Portland to ClarkstonAmerican Harmony$8,080$8,785$9,200$9,950$11,080$12,040$14,830$10,140
Sep 26, 2023Portland to ClarkstonAmerican Pride$7,150$8,080$8,785$9,200$12,040$9,180$10,140
Oct 2, 2023Portland to ClarkstonAmerican Harmony$8,515$9,255$9,695$10,485$11,675$12,685$15,625$10,685

Dates and rates are effective the date the information was updated on this site. Dates and rates may have changed by the cruise line prior to an update here. Contact Sunstone Tours & Cruises for the latest dates & rates.

Prices displayed are per person based on double occupancy.

Prices subject to change.

Included

  • Cruise passage
  • All gourmet meals
  • Breakfast room service
  • Snacks
  • Cocktail hour each evening
  • Entertainment aboard the ship
  • Acclaimed enrichment program
  • Wi-Fi throughout the ship
  • Personalized service from a dedicated crew

Not Included

  • Air transport to/from embarkation/debarkation destinations
  • Most shore tours (unless otherwise noted)
  • Port charges and fees

American Harmony

American Harmony

The 190-passenger American Harmony has the modern amenities and contemporary styling that today’s traveler has come to expect.

American Harmony Details …


American Pride

American Pride

The 150-passenger American Pride offers an unparalleled experience, never before available on the Columbia and Snake Rivers. Guests will discover the natural beauty, history, and culture of the Pacific Northwest, while enjoying the finest in accommodations and personalized service.

American Pride Details …


American Song

American Song

The 184-passenger American Song has the modern design features and contemporary styling that today’s traveler has come to expect. Featured are lounges soaring 40 feet above the water with triple the glass of other riverboats, offering astounding views.

American Song Details …