On this 11-day adventure, experience the breathtaking landscapes, exceptional shore excursions, and onboard experts that bring you closer in touch with the pioneers who came before us. Bear witness to Mount St. Helens, the site of the volcanic eruption that rocked the Pacific Northwest over 40 years ago.
Explore Astoria, the oldest American settlement west of the Rockies. Cruise the Columbia River Gorge on our American riverboats and admire the natural contrasts between rain forest, desert, and alpine meadows. Enjoy the power and beauty of nature up close at Multnomah Falls.
Return to the comfort of your modern ship and enjoy the company of fellow travelers in one of our spacious lounges as you discuss the adventures of the day.
Traveling with American Cruise Lines has never been easier. Ask about our brand new flat-rate domestic Airfare option available on our Northwest Pioneers Cruise itinerary.
Pre-Cruise
On our Columbia & Snake Rivers itineraries, we offer of Pre-Cruise options, providing you with a seamless way to board the ship and explore the local area. Choose from our 2-Night Hells Canyon Pre-Cruise Package, available on cruises departing from Clarkston, WA, or our 1-Night Complimentary Pre-Cruise Hotel Stay, available for cruises departing from Hayden, OR and Clarkston, WA.
Pre-Cruise Packages and Hotel Stays must be reserved at least 30 days before your cruise date.
Traveling with American Cruise Lines has never been easier. Ask about our brand new flat-rate domestic Airfare option available on our Northwest Pioneers Cruise itinerary.
Day 1 - Hayden Island, OR
Embrace the pioneering spirit of Lewis and Clark as you immerse yourself in the history of their expedition into the West. As our intimate and well-appointed riverboat makes its way along these legendary rivers, be amazed by the constant shifts in landscapes. From the lush forest mountains to magnificent waterfalls and even dessert canyons, the evolving terrain is unlike anywhere else in America. Experience a front-row seat as we navigate through the famed lock and dam system, an awe-inspiring testament to human engineering.
Enjoy days of personalized exploration, led by our engaging local guides who enhance your understanding of fascinating landmarks, such as Mount St. Helens, famous for its eruption in 1980, and Multnomah Falls, an impressive 611-foot-tall cascade of falling water. Travel to scenic vineyards, where you can savor the area’s finest varietals.
On board, delight in the ship’s delicious cuisine, socialize at the daily cocktail hour, and enjoy onboard guest speaker presentations, featuring fascinating stories and insights about the region’s history, environment, and culture. Unwind each evening with a diverse array of talented regional performers in the intimate performance lounge.
Day 2 - Astoria, OR
Astoria is the oldest American settlement west of the Rockies. Colorful Victorian homes adorn the hillside that climbs steeply up from the river, earning it the nickname “The Little San Francisco.” Explore this remarkable town on your own or choose from a collection of well-curated excursions.
Step into history on a guided exploration to the National Park Service replica of Fort Clatsop, the 1805-06 winter camp of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Board a local red trolley to ride along the picturesque waterfront or savor the perspective from a bluff high above the city at the picturesque Astoria Column. Peruse the town’s quaint shops, galleries, wineries, and brew pubs. Or simply stroll off the ship to the nearby acclaimed Columbia River Maritime Museum.
Day 3 - Kalama, WA
From our convenient new dock at Kalama, Washington, enjoy the grand landscape of the Cascade Mountains scenic drive to view the remnants of nearby Mount St. Helens. A local guide enhances your understanding and shares the story of the volcano’s 1980 eruption and its impact on the environment and the lives of those in the area. Just off the ship dock, enjoy an expansive city park, unique local artwork throughout an impressive adjacent hotel, and an interesting interpretive center. Or venture out to a nearby family vineyard for an afternoon of wine tasting.
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 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.
Day 5 - Stevenson, WA
From the comfort of your private balcony, admire the magnificent bluffs of the Columbia River Gorge, covered in deep green forest and framed by picturesque hillsides that quickly ascend toward the sky. Windsurfers and kiteboarders adorn the landscape as they drift across the broad, shining river.
Nearby attractions offer a day of diverse options. Stand in awe of the glorious Multnomah Falls as it tumbles 620-feet off mountains and down into the river. Visit the Bonneville Dam visitor’s center to ponder the wonders of hydroelectricity and explore the intriguing exhibits of the Columbia Gorge Interpretive Center Museum. Discover the village of Stevenson, easily accessible from our dock, offering small town charm and a unique Northwest flair. Or simply, sit on deck with a beverage and admire the grandeur of nature.
Day 6 - Hood River, OR
Located in the center of the Columbia River Gorge, the beautiful town of Hood River draws its name from the river that drains from Mount Hood into the Columbia River. The town’s old trading post was most famous as the terminus of the Mount Hood Railroad, where timber and produce would be transferred to ships and sent downriver.
Today, this charming community offers blocks of delights from shops featuring local artisan products to some of the Pacific Northwest's best wineries and breweries. During your stay here, enjoy a guided kayaking excursion through the Gorge, visit a local winery or explore The Western Antique Aeroplane & Automobile Museum.
Day 7 - The Dalles, OR
The Dalles, the last stop on the historic Oregon Trail, nestles along the Columbia River with a beautiful view of both Mount Hood and Mount Adams, each towering more than 11,000 feet above your cruise ship. To the pioneers of the 1800s, this rugged terrain was treacherous, but to today's visitors, it is fascinating.
Venture ashore on your own to explore the historic downtown, steps from the ship, featuring fascinating museums, intimate cafes, local pubs, and a collection of historic murals which embellish the streetscape. Or enjoy guided excursions to learn about the area’s rich history, view a unique art collection in a magnificent building perched on a bluff above the river, or spend an afternoon with expert sommeliers enjoying the bounty of the fertile Columbia Valley.
Day 8 - Richland, WA
Richland sits at confluence of the Yakima and Columbia River. Our ship docks just steps away from scenic waterfront walking trials, unique shops, and local wineries. Enjoy a variety of guided excursions to area parks and museums, including the REACH Museum where you can discover Eastern Washington’s rich landscape and history, from the Ice Age to the Atomic Age. Admire the beauty of the Columbia and Snake River confluence at Sacajawea State Park and explore the grounds where the Corps of Discovery camped in October 1805 amidst a thriving community of Native Americans.
Day 9 - Pendleton, OR
Best known for its beautiful countryside, legendary rodeo, fine woolens, and leather craftsmanship, Pendleton is a place where the heyday of the American Cowboy, as well as the best of western tradition and heritage lives on. Join our local guides on a lively look into Pendleton's infamous and entertaining past. Explore the network of underground tunnels created a century ago for illicit activities and learn about the rich culture of the area’s indigenous tribes at the Tamastslikt Cultural Institute.
Day 10 - Cruising the Snake River
Cruising the Snake River, watch the remote wilderness and canyon hillsides glide by in ever-changing scenic panoramas. Admire the steep hillsides, dotted with white pelicans, osprey, bald eagles, cormorants, blue herons, and more. Today is your day. Enjoy the onboard activities such as historical presentations, cooking demonstrations, bingo, or trivia. Savor the onboard cuisine and maybe indulge in an early cocktail and a quick nap. Or just curl up on your private veranda, up on the sun deck, or in a cozy window-wrapped lounge to read a book or visit with new friends.
Day 11 - Clarkston, WA
Nestled in a handsome valley surrounded by steep hillsides, Clarkston embellishes the shoreline along the Snake River at the river’s confluence with the Clearwater River. Named for William Clark of the historic Lewis and Clark Expedition, Clarkston’s origin dates back to the late 1890s, tracing its roots to the Nez Perce, the Native American tribe that originally inhabited the valley.
Venture to Hells Canyon for a jet boat ride, through the deepest canyon in North America, and let your senses run as wild as the landscapes of grand mountain peaks and vast reaches of remote wilderness.
Each Columbia and Snake Rivers itinerary comes complete with a Complimentary Pre-Cruise Hotel Stay, 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.
Guests have the option of purchasing our Hells Canyon Flightseeing Adventure which takes place the morning of embarkation.
Pre-Cruise Hotel Stays must be reserved at least 30 days before your cruise date. Please call (800) 460-4518 to reserve your space.
This 2-night package features two nights in Clarkston at a hotel conveniently located near the dock for easier boarding. Enjoy breakfast both mornings, as well as a full day in Hells Canyon. Explore the deepest canyon in North America on a Jet Boat Adventure and be treated to lunch at a private ranch located deep inside the canyon.
Guests have the option of purchasing our Hells Canyon Flightseeing Adventure which takes place the morning of embarkation.
For cruises departing from Hayden Island, the Hells Canyon Jet Boat Adventure is part of a Post-Cruise Package in Clarkston, WA.
Pre-Cruise and Post-Cruise Packages must be reserved at least 30 days before your cruise date. Please call (800) 460-4518 in advance for pricing and availability.
Enjoy our Hells Canyon Flightseeing Adventure over, through, and around the Nez Perce's "land of the winding rivers." On this unforgettable narrated experience, soar over scenic rolling hills, crystal clear rivers, and abounding timbered wilderness as you learn about the region’s spectacular ecology, geology, and history.
On cruises departing from Clarkston, WA, this excursion is available on embarkation day for those participating in the Hells Canyon Jet Boat Pre-Cruise Package and Complimentary Hotel Stay. Also available on disembarkation day for those beginning the cruise in Hayden Island, OR.
This is a Signature shore excursion and should be reserved in advance. Please call (800) 894-8570 for information.
Hayden Island is an exceptional little community, with coastal charm and a laidback atmosphere. As you begin your journey, enjoy incredible panoramic views from the sun deck or your private balcony. Admire the vast variety of wildlife, including bald eagles which can sometimes be seen soaring over the ship.
Experience the Columbia River Maritime Museum on a self-guided excursion. The Columbia River Maritime Museum is the official maritime museum of the state of Oregon and also prides itself as being one of the finest maritime museums on the West Coast.
On this excursion, you will learn the history of the area while visiting Fort Clatsop, the site where the Lewis and Clark Expedition wintered in 1806. Explore the Visitor Center and take a walk outside to view the Fort that was built during this famous expedition.
Enjoy a scenic journey to Cape Disappointment State Park and visit the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center, situated high on the cliffs 200 feet above the pounding Pacific surf. A series of mural-sized “timeline” panels guide visitors through the westward journey of the Lewis and Clark Expedition using sketches, paintings, photographs, and the words of Corps members themselves.
Explore downtown Astoria on your own aboard this convenient shuttle which makes several stops on a continuous loop throughout the day including:
- Downtown Astoria - for shopping and exploring
- Heritage Museum - featuring Clatsop County’s rich and exciting history in permanent and changing exhibit galleries
- Astoria Column - a tower overlooking the mouth of the Columbia River, from which you can enjoy the majestic views of the countryside from land
- Flavel House Museum - once the home of Captain George Flavel, this 1885 Queen Anne home features original Eastlake influenced woodwork, period furnishings, and exotic hardwood
Your knowledgeable guide will greet you at the dock to begin your exploration along Astoria's Riverwalk. Enjoy views of the majestic Columbia River with cargo ships at anchor and constant river traffic. Continue along the main downtown street and view several excellent examples of early 20th-century commercial architecture, including the towering Astor Hotel and the highly ornate, terra-cotta clad Liberty Theater. Stroll along city sidewalks to the Garden of the Surging Waves, which celebrates the town’s Chinese history. Enjoy the Beaux Arts-style Clatsop County Courthouse and the former Clatsop County Jail, which is now the Oregon Film Museum. The jail, used from 1914 to 1976 is not only noted for being the longest used, freestanding jail in Oregon, but also seen in the many movies filmed here, most famously, The Goonies. Your excursion will end at the well-known Flavel House. Completed in 1886, it is considered one of the finest examples of Queen Anne Stick style architecture in the Pacific Northwest.
May 18, 1980 is a day etched into the history of the United States, as the powerful eruption of Mount St. Helens drastically changed the landscape of what is now referred to as the National Volcanic Monument. On your scenic journey to the Mount St. Helens Johnston Ridge Observatory, learn about the eruption, how it affected the landscape and surrounding communities, and how the environment has responded naturally to the disturbance. The Observatory itself sits on a bluff near the crater, offering spectacular views of the pumice plain and blast site.
Established over 95 year ago with original vines from Sicily, Matranga Winery has kept both the family name and traditions alive for generations. Upon arrival, you will have the opportunity to taste a minimum of 5 different wines and enjoy snacks that pair nicely with Washington wines. The staff will be available to answer any questions you might have about the vineyard and the wine making process.
Just a short walk from the ship, explore this new facility that celebrates Kalama’s unique place in Pacific Northwest history as a transportation and commercial hub, and is designed to replicate a traditional waterfront warehouse of the 1800s. Exhibits track Kalama’s first inhabitants, the Cowlitz Tribe, and the settlers that followed over the next hundred years, including renowned Oregon Trail writer Ezra Meeker. Displays illustrate how Kalama’s particular landscape gave birth to a booming transportation system, impacting the area both culturally and economically.
Begin your guided walking excursion at the iconic totem poles of Kalama, before making your way down the pathway along the Columbia River while admiring the lush landscape. Stop at McMenamins, a family-owned chain of brewpubs, breweries, music venues, historic hotels, and theater pubs in the Pacific Northwest. Enjoy a tasting and learn about the brewing process from a professional brew master.
There are a variety of activities scheduled on board when the ship is underway, which vary depending on the itinerary and scheduled date. Enjoy destination-focused enrichment programs with special guest speakers who present topics related to the region and ports of call, including Art Classes, App-titude Classes (Tech Made Easy), Cooking Demonstrations, Mixology (practice of making great cocktails,) Trivia, Game Shows, and more.
A highlight of any trip to the Pacific Northwest is Multnomah Falls, the second tallest year-round waterfall in the U.S. Wind your way through the thick forest and cross the impressive “Bridge of the Gods,” before finally reaching the breathtaking Multnomah Falls. Upon arrival, explore the Falls at your leisure and walk the famous Benson Bridge to get the best vantage point for your photo opportunities.
Throughout your journey on the Columbia River, you will transit 8 locks, lifting the ship more than 700 feet vertically. Building upon the lectures of our onboard experts throughout the week, this excursion provides guests with an in-depth understanding of and appreciation for the engineering that enables the Dam to generate enough hydroelectric power to provide nearly 500,000 homes with electricity.
Enjoy a self-guided tour of the Columbia River Gorge Interpretive Center, which showcases the area's unique history and cultural diversity. From the Native American tribes that inhabited the gorge to the expedition of Lewis and Clark and 19th-century loggers, learn of the bountiful life on the gorge as you explore this amazing museum.
Join an entertaining tour and tasting of this moonshiners family operation. The owner and his two sons are passionate about infused moonshining, and they sure know how to convey the joy they get from doing it. Explore the facility with glass in hand, but not before making it through the "speakeasy" doors. We will get a chance to taste their sweet apple pie brandy and seasonal fruit cordials, as well as their corn whisky. Learn about their production method, shared cocktail recipes, and family business history.
Enjoy the company of local winemakers, while tasting future vintages right out of the barrel! Go behind the scenes in this Hood River winemaking facility and learn all about how their wine is made. As you explore the facility enjoy the flavor of 4 to 5 different wines.
Experience this amazing guided excursion along a local river fed by blue aquifer melt from Mount Adams. Along the way, view eagles, herons, ospreys, ducks, fish, and occasional otters. Paddle up the mellow river, taking a break to swim and take photos. Gently float back down stream trying to spot as many fish as possible, finishing your journey with a scenic look down the Gorge.
The Western Antique Aeroplane & Automobile Museum is dedicated to the preservation of all means of transportation. Enjoy viewing the cars, planes, motorcycles, military vehicles, and more, which are housed in this 3.5-acre indoor hangar. Rather than just refinishing the outside surface, engines are rebuilt so all are operable, resulting in one of the largest collections of antique planes and cars that are still in working condition.
Come join us in one of the most historic buildings in downtown The Dalles to create your very own piece of artwork led by a professional artist. Sip the best wines of the region as you create your masterpiece. Bring home your creation as a memento of your voyage along the Columbia and Snake Rivers.
Overlooking the gorge sits the Maryhill Museum of Art. Here, Native American artifacts, royal memorabilia from Queen Marie of Romania, outdoor sculptures, and a permanent collection of international chess sets adorn the museum halls. You will not only be treated to one-of-a-kind permanent collection, but also a variety of featured exhibitions.
As you step off the ship, you will be greeted by members of the local visitor’s center who are dressed in period clothing from the pinnacle days of riverboating. Our guide will meet us at the ship for a short narrated tour of the town before arriving at the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center.
Explore the various exhibits that describe the volcanic upheaval and raging floods that helped to create the gorge. The highlight of the center visit includes a unique raptor exhibition where we watch birds of prey put on an aerobatic display and learn about the protected eagles that call the gorge home.
Enjoy an exploration and tasting at the renowned Maryhill Winery, one of the largest wineries in Washington State. Begin on the terrace overlooking vineyard and the Columbia River, with the majestic Mt. Hood serving as a stunning backdrop. On a guided walk to the vineyard, learn about the history of the winery, the grapes that are used to make Maryhill varietals, as well as the fermentation process.
Imagine a simpler time. From streets that were fan faired with smaltz and glass beaded signs to windows dazzled from the glow of full storefront neon, America was booming. The National Neon Sign Museum captures the vibrant history, craftsmanship, and culture that shaped America as seen through the evolution of pre-electric vintage signage and advertising. From the turn of the century through the 1960s, The National Neon Sign Museum displays early ephemera, scientific equipment, industry machinery and spectacular examples of pre-electric and full store front neon signs. View, explore, and engage with signage and advertising from the turn of the century through the 1960s.
Visit the REACH Museum and discover Eastern Washington’s rich landscape and history, from the Ice Age to the Atomic Age. Explore the featured galleries and rotating exhibits inside, as well as the amazing outdoor area with breathtaking views of the majestic Columbia River and surrounding scenery. Discover the geological impact of the Ice Age floods and basalt lava flows to the area. Learn about the Manhattan Project at Hanford and its continuous influence on the region. Continue to the 9-11 Memorial in Kennewick which is home to a 30 foot 6,000 pound steel column recovered from the World Trade Center Twin Towers, a sobering reminder of the tragic events of the day.
Explore this fascinating destination, located at the very place where Lewis and Clark Expedition camped for two nights, amidst a thriving community of Native Americans. Learn about the activities that took place at the site through interactive exhibits about the Corps of Discovery and Sacagawea, woman known for her helping the Lewis and Clark Expedition Team. Stroll the green, tree-shaded grounds, and read the seven story circle installations by internationally known artist Maya Lin.
In the heart of Richland, partake in a comprehensive tasting of 16 premium local wines as you sample delicious chef-crafted snacks. Eight winery representatives, along with wine guru April Reddout, have gathered to offer this exclusive experience just for American Cruise Lines’ guests. Enjoy a short presentation about the history of Washington wines and learn interesting facts about the region.
Enjoy a scenic ride through the countryside and witness the striking contrast in landscape as you make your way to Pendleton for the day’s excursions. Upon arrival, be greeted by our private tour guide who will take you to explore Pendleton’s infamous underground city. Next, enjoy lunch at Hamley’s Restaurant, amidst an 18th-century mahogany bar, an original bank wall from the era of Billy the Kid, authentic tin ceilings, and countless Old West artifacts. In the afternoon, travel to the Tamastslikt Cultural Institute, for a look into the storied past of the Cayuse, Umatilla, and Walla Walla Tribes. Finally, stop at the Pendleton Round-Up & Happy Canyon Gift Store, where you can peruse the clothing, hats, housewares, books, jewelry, buckles, and more!
This is a Signature shore excursion and should be reserved in advance. Please call (800) 894-8570 for information.
What you won’t see are snakes, as the river doesn’t actually have snakes in it, but rather an abundance of salmon. While some believe the river was called the Snake is because its shape has many twists and winds, it is actually believed to have received its name from a Native American hand symbol.
Enjoy our Hells Canyon Flightseeing Adventure over, through, and around the Nez Perce's "land of the winding rivers." On this unforgettable narrated experience, soar over scenic rolling hills, crystal clear rivers, and abounding timbered wilderness as you learn about the region’s spectacular ecology, geology, and history.
On cruises departing from Clarkston, WA, this excursion is available on embarkation day for those participating in the Hells Canyon Jet Boat Pre-Cruise Package and Complimentary Hotel Stay. Also available on disembarkation day for those beginning the cruise in Hayden Island, OR.
This is a Signature shore excursion and should be reserved in advance. Please call (800) 894-8570 for information.
After breakfast, disembark the ship and begin your amazing Hells Canyon Jet Boat Adventure. Explore the deepest canyon in North America and admire breathtaking scenery, including bighorn sheep, ancient rock formations, and Native American pictographs. Along the way, be treated to lunch at a private ranch within the canyon.
In the afternoon, we will escort you to the Holiday Inn Clarkston-Lewiston, where your luggage will be waiting for you. Explore the charming towns of Clarkston and Lewiston at your leisure. Enjoy a 1-night stay, breakfast the following morning, and transportation the Lewiston-Nez Perce County Regional Airport (LWS) to begin your journey home.
Post-Cruise Packages must be reserved at least 30 days before your cruise date. Please call (800) 460-4518 for pricing and availability.
Pre-Cruise
On our Columbia & Snake Rivers itineraries, we offer of Pre-Cruise options, providing you with a seamless way to board the ship and explore the local area. Choose from our 2-Night Hells Canyon Pre-Cruise Package, available on cruises departing from Clarkston, WA, or our 1-Night Complimentary Pre-Cruise Hotel Stay, available for cruises departing from Hayden, OR and Clarkston, WA.
Pre-Cruise Packages and Hotel Stays must be reserved at least 30 days before your cruise date.
Traveling with American Cruise Lines has never been easier. Ask about our brand new flat-rate domestic Airfare option available on our Northwest Pioneers Cruise itinerary.
Day 1 - Clarkston, WA
Nestled in a handsome valley surrounded by steep hillsides, Clarkston embellishes the shoreline along the Snake River at the river’s confluence with the Clearwater River. Named for William Clark of the historic Lewis and Clark Expedition, Clarkston’s origin dates back to the late 1890s, tracing its roots to the Nez Perce, the Native American tribe that originally inhabited the valley.
Venture to Hells Canyon for a jet boat ride, through the deepest canyon in North America, and let your senses run as wild as the landscapes of grand mountain peaks and vast reaches of remote wilderness.
Day 2 - Cruising the Snake River
Cruising the Snake River, watch the remote wilderness and canyon hillsides glide by in ever-changing scenic panoramas. Admire the steep hillsides, dotted with white pelicans, osprey, bald eagles, cormorants, blue herons, and more. Today is your day. Enjoy the onboard activities such as historical presentations, cooking demonstrations, bingo, or trivia. Savor the onboard cuisine and maybe indulge in an early cocktail and a quick nap. Or just curl up on your private veranda, up on the sun deck, or in a cozy window-wrapped lounge to read a book or visit with new friends.
Day 3 - Pendleton, OR
Best known for its beautiful countryside, legendary rodeo, fine woolens, and leather craftsmanship, Pendleton is a place where the heyday of the American Cowboy, as well as the best of western tradition and heritage lives on. Join our local guides on a lively look into Pendleton's infamous and entertaining past. Explore the network of underground tunnels created a century ago for illicit activities and learn about the rich culture of the area’s indigenous tribes at the Tamastslikt Cultural Institute.
Day 4 - Richland, WA
Richland sits at confluence of the Yakima and Columbia River. Our ship docks just steps away from scenic waterfront walking trials, unique shops, and local wineries. Enjoy a variety of guided excursions to area parks and museums, including the REACH Museum where you can discover Eastern Washington’s rich landscape and history, from the Ice Age to the Atomic Age. Admire the beauty of the Columbia and Snake River confluence at Sacajawea State Park and explore the grounds where the Corps of Discovery camped in October 1805 amidst a thriving community of Native Americans.
Day 5 - The Dalles, OR
The Dalles, the last stop on the historic Oregon Trail, nestles along the Columbia River with a beautiful view of both Mount Hood and Mount Adams, each towering more than 11,000 feet above your cruise ship. To the pioneers of the 1800s, this rugged terrain was treacherous, but to today's visitors, it is fascinating.
Venture ashore on your own to explore the historic downtown, steps from the ship, featuring fascinating museums, intimate cafes, local pubs, and a collection of historic murals which embellish the streetscape. Or enjoy guided excursions to learn about the area’s rich history, view a unique art collection in a magnificent building perched on a bluff above the river, or spend an afternoon with expert sommeliers enjoying the bounty of the fertile Columbia Valley.
Day 6 - Hood River, OR
Located in the center of the Columbia River Gorge, the beautiful town of Hood River draws its name from the river that drains from Mount Hood into the Columbia River. The town’s old trading post was most famous as the terminus of the Mount Hood Railroad, where timber and produce would be transferred to ships and sent downriver.
Today, this charming community offers blocks of delights from shops featuring local artisan products to some of the Pacific Northwest's best wineries and breweries. During your stay here, enjoy a guided kayaking excursion through the Gorge, visit a local winery or explore The Western Antique Aeroplane & Automobile Museum.
Day 7 - Stevenson, WA
From the comfort of your private balcony, admire the magnificent bluffs of the Columbia River Gorge, covered in deep green forest and framed by picturesque hillsides that quickly ascend toward the sky. Windsurfers and kiteboarders adorn the landscape as they drift across the broad, shining river.
Nearby attractions offer a day of diverse options. Stand in awe of the glorious Multnomah Falls as it tumbles 620-feet off mountains and down into the river. Visit the Bonneville Dam visitor’s center to ponder the wonders of hydroelectricity and explore the intriguing exhibits of the Columbia Gorge Interpretive Center Museum. Discover the village of Stevenson, easily accessible from our dock, offering small town charm and a unique Northwest flair. Or simply, sit on deck with a beverage and admire the grandeur of nature.
Day 8 - 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 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.
Day 9 - Kalama, WA
From our convenient new dock at Kalama, Washington, enjoy the grand landscape of the Cascade Mountains scenic drive to view the remnants of nearby Mount St. Helens. A local guide enhances your understanding and shares the story of the volcano’s 1980 eruption and its impact on the environment and the lives of those in the area. Just off the ship dock, enjoy an expansive city park, unique local artwork throughout an impressive adjacent hotel, and an interesting interpretive center. Or venture out to a nearby family vineyard for an afternoon of wine tasting.
Day 10 - Astoria, OR
Astoria is the oldest American settlement west of the Rockies. Colorful Victorian homes adorn the hillside that climbs steeply up from the river, earning it the nickname “The Little San Francisco.” Explore this remarkable town on your own or choose from a collection of well-curated excursions.
Step into history on a guided exploration to the National Park Service replica of Fort Clatsop, the 1805-06 winter camp of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Board a local red trolley to ride along the picturesque waterfront or savor the perspective from a bluff high above the city at the picturesque Astoria Column. Peruse the town’s quaint shops, galleries, wineries, and brew pubs. Or simply stroll off the ship to the nearby acclaimed Columbia River Maritime Museum.
Day 11 - Hayden Island, OR
Embrace the pioneering spirit of Lewis and Clark as you immerse yourself in the history of their expedition into the West. As our intimate and well-appointed riverboat makes its way along these legendary rivers, be amazed by the constant shifts in landscapes. From the lush forest mountains to magnificent waterfalls and even dessert canyons, the evolving terrain is unlike anywhere else in America. Experience a front-row seat as we navigate through the famed lock and dam system, an awe-inspiring testament to human engineering.
Enjoy days of personalized exploration, led by our engaging local guides who enhance your understanding of fascinating landmarks, such as Mount St. Helens, famous for its eruption in 1980, and Multnomah Falls, an impressive 611-foot-tall cascade of falling water. Travel to scenic vineyards, where you can savor the area’s finest varietals.
On board, delight in the ship’s delicious cuisine, socialize at the daily cocktail hour, and enjoy onboard guest speaker presentations, featuring fascinating stories and insights about the region’s history, environment, and culture. Unwind each evening with a diverse array of talented regional performers in the intimate performance lounge.
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