Columbia & Snake Rivers Cruise: Lewis & Clark’s Legendary Pacific Northwest

Day 1 – Depart Home for Portland, Oregon

Your Pacific Northwest adventure begins as you depart from home for Portland, Oregon, one of America’s most vibrant and picturesque cities. Located at the confluence of the Willamette and Columbia Rivers, Portland is known for its beautiful parks, thriving culinary scene, and relaxed Northwest charm.

Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. Depending on your arrival time, you may wish to stroll through the lively Pearl District, visit Tom McCall Waterfront Park, or sample one of the city’s renowned farm-to-table restaurants. This evening, relax and prepare for the remarkable river cruise that awaits.

Overnight in Portland.

Day 2 – Embark Your Columbia & Snake Rivers Cruise

After breakfast, enjoy a leisurely morning before transferring to the American Cruise Lines ship for embarkation. Settle into your spacious stateroom and become acquainted with your elegant floating hotel for the week ahead.

This afternoon, your unforgettable voyage begins as the ship departs Portland and sails east along the mighty Columbia River. As the city skyline gives way to forested hillsides and scenic riverbanks, you’ll begin following the legendary route explored by Lewis and Clark more than two centuries ago. Join your fellow travelers for the Captain’s Welcome Reception before enjoying your first dinner aboard, featuring regional Pacific Northwest cuisine and spectacular river views.

Overnight aboard your cruise ship.

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 3 – Astoria, Oregon

Wake this morning in historic Astoria, Oregon, the oldest American settlement west of the Rocky Mountains. Situated where the Columbia River meets the Pacific Ocean, Astoria was the final destination of the Lewis and Clark Expedition in 1805 and has long been an important center of maritime commerce.

Explore the city’s beautifully preserved Victorian neighborhoods, visit the acclaimed Columbia River Maritime Museum, or stroll along the scenic Riverwalk while watching oceangoing ships navigate one of the world’s great river estuaries. Optional excursions include Fort Clatsop, where Lewis and Clark established their winter encampment, providing fascinating insight into the Corps of Discovery’s historic journey.

Overnight aboard.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4 – Kalama, Washington & Mount St. Helens

Today your ship arrives in Kalama, Washington, nestled along the banks of the Columbia River and surrounded by the lush forests of the Pacific Northwest. Kalama serves as the gateway to Mount St. Helens, whose dramatic eruption in 1980 forever changed the landscape and remains one of the most significant volcanic events in modern American history.

Included excursions explore the volcano’s fascinating geology, remarkable ecological recovery, and breathtaking scenery. Those remaining in Kalama can enjoy the attractive waterfront, local parks, and panoramic views of the Columbia River while learning about the area’s logging and railroad heritage.

Overnight aboard.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Meals included: (B, L, D)

Day 5 – The Dalles, Oregon

This morning your ship arrives in The Dalles, one of Oregon’s oldest communities and a vital stop along the historic Oregon Trail. Long before pioneers arrived, Native American tribes gathered here to fish the Columbia River, making it one of the region’s most significant cultural crossroads.

Explore museums and historic sites that tell the story of westward expansion, visit nearby orchards and vineyards, or simply admire the dramatic basalt cliffs and rolling hills that define this beautiful section of the Columbia River. The transition from lush forests to high-desert landscapes creates some of the voyage’s most memorable scenery.

Overnight aboard.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6 – Cruising the Columbia River Gorge

Spend today cruising through the magnificent Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, one of North America’s most spectacular natural landscapes. Towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, evergreen forests, and sweeping river vistas surround the ship as you follow the route once traveled by Native peoples, fur traders, and Lewis and Clark.

Throughout the day, onboard historians and naturalists present engaging programs about the expedition, regional wildlife, Native American cultures, and the engineering marvels of the Columbia River’s lock and dam system. Relax on deck and take in the breathtaking scenery while enjoying the exceptional comfort of your small ship.

Overnight aboard.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7 – Richland, Washington & Pendleton, Oregon

Today arrive in Richland, located where the Columbia, Snake, and Yakima Rivers converge in southeastern Washington. Surrounded by fertile farmland and award-winning vineyards, this region has become one of the Pacific Northwest’s premier wine-growing areas.

Featured excursions may include nearby Pendleton, Oregon, famous for its legendary rodeo, historic downtown, Native American heritage, and renowned woolen mills. Discover the rich traditions of the American West while learning about the pioneers, ranchers, and tribal communities who shaped this remarkable region.

Overnight aboard.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8 – Clarkston, Washington & Hells Canyon

Today your cruise reaches Clarkston, Washington, named in honor of William Clark of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Situated at the confluence of the Snake and Clearwater Rivers, Clarkston serves as the gateway to the spectacular Hells Canyon National Recreation Area.

Choose from exciting excursions that may include a thrilling jet boat adventure into Hells Canyon, the deepest river gorge in North America, where sheer canyon walls tower above the Snake River. Other options explore Lewis and Clark history, Native American culture, and the dramatic landscapes of this remote corner of the Pacific Northwest.

This evening, gather with fellow travelers for a memorable farewell dinner aboard as you celebrate an unforgettable journey through the Columbia and Snake River valleys.

Overnight aboard.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9 – Disembark in Clarkston & Return Home