Columbia River CruisesTravel Information for the Smart Traveler™
Columbia & Snake River Cruises — Pacific Northwest

Columbia & Snake River Cruises

Waterfalls, basalt cliffs and vineyard hills. A Columbia & Snake River cruise sails the Pacific Northwest in the wake of Lewis and Clark — no passport required.

A Columbia and Snake River cruise explores the dramatic Pacific Northwest by small ship: the waterfall-lined Columbia River Gorge, Mount Hood, Multnomah Falls, the Lewis & Clark trail and the wineries of Oregon and Washington. Round-trip from Portland, these all-American river cruises pair scenery with history and wine — a specialist matches the ship and season.

Why Cruise the Columbia & Snake?

The Gorge

Waterfalls and basalt cliffs with Mount Hood beyond.

Lewis & Clark

Follow the explorers’ route to the Pacific.

Wine country

Oregon and Washington vineyards and tastings.

No passport needed

A world-class river cruise in the USA.

Along the Columbia & Snake

The Columbia River and Mount Hood in the Pacific Northwest

Columbia River Gorge

Multnomah Falls and Vista House.

Mount Hood & Portland

The Rose City gateway.

Lewis & Clark

Astoria and the Pacific mouth.

Snake River

Hells Canyon and Washington wine country.

Popular Columbia River Itineraries

  • Round-trip Portland (7 nights)
  • Columbia River Gorge & Multnomah Falls
  • Snake River & Hells Canyon
  • Lewis & Clark heritage sailings
  • Oregon & Washington wine excursions

Ready to cruise the Columbia?

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Columbia River Cruises — Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time for a Columbia River cruise?

April–November; spring brings waterfalls and blossoms, summer is warm and dry, and fall adds harvest and foliage.

What’s the difference between the Columbia and Snake?

Most sailings cruise both — the Columbia for the Gorge and Lewis & Clark history, the Snake for Hells Canyon and Washington wine country.

Where do Columbia River cruises start?

Nearly all round-trip from Portland, Oregon, on small U.S.-flagged river ships.

How do I get a quote?

Request up to 5 free, no-obligation quotes from a river cruise specialist and compare ships and dates.

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