Columbia River Cruises
Follow Lewis & Clark through the Pacific Northwest — the dramatic Columbia River Gorge, thundering waterfalls, Mt. Hood, wine country and pioneer history — aboard comfortable American riverboats, with a specialist to plan it all.
A Columbia & Snake River cruise is one of America’s great voyages — and you don’t need a passport. Sailing between Portland, Oregon and Clarkston, Washington, you pass through the basalt cliffs and waterfalls of the Columbia River Gorge, ride eight towering locks and dams, and retrace the route of Lewis & Clark to the Pacific at Astoria. Along the way are Mt. Hood, Multnomah Falls, the wine country of the Columbia Valley and Walla Walla, and the wild canyons of the Snake. Ships are spacious all-American riverboats — grand paddlewheelers and modern all-balcony vessels — with English-speaking crews and regional cuisine. We match the ship, season and itinerary to you, and get you the best cruise price free from a true cruise specialist.
Why cruise the Columbia?
No passport, no jet lag
A domestic cruise round-trip from Portland — easy to reach, all in English, no international travel.
The Columbia Gorge
Sail through a National Scenic Area of basalt cliffs and waterfalls, past Multnomah Falls and beneath Mt. Hood.
Lewis & Clark & locks
Retrace the Corps of Discovery to the Pacific, transiting eight dramatic locks and dams along the way.
Wine & history
Columbia Valley and Walla Walla wines, pioneer forts and Native heritage bring the region to life.
Columbia & Snake — the great Northwest voyage
Most cruises run 7 nights between Portland and Clarkston, timed to spring wildflowers, summer sun or golden autumn. Highlights include the Columbia River Gorge, Multnomah Falls, Bonneville Dam, Mt. Hood, the Snake River’s Hells Canyon country, and Astoria near the river’s mouth.
Ships range from authentic stern-wheelers to modern all-balcony riverboats — roomier than European vessels, with big windows, regional Pacific Northwest cuisine, and included excursions in every port. We’ll match the ship and dates to you.
Tempted to linger where Lewis & Clark reached the Pacific? It’s an easy drive from Portland — RoomsCheap.com lists Astoria hotels and inns near the Astoria Column and Fort Clatsop.
Columbia river cruising in pictures
Ready to plan your Columbia river cruise?
Tell us your dates and whether you prefer a paddlewheeler or a modern riverboat, and we’ll match the sailing — and get your best cruise price free from a true cruise specialist, with no obligation.
Get your best Columbia cruise price freeFrequently Asked Questions
Do I need a passport for a Columbia River cruise?
No — the Columbia & Snake River cruise is entirely within the United States (Oregon, Washington and Idaho), so a valid ID is generally all you need. We’ll confirm the requirements for your sailing.
Where does the cruise go?
Typically round-trip or one-way between Portland, Oregon and Clarkston, Washington — through the Columbia River Gorge, past Multnomah Falls and Mt. Hood, to Astoria and up the Snake River, transiting eight locks and dams.
When is the best time to cruise?
April–October. Spring brings waterfalls and wildflowers, summer offers long sunny days, and autumn adds harvest and fall color. We help you pick the best window.
Paddlewheeler or modern ship?
Both sail the Columbia — classic stern-wheelers for old-fashioned romance and modern all-balcony riverboats for contemporary comfort. We’ll match your preference.
How do I get a quote?
Tell us your dates and ship preference and request your best cruise price free from a true cruise specialist, with no obligation.
