Columbia & Snake River Cruise Destinations

From the Pacific to the high desert canyons, the Columbia and Snake pack in astonishing variety. Here are the highlights.

The Columbia River Gorge

An 80-mile National Scenic Area of sheer basalt cliffs, waterfalls and windswept vistas — including Multnomah Falls — with Mt. Hood towering to the south.

Portland & the Willamette

The “City of Roses” — gardens, food and the gateway to Oregon wine country at the start of most cruises.

Astoria & the Pacific

Where the Columbia meets the sea and Lewis & Clark reached the ocean — Victorian houses, the Astoria Column and Fort Clatsop.

Wine country

The Columbia Valley and Walla Walla — some of America’s finest wines, tasted on included excursions ashore.

The Snake River & Hells Canyon

Up the Snake to Clarkston, gateway to Hells Canyon, North America’s deepest river gorge, and Nez Perce heritage.

Most cruises start in Portland, so it’s easy to add a day of gardens and food carts first — RoomsCheap.com lists Portland hotels.

Want more time among the waterfalls than a day ashore allows? Compare Columbia River Gorge hotels near Multnomah Falls and Hood River for a night or two before or after your sailing.

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