Cruise United States | American Cruise Lines, Columbia & Snake Rivers Cruise: Portland, Oregon to Clarkston, Washington

Days 1 - 2: Your Home City / Portland, Oregon

Arrive in Portland and check into your premium pre-cruise hotel, enjoying the remainder of the day exploring the city. Following breakfast in the morning, meet your transfer to your American Cruise Lines ship for embarkation. Settle into your stateroom before joining your fellow travelers and celebratory crew for a welcome reception, followed by a delicious dinner in the grand dining room.

Day 3: Astoria, Oregon

Following a delicious breakfast, disembark with your choice of shore excursions today in this Victorian-flavored port. Catch the trolley or stroll to the Columbia River Maritime Museum for a personalized guided experience, uncovering the remnants of ships, artifacts and history of the crossing bar. You may also take a scenic tour through Cape Disappointment State Park, complete with live demonstrations, interactive film, and exhibits dedicated to Lewis and Clark. Or, explore a replica of a Lewis and Clark fort at Fort Clatsop and visit the Astoria Column overlooking the city.

Day 4: Mount Saint Helens, Washington

Home to a National Volcanic Monument, awaken this morning in Mount Saint Helens. Learn how its fiery eruption in 1980 drastically changed the landscape and surrounding towns on your scenic journey to the bluffside observatory where expert guides will show you the lava dome and pumice plain. Later, relax onboard with a mouthwatering culinary experience as you reminisce about your exciting day.

Day 5: Cruising the Columbia River Gorge / Stevenson, Washington

Once traveled by Lewis and Clark on their pioneering journey westward, revel in the sights and sounds of the Columbia River Gorge, a spectacular river canyon meandering through the Cascade Mountain Range, and the largest protected National Scenic Area as you go ashore. Keep your cameras ready as you meet your private guide, crossing the "Bridge of the God" and winding through the forest to the famous Multnomah Falls, looking up to the cascading magnificence from the Benson Foot Bridge. Or, embark on a self-guided visit of the Columbia River Gorge Interpretive Center, showcasing the region's unique history and cultural diversity, from Native American tribes and expeditions of Lewis and Clark to 19th-century loggers and settlers.

Following a day of wonderment and discovery, delight in a pre-dinner cocktail party with your fellow passengers as a prelude to a tantalizing dinner in the grand dining room, followed by live music for a grand evening of song.

Day 6: The Dalles, Oregon

As the last stop on the famous Oregon Trail and gateway to the Columbia River Gorge, enjoy a day of discovery with a choice of port excursions. Explore the town before arriving at the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center for inspiring exhibits featuring the origin of the gorge and the landscape, plus a regional birds of prey aerobatic display. This afternoon, opt to learn about Native American artifacts and royal memorabilia from Queen Marie of Romania at Maryhill Museum of Art. Or, experience the vineyards of Cascade Cliffs Winery and sample a variety of award-winning Italian-inspired wines led by expert sommeliers for a delightful day in this historic destination.

Day 7: Pendleton, Oregon / Richland, Washington

Reserve your signature experience in this engaging port for a scenic ride through the countryside to Pendleton. Your private guide will lead you to the famous underground city, a network of tunnels once home to secret businesses, followed by lunch at the Western-inspired Hamley Steakhouse. Then, immerse in 10,000 years of Native American history at the Tamastslikt Cultural Institute and conclude at the Pendleton Woolen Mill. You may also choose to explore the REACH Museum in Richland to learn the history of the region, including interactive exhibits, artifacts and garden.

Day 8: Clarkston, Washington

The gateway to North America's deepest gorge, nature's bounty adorns the charming small town of Clarkston. Home to the scenic Hells Canyon, adventure seekers will enjoy beautiful scenic vistas on a signature jet boat excursion through the canyon, featuring ancient rock formations, native pictographs and geological transformations, followed by an exclusive lunch at Garden Creek Ranch. Or, savor a relaxing narrated tour of the Nez Perce National Historic Park, its sites, ancient stories and authentic artifacts of the resilient Nez Perce tribe, and its connection to Lewis and Clark.

After an exciting day of exploration, celebrate your great Northwest river voyage with a festive farewell reception, toasting to your fellow travelers and crew, followed by dinner in the ship's grand dining room.

Day 9: Clarkston, Washington / Your Home City

Following breakfast, disembark at the designated time and transfer to your post-cruise hotel or airport for your flight home to begin planning your next American river cruising adventure.