Natural wonders, historic landmarks & wine on a Pacific Northwest river cruise on the Columbia and Snake rivers
Columbia River
The mighty Columbia showcases its natural wonders like trophies. With the snowcapped peaks of Mount St. Helens as your backdrop, you’ll pass through the Columbia River Gorge, with its 292,500 acres of waterfalls, sweeping forests, and abundant wildlife; the majestic Bonneville Dam; and the Lewis and Clark Wildlife Refuge, which holds some 20 islands and teems with bald eagles, harbor seals, and river otters. Plus, in the ports of Portland,Astoria, The Dalles, and Walla Walla you can visit wineries (the Walla Walla valley produces exceptional wines), sweeping parks, and cultural sites like the Maryhill Museum, the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center, and the Columbia River Maritime Museum.
Snake River
Stunning vineyard-draped hillsides unfold at the mouth of the Snake River, a waterway steeped in beauty and history. The river looks much as it did when the Lewis and Clark Expedition arrived in the area and, farther upriver near Twin Falls, when Evel Knievel soared over the canyon on his Skycycle X-2. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time, as Lewis and Clark historical sites flavor your voyage. One of the highlights is Hells Canyon, an awe-inspiring stretch of river that free-flows through dramatic vertical cliffs. You’ll take a jet boat tour deep into the canyon, where you’ll see 7,000-year-old Native American petroglyphs, learn about the Nez Perce people, and watch for big horn sheep along the way.
Willamette River
It’s all about food, wine, and water on the Willamette River. The river flows through Willamette Valley, the fertile region that’s home to more than 300 wineries. Cruisers will have ample time to visit tasting rooms and sample the culinary riches in Portland.
Ready for a luxury river cruise on the Pacific Northwest’s inland waterways? Start planning your cruise here.
