Columbia and Snake Rivers Cruise
8 Days, 7 Nights
May 31 to Jun 07, 2024
Itinerary
Day 1 — Embark in Clarkston, WA
Begin your cruise on the legendary Snake River. Watch the remote wilderness and canyon hillsides glide by in ever-changing scenic panoramas. Admire the steep hillsides, dotted with white pelicans, osprey, bald eagles, cormorants, blue herons, and more.
Nestled in a handsome valley surrounded by steep hillsides, Clarkston embellishes the shoreline along the Snake River at the river’s confluence with the Clearwater River. Named for William Clark of the historic Lewis and Clark Expedition, Clarkston’s origin dates back to the late 1890s, tracing its roots to the Nez Perce, the Native American tribe that originally inhabited the valley. Venture to Hells Canyon for a jet boat ride, through the deepest canyon in North America, and let your senses run as wild as the landscapes of grand mountain peaks and vast reaches of remote wilderness.
Day 2 — Pendleton, OR and Richland, WA
Richland sits at confluence of the Yakima and Columbia River. Our ship docks just steps away from scenic waterfront walking trials, unique shops, and local wineries. Enjoy a variety of guided excursions to area parks and museums, including the REACH Museum where you can discover Eastern Washington’s rich landscape and history, from the Ice Age to the Atomic Age. Admire the beauty of the Columbia and Snake River confluence at Sacajawea State Park and explore the grounds where the Corps of Discovery camped in October 1805 amidst a thriving community of Native Americans.
A full-day excursion also visits Pendleton, Oregon to enjoy western heritage, Native American history and the network of underground tunnels created a century ago for both legal and illicit activities.
Day 3 — Cruising the Columbia River Gorge
From the comfort of your private balcony, admire the magnificent bluffs of the Columbia River Gorge, covered in deep green forest and framed by picturesque hillsides that quickly ascend toward the sky. Windsurfers and kiteboarders adorn the landscape as they drift across the broad, shining river.
Day 4 — Stevenson, WA
Nearby attractions offer a day of diverse options. Stand in awe of the glorious Multnomah Falls as it tumbles 620-feet off mountains and down into the river. Visit the Bonneville Dam visitor’s center to ponder the wonders of hydroelectricity and explore the intriguing exhibits of the Columbia Gorge Interpretive Center Museum. Discover the village of Stevenson, easily accessible from our dock, offering small town charm and a unique Northwest flair. Or simply, sit on deck with a beverage and admire the grandeur of nature.
Day 5 — Kalama, WA
From our convenient new dock at Kalama, Washington, enjoy the grand landscape of the Cascade Mountains scenic drive to view the remnants of nearby Mount St. Helens. A local guide enhances your understanding and shares the story of the volcano’s 1980 eruption and its impact on the environment and the lives of those in the area. Just off the ship dock, enjoy an expansive city park, unique local artwork throughout an impressive adjacent hotel, and an interesting interpretive center. Or venture out to a nearby family vineyard for an afternoon of wine tasting.
Day 6 — Astoria, OR
Astoria is the oldest American settlement west of the Rockies. Colorful Victorian homes adorn the hillside that climbs steeply up from the river, earning it the nickname “The Little San Francisco.” Explore this remarkable town on your own or choose from a collection of well-curated excursions.
Step into history on a guided exploration to the National Park Service replica of Fort Clatsop, the 1805-06 winter camp of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Board a local red trolley to ride along the picturesque waterfront or savor the perspective from a bluff high above the city at the picturesque Astoria Column. Peruse the town’s quaint shops, galleries, wineries, and brew pubs. Or simply stroll off the ship to the nearby acclaimed Columbia River Maritime Museum.
Day 7 — Day of Cruising
Continue your journey in this vibrant region with majestic Mount Hood serving as a stunning backdrop. Situated between the waters of the Columbia and Willamette Rivers, the area's history is forever entwined with the fortunes of these great rivers. In the golden age of riverboats, sternwheelers crossed the waterfront while steam whistles and calliopes rang out across the water.
Day 8 — Portland, OR and Return Home
Enjoy breakfast on board. As we transport you to the airport to begin your journey home, reflect upon your amazing adventure and the memories made along the way.
Route Map
Pricing
Double Occupancy:
Starting at $5,690
(Per Person)
Single Occupancy:
Starting at $6,999
(Per Person)
The total prices are inclusive of taxes and a $500 non-refundable deposit.
Please note that airfare is not included, but we are happy to help you make your air bookings.
Optional Extension:
Hells Canyon (Pre-Cruise)
The Hells Canyon Pre-Cruise Package provides you with a seamless way to board the ship and explore
Hells Canyon:
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One extra night at the Holiday Inn Clarkston-Lewiston, conveniently located at the ship's dock
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A full breakfast each morning
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Jet Boat Adventure in Hells Canyon the day before your cruise.
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The jet boat departs from/returns to the hotel. Refer to your welcome letter, received upon check-in, for an exact time
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Lunch during the Jet Boat Adventure is included at a ranch deep within Hells Canyon
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Full concierge luggage service is included. All your luggage will be handled from the hotel to the ship by ACL deckhand
Hells Canyon is a 10-mile-wide canyon and is North America's deepest river gorge at 7,993 feet.
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After breakfast, our chartered jet boat will meet you at the ship
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Explore places most boats can’t reach on the river
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Local Clarkston guide provides interesting stories about the region’s history and canyon formation
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Witness amazing transformation in geography from high desert to alpine forests
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View bighorn sheep, ancient rock formations, and Indian pictographs
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Enjoy lunch during the tour at a ranch deep within Hells Canyon
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Walking is minimal, but a golf cart is available at the ranch
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A bathroom is available on the jet boat
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Boats are covered and go 30MPH
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20-54 passengers, seats are arranged like a bus
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Approximately $330 for the whole package