Pre-Cruise Portland, OR
Each Columbia & Snake Rivers itinerary comes complete with a Complimentary Pre-Cruise Package, providing you with a seamless way to board the ship and explore the local area. Arrive the day before your scheduled cruise date and American Cruise Lines will handle the rest. The package includes a premium hotel stay, where you can enjoy the city at your leisure. On the morning of the cruise, meet in the hotel lobby after breakfast and we will transport you to the ship to begin your cruise. All luggage will be brought directly from the hotel and placed in your stateroom aboard the ship.
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Day 1 Portland, OR
At the confluence of the Columbia and Willamette Rivers, Portland was once a sanctuary for pioneers. Today, the city is surrounded by national parkland but also features an array of museums and shopping areas. Arrive a day early and visit the Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum, or the Portland Art Museum.
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 Day 2 Astoria, OR
After reaching the Pacific Coast, the Lewis and Clark expedition spent the winter at Fort Clatsop. Visit a replica of the fort and learn about what the Corps of Discovery Expedition endured on their pioneering journey into the West. From our dock in Astoria, also visit the Columbia River Maritime Museum, a tribute to mariners around the globe for their service on the high seas.
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Columbia River Maritime Museum - Complimentary Excursion
In the morning, take a trolley or a leisurely 5-minute walk to the Columbia River Maritime Museum and meet with our guide for you a personalized tour of the facilities. Learn about the history of crossing the bar, known as one of the toughest and most treacherous routes in maritime history. Witness remnants of some of the actual ships that were destroyed during the river crossing, discover artifacts and learn what makes this specific area so dangerous and feared by even the most experienced sailors.
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Fort Clatsop Tour & Astoria Experience
Enjoy a city tour of Astoria and learn the history of the area while visiting two historic sites. The first stop will be at the Astoria Column, where you will have the opportunity to climb 164 steps to the top of the column to see the majestic views of the countryside. The tour will then proceed to Fort Clatsop, a replica of the original site where the Lewis and Clark Corps of Discovery camped during the winter of 1805-1806.
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Cape Disappointment State Park
In the morning, take a scenic tour through Astoria as we journey to Cape Disappointment State Park. Here a park ranger will greet us and serve as our guide through the impressive Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center. Situated on the cliffs 200 feet above the Pacific Ocean, the Center commemorates the Corps of Discovery’s 1804-1806 expedition. Witness live demonstrations, an interactive film, and a variety of exhibits dedicated to Lewis and Clark. The impressive mural-sized “timeline” panels guide you through the exhibit while featuring many of the actual sketches, paintings, and photographs of the Corps members. This tour perfectly complements Todd on board Lewis and Clark lectures.
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Day 3 Mt. St. Helens, WA
Perhaps the most impactful of all landmarks in the region is Mount St. Helens. From high on an overlook, bear witness to the awesome power of the volcano whose eruption in 1980 scorched 230 square miles of forest land and forever changed the landscape. Expert guides will show you the pumice plain and lava dome as they explain the effect of the volcano had on the environment and the lives of those in the surrounding towns.
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Mount St. Helens Experience - Complimentary Excursion
May 18, is a day etched into the history of the United States, as the powerful eruption of Mount St. Helens drastically changed the landscape of what is now referred to as the National Volcanic Monument. On your scenic journey to the Mount St. Helens Johnston Ridge Observatory, your tour guide will provide engaging commentary regarding the eruption, how it affected the landscape and surrounding communities, and how the environment has responded naturally to the disturbance. The Observatory itself sits on a bluff near the crater, offering spectacular views of the pumice plain and blast site.
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Day 4 Portland, OR
Since the late 19th-century, Portland has been referred to as “The City of Roses,” due to its ideal climate for growing these beautiful perennials. Explore this second largest city of the Pacific Northwest and discover its rich culture and history.
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Views from the Vista House - Complimentary Excursion
Explore Portland on this city tour which will highlight downtown, local bridges, and the Vista House. Built in 1917, the Vista House serves as a rest stop observatory for travelers on the old Columbia River Gorge Highway and as a memorial honoring Oregon’s pioneers—particularly those who made their way down the Columbia River. Enjoy the incredible scenic views at this historic site.
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Day 5 Stevenson, WA
Multnomah Falls is an awesome sight to behold. After cruising past the waterfall, enjoy an up-close view of one of North America's tallest waterfalls. Stroll along the footpath to Benson Bridge for the best view of the 620-foot plunge. The village of Stevenson has a classic small town charm with a unique Northwest flair and is easily accessible from our dock.
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Multnomah Falls - Complimentary Excursion
A highlight of any trip to the Pacific Northwest is Multnomah Falls, the second tallest year-round waterfall in the U.S. After breakfast, our private guide will meet you at the ship’s dock along the Columbia River Gorge to begin your journey. As you wind through the thick forest, cross the impressive “Bridge of the Gods,” before finally reaching Multnomah Falls. Upon arrival, you will have time to explore the Falls on your own and walk the famous Benson Bridge to get the best vantage point for your photo opportunities.
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Day 6; Hood River, OR
At the base of Mt. Hood lies the sleepy town of Hood River. The old trading post is most famous as the terminus of the Mt. Hood Railroad, where timber and produce would be transferred to ships and sent downriver. Now the historic railroad is a highlight of the area, winding its way high into the mountains for unprecedented views of the Gorge and the tallest peak in Oregon.
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Western Antique Aeroplane & Automobile Museum - Complimentary Excursion
The Western Antique Aeroplane & Automobile Museum is dedicated to the preservation of all means of transportation. Enjoy viewing the cars, planes, motorcycles, military vehicles, and more that are housed in this 3.5-acre indoor hangar. Rather than just refinishing the outside surface, engines are rebuilt so all are operable, resulting one of the largest collections of antique planes and cars that are still in working condition.
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Mt. Hood Railway Tour
Witness picturesque views of Mount Hood and Mount Adams as you travel by train through the woods, orchards, and valleys of Mt. Hood Railway. Afterward, enjoy a short stop at Parkdale for a leisurely walk, before the relaxing return ride.
*This is a Signature Shore Tour. Please call (800) 460-4518 for more information. |
Day 7 The Dalles, OR
Located between Mt. Hood and Mt. Adams, The Dalles is famous for being the last stop on the historic Oregon Trail. To the pioneers, the terrain was treacherous; to today's visitors, it is simply stunning. Overlooking the Columbia River Gorge is Cascade Cliffs Winery, the ideal place to spend an afternoon with expert sommeliers enjoying the bounty of the fertile Columbia Valley.
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 Maryhill Museum of Art
Overlooking the gorge sits the Maryhill Museum of Art. Here, Native American artifacts, royal memorabilia from Queen Marie of Romania, outdoor sculptures, and a permanent collection of international chess sets adorn the museum halls. You will not only be treated to one-of-a-kind permanent collection, but also a variety of featured exhibitions.
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 Columbia Gorge Discovery Center - Complimentary Excursion
As you step off the ship, you will be greeted by members of the local visitor’s center who are dressed in period-specific clothing from the pinnacle days of riverboating. Our guide will meet us at the ship for a short narrated tour of the town before arriving at the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center. Here, explore the various exhibits that highlight the volcanic upheaval and raging floods that helped to create the gorge. The highlight of the center visit includes a unique raptor exhibition where we will watch birds of prey put on an aerobatic display and learn about the protected eagles that call the gorge home.
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 Cascade Cliffs Winery Tour & Tasting
Experience the breathtaking views of the Columbia Gorge as we tour the vineyard at Cascade Cliffs Winery, a family-owned business established in 2011. Led by expert sommeliers, tour the winery, stroll through the scenic vineyard, and taste a variety of award-winning Italian-inspired wines.
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 Day 8 Richland, WA
Once known as the village of Chemna, Richland was incorporated as a city in 1910 and sits at the confluence of the Yakima and Columbia River. Visit the REACH Museum, a popular destination which illustrates the unique culture and history of the region, with over 14,000 sq. ft. of exhibits.
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The REACH Museum
Looking through the lens of The Hanford Reach National Monument and the Columbia River, The REACH Museum illustrates the rich culture and history of Eastern Washington through engaging exhibits, artifacts, and tours. Featuring over 14,000 square feet of exhibits, the museum claims the only complete baby woolly mammoth skeleton on display.
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 Day 9 Pendleton, OR
A charming city in Umatilla, OR, Pendleton began as a European-American commercial center around 1851. Incorporated as a city in 1880, Pendleton is known for its famous woolen mills. Visit the Pendleton Woolen Mill and Museum to learn about the town's weaving process that has produced world famous woolens since 1901.
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 The Pendleton Signature Tour
Enjoy a scenic ride through the countryside and witness the striking contrast in , as you make your way to Pendleton for the day’s excursions. Upon arrival, be greeted by our private tour guide who will take you to explore Pendleton’s infamous underground city, followed by a complimentary BBQ lunch at the famous Hamley’s Restaurant. In the afternoon, travel to the Tamastslikt Cultural Institute, for a look into the storied past of the Cayuse, Umatilla, and Walla Walla Tribes. Finally, visit the famous Pendleton Woolen Mill for a tour and the chance to purchase authentic woven goods.
*This is a Signature Shore Tour. Please call (800) 460-4518 for more information. |
 Day 10 Clarkston, WA
One of the Pacific Northwest's most inland seaports, Clarkston is located on the Snake River, near the famous Hells Canyon. The 10-mile wide canyon was carved out from significant events occurring 15,000 years ago, including a flood from Glacial Lake Bonneville in Utah. Once the destination for miners, explorers, and settlers, Hells Canyon is now a popular recreation area.
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 Hells Canyon Jet Boat Signature Tour
We have chartered the Hells Canyon Jet Boat to take you through the deepest canyon in America. After breakfast, the jet boat will meet you at the ship for an afternoon of adventure. Here, you will explore places most boats cannot reach on the river and witness the amazing transformation in geography from high desert to alpine forests. View ancient rock formations and native pictographs while your local Clarkston guide provides interesting stories about the region’s history and canyon formation. Enjoy a catered luncheon at the exclusive Garden Creek Ranch before heading back to the ship, where we will celebrate your return during our nightly cocktail hour.
*This is a Signature Shore Tour. Please call (800) 460-4518 in advance to reserve this experience. * For cruises departing from Clarkston, the Jet Boat Tour is a pre-cruise excursion. Please call (800) 460-4518 in advance for more information |
 Nez Perce National Historic Park - Complimentary
Led by an expert guide, take a narrated tour of this historic park. Hear stories of the Nez Perce tribe, best remembered for having saved the Lewis and Clark Expedition team from starvation following their journey through the Bitterroot Mountains. Witness preserved sites, stories, and artifacts associated with the Nez Perce tribe.
*Tour only offered on cruises ending in Clarkston, WA |
 Day 11 Clarkston, WA
Take in the beautiful views of Clarkston one last time before enjoying a regionally inspired breakfast. Let our gracious onboard crew assist you with you travel arrangements.
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