Cruise Description
7 Night Cruise sailing from Portland to Clarkston aboard Queen of the West.
Cruise the Columbia and Snake Rivers along the epic route pioneered by Lewis and Clark more than 200 years ago. Join us aboard the paddlewheeler Queen of the West for an 8-day cruise through this rich tapestry of ever changing landscapes, thriving wildlife habitats and diverse wine country.
Queen of the West offers an intimate atmosphere with multiple lounges and cozy staterooms – each with a fantastic view of the river. Enjoy freshly prepared regional cuisine, local wine varietals and the personalized service of American Cruise Lines as we travel from Portland, OR to Clarkston, WA.
Day 1 Portland, OR
Situated between the sparkling waters of the Columbia and Willamette Rivers, Portland has flourished throughout history with the fortunes of the great rivers. In the golden age of riverboats, sternwheelers crossed Portland’s busy waterfront while steam whistles and calliopes rang out across the water. Today, big city excitement combined with small town charm makes Portland one of the favorite destinations in the West. Highlights include the Portland Art Museum, the International Rose Test Garden and famous Powell’s Bookstore, filling an entire city block.
Day 2 Astoria, OR
A nationally significant historic region at the western end of the Lewis & Clark Trail, Astoria is the oldest American settlement west of the Rockies and today showcases more than 70 Victorian-era homes in its unique historic district. In the winter of 1805-06 the Lewis & Clark Corps of Discovery Expedition was headquartered at Fort Clatsop. In 1955, a replica of the fort was built near the original site was eventually named a National Monument. Get a comprehensive overview of the Corp’s entire expedition at Fort Canby and the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center.
Day 3 Rainier, OR
Cruise through Volcano Alley on the Columbia River with views of Mt. Hood, Mt. Adams and Mt. St. Helens. From Rainier, you will travel to Mt. St. Helens National Volcanic Monument. At the nearby observatory and interpretive center, look right into the volcanic crater with its steaming dome, and witness firsthand the destructive power and damage caused by its volcanic blast in 1980.
Day 4 Cruising the Columbia River Gorge
The Columbia River Gorge is a spectacular river canyon cutting the only sea-level route through the Cascade Mountain Range. A popular recreational destination, the gorge holds federally protected status as a National Scenic Area called the Columbia Gorge National Scenic Area and is managed by the United States Forest Service. The cliffs of the awe-inspiring gorge look down on quaint riverfront towns and exhilarating windsurfing waters. Through millenniums of geologic events, waterfalls have found their home in the Columbia River Gorge.
Day 5 Stevenson, WA
In the heart of the Columbia Gorge National Scenic Area, the ship will move through transit the Bonneville Lock and Dam to reach the port of Stevenson. At the Bonneville Dam Visitors Center, learn about the workings of the massive turbine generators behind this imposing hydroelectric power source. The Columbia Gorge Interpretive Center showcases the area’s unique cultural and historical diversity, from the Native American tribes that inhabited the Gorge, to Lewis and Clark and 19th-century loggers.
Day 6 The Dalles, OR
Located in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, between Mt. Hood and Mt. Adams, on the south bank, The Dalles is a perfect photographic spot. Discover the area where Lewis & Clark camped at at Rock Fort Camp during their historic journey to explore the Louisiana Purchase territory in 1805-1806.
Day 7 Pendleton, OR / Richland, WA
Journey to Pendleton and get a taste of the real West watching working cowboys at the world-famous Pendleton Roundup and learn about the pioneers from the perspective of the Native Americans at the Tamastslikt Cultural Institute.
Day 8 Clarkston, WA / Lewiston, ID
The twin cities of Lewiston, Idaho and Clarkston, Washington, are known as the Northwest’s most inland seaports. Here, along the Snake River, you’ll find Hells Canyon, the deepest canyon in North America. This canyon is known for its pristine wilderness and breathtaking scenery. View ancient Indian petroglyphs and magnificent wildlife.
Cruise Itinerary
| Date | Activity | Arrive | Depart |
|---|---|---|---|
| 28/03 | Portland, Oregon, USA | ||
| 29/03 | Astoria, Oregon, USA | ||
| 30/03 | Rainier, Oregon | ||
| 31/03 | Columbia River Gorge, USA | ||
| 01/04 | Stevenson, WA | ||
| 02/04 | The Dalles | ||
| 03/04 | Pendleton, Oregon, USA | ||
| 04/04 | Clarkston, Washington, USA |
Itinerary may vary by sailing date and itineraries may be changed at the cruise lines discretion. Please check itinerary details at time of booking and before booking other travel services such as airline tickets.