Travelers interested in Washington and Oregon river cruises can enjoy the beauty of both states by cruising the Columbia River. The Columbia, which divides the central and western portions of the two states, offers beautiful scenery and history. It is here that Lewis and Clark completed their westward journey in the early 1800s. In large stretches the river still looks as it did to the explorers.
Columbia River Journeys, based on the river in Richland, Wash., offers river day trips from May 1 through Oct. 15. The tours, on jet boats, offer several destinations, including the Hanford Reach National Monument, a relic of the Manhattan Project situated in beautiful wilderness.
Columbia River Journeys
1229 Columbia Park Trail
Richland, WA 99352
888-486-9119
columbiariverjourneys.com
Several companies offer multi-day cruises on the Columbia River and connecting waterways. Adventure Cruises, based in White Salmon, Wash., welcomes passengers aboard a variety of craft, including a paddlewheel boat. Cruises include a sleeping cabin and meals. Cruise West offers seven-day cruises on the Columbia and Snake rivers.
Adventure Cruises
725 Snowden Road
White Salmon, WA 98672
800-613-2789
adventurecruises.com
Cruise West
2301 5th Ave., Suite 401
Seattle, WA 98121-1856
888-851-1856
cruisewest.com
Oregon and Washington are home to a fast-growing wine industry. Sunstone Tours & Cruises offers a nine-day "Wine Country Tour" that takes 36 guests on a scenic tour--complete with tastings at several wineries--on the Snake and Columbia rivers. Passengers can also enjoy a jet boat ride through Hell's Canyon, the deepest river gorge in the country. Cruises depart from Portland, Ore., March through November.
Sunstone Tours & Cruises
4950 N. Marine Drive #303
Chicago, IL 60640
888-815-5428
