From 1803 to 1806, Lewis and Clark traveled on their epic Voyage of Discovery, culminating along the Columbia River. This great river gorge is a natural boundary between Oregon and Washington. Portland is uniquely situated as a starting point for cruises on the Columbia, to see the forests, mountains and rock formations and learn about the history of the tribes, fur traders and fisheries of the Pacific Northwest.
The Portland Spirit River Cruise Dining and Columbia River Adventures has a fleet of vessels. Guests searching for a cruise combined with a meal can select from the gourmet brunch, lunch and dinner cruises, all with live entertainment. Guests interested primarily in sightseeing are welcome and can purchase snacks and drinks or a full-meal ticket if space permits. During the Christmas holiday season, special Cinnamon Bear Cruises give children a chance to watch a theater production and meet the Cinnamon Bear.
Many of the cruises are designed specifically for sightseeing. The Landmarks of the Gorge cruise visits the most famous spots on the Columbia River, including the spectacular Multnomah Falls 620-foot plunge from Larch Mountain. There is also the Willamette Falls Cruise: The New Frontier, which has ancient fishing grounds at Hyan Tye Tumwater, where the tribes fished for salmon. Visitors who seek thrills take the Outrageous Jet Boat cruises to the Heart of the Gorge or Historic Astoria, where Lewis and Clark wintered on the Pacific Ocean.
Portland Spirit River Cruise Dining and Columbia River Adventures
110 SE Caruthers Street
Portland, OR 97214
503-224-3900
portlandspirit.com
Cruise West offers the River Voyage of Discovery, a seven-night round trip starting in Portland from April to October. The 1,000-mile trip highlights the Lewis and Clark trip and gives guests the full Columbia River experience, beginning with a sparkling wine toast the evening of the voyage. Guests can relax in the ship's lounge and bar areas while enjoying views of the Cascade Mountains and forests. Cabins offer comfortable beds during the river cruise, with the added option of "green" features such as linens and towels made of bamboo fiber.
The vessel travels past the Cascade Mountains and forests with water falls. The landscape then changes to imposing basalt formations and hills. Passengers disembark on several occasions, such as at the Bonneville Dam and at Pendleton, Oregon for a barbecue lunch. At the Tamastslikt Cultural Institute, visitors learn about the area tribes. Wine tasting is offered in Walla Walla, and then enjoy a relaxing cruise with final stops in Astoria or Mount St. Helens before returning to Portland.
Cruise West
2301 Fifth Avenue, Suite 401
Seattle, WA 98121
206-441-8687
cruisewest.com
The American Safari Cruises offer passengers an intimate cruising experience on the spacious Safari Explorer that travels along the Columbia River with a maximum of 40 passengers and 18 staterooms. Guests can explore the Wine Library or use the fitness equipment, sauna or hot tub in the spa. Also offered are yoga classes and complimentary massages,
The Rivers of the West seven-night cruise travels from Portland to Lewiston, Idaho. Stops include the Bonneville Dam and a private wine-tasting event. Passengers can also kayak on quiet river channels and jet boat into Hells Canyon. The Wine and Culinary Yacht Cruise visits the Maryhill Museum, where famed railroad tycoon Sam Hill built a mansion that houses Rodin sculpture and artwork. Guests enjoy gourmet meals on the voyage.
American Safari Cruises
3826 18th Ave W
Seattle, WA 98119
206-284-0300
americansafaricruises.com
