View Portland, Oregon, from a unique perspective as you sail upon the Columbia and Willamette rivers, floating past a vast metropolitan skyline with the snow-covered peak of Mount Hood and lush green pine forests as its backdrop.
American Cruise Lines’ vessels include Queen of the West, an ornate four-deck paddleboat that accommodates 120 people. In addition to four lounges, a library and grand dining room, the ship includes lavish state rooms, many of which have private balconies, large picture windows and DVD players. The boat transports passengers on a seven-day journey between Portland and Clarkston, Washington, down the Columbia and Snake rivers and through the majestic Columbia River Gorge. Cruises are available from late March through late November.
Portland Boat Cruises owns M.S. Wolf, a 28-foot, 1932 motorboat nicknamed the “Popeye Boat.” The six-passenger vessel sails down the Willamette for 90-minute or three-hour public cruises with occasional narration from the captain. Enjoy uninterrupted views of the surrounding landscape as you sail past the city’s bustling port, under historic bridges and along wildlife frolicking in undisturbed lagoons, including blue heron and bald eagles. Journeys take place during the day, at sunset and in the evening. The tiny boat is also available for private charters.
Portland Boat Tours has excursions on the Willamette River from early June through late September. The company has a variety of tours, including a sunset cruise, a cruise that travels beneath 10 historic bridges, an eco-centric tour along Ross Island and the Oaks Bottom area for wildlife viewing and a Portland history tour that covers everything from the city’s World War II shipbuilding past to its sewer system. All tours last 75 minutes and take place on a five-passenger, 1961 Tollycraft Roustabout. You can also book customized tours and half and full day tours to Willamette Falls in nearby Oregon City and Multnomah Channel.
Portland Spirit Cruises sets sail along the Willamette and Columbia rivers and, on some occasions, through the Columbia Gorge and Columbia’s Cascade Locks. The line has three vessels: a 200-person stern-wheeler, a high-speed boat with canopy top and zip-down windows and a 150-foot yacht with three decks. The line also offers a variety of themed events including dinner, lunch and brunch cruises, as well as those featuring a dance floor and 80s music and traditional British tea service.
Enjoy high-octane thrills through Willamette Jetboat Excursions. The company has three jetboats, all of which travel at speeds of over 40 miles per hour and carry up to 49 passengers. The company offers one-hour tours along downtown and through the city’s shipyards and two-hour tours from downtown to Willamette Falls. The line also provides the occasional lunch cruise and dinner cruise complete with a tour of a World War II PT Boat. Tours run from early May through late September.
