Departing from Portland, OR or Clarkston, WA. Travel along the Columbia River on an overnight paddlewheeler: American Cruise Lines’ Queen of the West!
The mighty Columbia captures the imagination and lures travelers with its promise of bigger-than-life adventure. After all, this was the waterway that led Lewis and Clark to the Pacific and introduced America to what lay west of the Mississippi. Although they failed to discover the fabled Northwest Passage, the Lewis & Clark expedition stands among the major explorations of all time.
From deep river canyons with lush forested slopes and sparkling waterfalls to majestic snow capped volcanic mountains and the remote high desert country, this is a place of natural wonder, pristine wilderness, and rich history.
Rates & Dates:
Trip Length: 8 Days/ 7 Nights
Prices from: $3,695 pp/do*
Single Price: $4,485 pp
2012 Dates: Apr 14, 21, 28 May 5, 12, 19, 26 June 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 July 7, 14, 21, 28 Aug 4, 11, 18, 25 Sept 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 Oct 6, 13, 20, 27 Nov 3, 10
2013 Dates: Mar 16, 23, 30 Apr 6, 13, 20, 27 May 4, 11, 18, 25 Jun 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 Jul 6, 13, 20, 27 Aug 3, 10, 17, 24 31 Sep 7, 14, 21, 28 Oct 5, 12, 19, 26 Nov 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
Notes: Transfers are available back to your embarkation point for a small fee. Port charges $250.00 per person.
This tour hosted by Cindy Anderson and USA River Cruises, travel partner with America’s Hub World Tours.
Contact Cindy directly, toll free: 800-578-1479, Local: 360-546-5151
USA River Cruises and America’s Hub World Tours collaborate to create the most fun and exciting excursions throughout Oregon and Washington.
Daily Itinerary & Port Descriptions:
Day 1 – Portland, OR
Arrive early to visit the beautiful city of Portland. 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, make Portland one of the favorite destinations in the West. Highlights include the Portland Art Museum, International Rose Test Garden and the 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 headquartered at Fort Clatsop. In 1955, a replica of the fort was built near the original site, following Clark’s own sketches, and was eventually named a National Monument. At Fort Canby and the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center, get a comprehensive overview of the Corp’s entire expedition.
Day 3 – Rainier, OR / Mount St. Helens
Cruise through Volcano Alley on the Columbia River with views of Mt. Hood, Mt. Adams and Mt. St. Helens. From Rainier, 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 first hand the destructive power and damage caused by this volcanic blast in 1980.
Day 4 – Cruising the Columbia River Gorge
Eighty miles long and up to four thousand feet deep, 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, a spectacular river canyon cutting the only sea-level route through the Cascade Mountain Range, the ship will 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 – Pendleton, OR
Journey to Pendleton and get a taste of the real west watching working cowboys at the world-famous Pendleton Roundup and learn of the coming of the pioneers from the perspective of the Native Americans at the Tamastslikt Cultural Institute.
Day 7 – River Cruising
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. The canyon is known for its pristine wilderness and breathtaking scenery. View ancient Indian petroglyphs and magnificent wildlife
This tour hosted by Cindy Anderson and USA River Cruises in partnership with America’s Hub World Travel. Contact us or Cindy at:
800-578-1479
360-546-5151
