The Pacific Northwest by river: eight locks, one famous canyon, and a route that follows Lewis and Clark to the edge of Hells Canyon. The signature sailing runs nine days; a seven-day Gorge taster exists for tighter schedules.
The route at a glance
The classic runs nine days and eight nights between Portland, Oregon and Clarkston, Washington, in either direction. American Cruise Lines' modern riverboats (up to about 190 guests) call at Astoria at the river's mouth, Kalama for Mount St. Helens, The Dalles at the end of the Oregon Trail, then cruise the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area before Pendleton or Richland and Clarkston, gateway to Hells Canyon. The ship transits eight locks including Bonneville Dam. A seven-day, six-night Columbia River Gorge roundtrip from Portland covers the scenic heart for travelers short on time. Season runs roughly March through November; spring brings wildflowers, autumn brings harvest color in the vineyards.
Who this route suits
Best for Lewis and Clark and pioneer-history travelers, wine lovers (Walla Walla and Willamette side trips), and scenery-first cruisers who want the Gorge from the waterline. Walking is mostly flat and excursions range from easy museum stops to a fast jet-boat run up Hells Canyon. Less ideal for travelers wanting an overseas feel - this is proudly domestic Americana - or anyone chasing nightlife; evenings are lectures, Americana music and early starts.
What it costs
Cruise-only fares on the nine-day Portland to Clarkston sailing list from about $5,463 to $5,555 per person on 2026-27 dates, with cabin tiers on the newest boats running from a standard balcony at $6,715 to a Grand Suite at $12,665. The shorter seven-day Columbia River Gorge roundtrip starts from $3,825. American Cruise Lines fares include a pre-cruise hotel night, drinks at meals and most excursions; free-airfare promotions are common on select dates, which matters because Portland and Spokane are not cheap airports.
The five-minute version
- Nine days Portland to Clarkston (either direction); a seven-day Gorge taster exists.
- Astoria, Mount St. Helens, The Dalles, the Gorge, Hells Canyon jet boats.
- Flat walking, history-led excursions, proud Americana pace.
- From about $5,500 cruise-only; Gorge taster from $3,825; cabins to $12,665.
- River-comparing? See the Mississippi in seven days or the Rhine in eight days.