Columbia & Snake River 8 Day Deluxe
Paddle Wheel Cruise
The Queen of the West is a lovely authentic boat – but updated with everything from balcony staterooms, to exercise room, to in-suite entertainment and much more! You will have an opportunity to get up close to the land that Lewis and Clark made famous with their wilderness expedition. You will see majestic geological formations, pass through a unique lock and dam system, and pass through some of the world’s best wine areas. The trip also visits Hell’s Canyon on the Snake River and can begin or end in with an optional trip to our gem, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. This cruise makes a great jump off point for Glacier National Park, Yellowstone and the Canadian Rockes.
- Balcony and suite cabins available
- Large authentic river ship cruising for 120 passengers
- Visit to Astoria the oldest American settlement west of the Rockies
- Cruise through Volcano Alley on the mighty Columbia River
- Visit the Bonneville Lock & Dam
- Opportunity to attend the Pendleton Round-up
- All meals, evening cocktails and 24 hour non-alcohol beverage services
- Optional extensions to the land of Lewis & Clark, the land of Chief Joseph, world’s best steel head, fly fishing and more!
- Priced from only $36,95 per person
The high desert of the inland empire to the endless sweep of the Pacific Ocean, the Columbia and Snake rivers follow an epic course, flowing through a rich tapestry of ever-changing landscapes, lush wildlife habitat and fascinating human endeavors. Scenes of natural beauty and human ingenuity unfold one by one. Local experts, Native American performers and perfectly planned shore excursions heighten each experience. Join us for an unforgettable journey along the legendary rivers that helped shape the West.
Location
Pacific Northwest, beginning in either Portland, Oregon or Lewiston, Idaho (depending on east or west itinerary selected).
Westbound 2012: April 7, 21, May 5, 19, June 2, 16, 30, July 14, 28, August 11, 25, September 8, 22, October 6, 20 or November 3
Eastbound 2012: March 31, April 14, 28, May 12, 26, June 9, 23, July 7, 21, August 4, 18, September 1, 15, 29, October 13, 27 or November 10
2012 Pricing:
$500 Deposit All Meals included
Cabin A $3695 per person
Cabin AA $4040
Cabin AAG $4230
Cabin AAL* $4465
Cabin AAC* $4595
Owners Suite* $6385
Single* $4885
Single $4445
Below reflects the eastbound itinerary. Westbound is exactly opposite.
Day 1 Portland, OR
Day 2 Astoria, OR
Day 3 Rainier, OR / Mount St. Helens
Day 4 Cruising the Columbia River Gorge
Day 5 Stevenson, WA
Day 6 Pendleton, OR / Walla Walla, WA
Day 7 River Cruising
Day 8 Clarkston, WA / Lewiston, ID
Day 1
Below reflects the eastbound itinerary. Westbound is exactly opposite.
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.
(L, D)
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.
(B,L,D)
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 firsthand the destructive power and damage caused by this volcanic blast in 1980.
(B,L,D)
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.
(B,L,D)
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.
(B,L,D)
Day 6
Pendleton, OR / Walla Walla, WA
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. At the Fort Walla Walla Museum, wander through a pioneer settlement composed of original cabins, railroad depot, livery stable and more. Stop at a local winery to hear an expert winemaker explain how local growing conditions are ideal for growing superb grapes, while sampling the local wine.
(B,L,D)
Day 7
River Cruising
(B,L,D)
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.
(B)

