Columbia & Snake River Cruises
In the wake of Lewis and Clark, from the Pacific to Hells Canyon.
Get Free US River Cruise QuotesThe Columbia and Snake rivers carry you from the rainforest edge of the Pacific coast to the dry wheat and canyon country of eastern Washington and Idaho. It is the route Lewis and Clark followed west, and today it is one of the most scenic small-ship cruises in the country.
The Route
- Astoria and the lower Columbia — where the river meets the Pacific, and where Lewis and Clark spent the winter of 1805–06.
- The Columbia River Gorge — waterfalls including Multnomah Falls, basalt cliffs and the Vista House overlook.
- The locks — four dams on the Columbia and four on the Snake, each with a lock your ship rides through.
- Wine and wheat country — The Dalles, the Maryhill Museum, Walla Walla wineries and the rolling Palouse.
- Clarkston and Lewiston — the head of navigation, and the jumping-off point for Hells Canyon.
Who Sails Here Now
American Cruise Lines offers the most departures, on modern riverboats and a paddlewheeler. In 2026 it introduced the American Encore, a 180-guest riverboat with private balconies in every stateroom, on the Columbia and Snake from May. ACL also runs longer Pacific Northwest voyages that combine the rivers with Puget Sound and the national parks.
Lindblad Expeditions sails the National Geographic Sea Bird and Sea Lion here, expedition ships of around 60 guests, with food, wine and history itineraries between Portland and Clarkston, including autumn departures.
UnCruise Adventures, which once sailed here, moved its ship to Alaska after 2023, and American Queen Voyages no longer operates.
When to Go
The season runs from spring into autumn. Spring brings waterfalls at full flow and green hills in the Palouse; summer is hot and dry east of the Cascades; September and October are harvest time in the wine valleys, and the most popular months for food-and-wine sailings.
Good to Know Before You Book
- Portland makes an easy start or finish, with a hotel night beforehand on many itineraries.
- Excursions are spread out; several days include coach rides to wineries, museums or viewpoints.
- East of the Cascades it can be hot and dry in summer, and cool in the mornings in autumn — pack layers.
- The jet-boat ride into Hells Canyon can be bumpy and wet; it is optional on some itineraries.
- Popular autumn wine-harvest dates fill early.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do Columbia and Snake River cruises start?
Most run between Portland, Oregon, and Clarkston, Washington (across the river from Lewiston, Idaho), in one direction or the other. Some add Astoria, near the mouth of the Columbia.
What is the Hells Canyon excursion?
From Clarkston, many cruises offer a jet-boat trip up the Snake River into Hells Canyon, North America’s deepest river gorge. It is a highlight for many guests.
Which ship should I choose?
Lindblad’s expedition ships carry around 60 guests and focus on naturalists and wildlife. American Cruise Lines’ riverboats are larger and more hotel-like, and its new American Encore has balconies in every stateroom. We can compare both for your dates.
Get Quotes for the Columbia and Snake
Tell us your month, how many are traveling and the ship size you prefer. Our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise will compare the lines sailing the Columbia and Snake and send free quotes.
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