Cruising the Columbia & Snake Rivers

The Columbia and Snake are the West Coast answer to the Mississippi: a small-ship river cruise, entirely within the United States, through some of the most dramatic scenery in the Pacific Northwest. Most sailings run one-way between Portland, Oregon and Clarkston, Washington, and the week threads together deep gorges, high desert, waterfalls, and wine country.

What you'll see

• The Columbia River Gorge — basalt cliffs and waterfalls, with Multnomah Falls among the tallest in the country.
• Lewis and Clark history — this is the route their expedition took to the Pacific, retold at stops along the way.
• Astoria, near the river's mouth, where the Columbia meets the ocean.
• The Snake River and, on some sailings, a jet-boat run toward Hells Canyon — the deepest river gorge in North America.
• Walla Walla wine country, a highlight for many guests.

The locks and dams along the system are a quiet fascination of their own — the ship is raised and lowered dozens of feet at a time as it climbs the river.

Who it suits

The same traveler the Mississippi draws: someone after scenery, history, and an unhurried pace on a small ship, with included excursions and no need for a passport. It's especially rewarding for anyone drawn to the outdoors — the landscape is the star — and for wine lovers.

When to go

The season runs roughly spring through fall. Spring brings high water and waterfalls at their fullest; late summer and early fall bring the wine harvest and warm, dry days in the high desert. The shoulder months are quieter and often better value.

What to know before you book

As with all US river cruising, these are small American ships with limited capacity, so sailings book up well ahead — especially in fall. More is included in the fare than on an ocean cruise (excursions and gratuities commonly built in), so the headline price and the real cost are close; we'll confirm exactly what's included for your sailing.

A note from the desk

This is a short, specialized field — a handful of ships and departure dates — which is exactly where booking through an advisor saves you time and missteps. Tell us when you'd like to sail and we'll lay out what's available.