Columbia and Snake River Cruises
Follow Lewis and Clark’s river road from the Pacific to Hells Canyon by riverboat.
Get Columbia & Snake QuotesColumbia and Snake River Cruises, Mile by Mile
Columbia and Snake river cruises follow one of the great routes of American history. In the autumn of 1805 the Lewis and Clark expedition paddled dugout canoes down the Clearwater, the Snake and the Columbia to the Pacific. Today riverboats travel the same water in comfort, rising through eight sets of locks from the ocean’s edge to Lewiston, Idaho, some 465 miles inland.
This site is about the route itself: what you pass on each stretch, how the locks and dams shaped it, the Corps of Discovery story at every turn, and how the different itineraries compare. For port-by-port sightseeing and the Columbia River Gorge, see our companion site ColumbiaRiverCruising.us. When you are ready to book, our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise will quote every line, free.
The River in Four Stretches
The estuary
Astoria and the river mouth: the Pacific, the Astoria-Megler Bridge and the winter camp of Lewis and Clark at Fort Clatsop.
The lower river
Portland, Vancouver and Kalama, with Mount St. Helens to the north; wide water, ships and log rafts.
The Gorge
Through Bonneville and The Dalles locks, where the river cuts the Cascades and the landscape changes from rainforest to desert.
The Snake
Past the Tri-Cities confluence, four more locks into the canyons of the Snake to Clarkston, Lewiston and the mouth of Hells Canyon.
Our route guide follows those stretches day by day, and the Lewis and Clark page tells the history that ties them together.
Riverboats Built for This River
Two lines dominate. American Cruise Lines runs the largest fleet on the river, a mix of modern riverboats and paddlewheelers built in the United States and carrying up to about 180 guests, and it is adding new ships through the end of the decade. Lindblad Expeditions, with National Geographic, sails the smaller National Geographic Sea Bird and Sea Lion on an expedition-style trip with kayaks and Zodiacs.
The two experiences are different enough that comparing them on price alone misses the point; our Columbia river cruise lines page sets them side by side.
Plan by Itinerary, Not by Brochure
- Want the classic? Compare the week-long Portland–Clarkston sailings on our best Columbia and Snake river cruises page.
- Short on time? The 7-day Columbia River Gorge cruise stays on the lower river.
- Want everything? The new 16-day grand voyage starts in 2027 — see 2027 sailings.
- Traveling with limited mobility? Our sister site Accessible River Cruises explains what to ask.
For the bigger picture of American rivers, from the Mississippi to the Hudson, visit US River Cruising and our long-running Columbia River Cruises site. All river lines are listed in the Official River Cruise Directory.
Why Cruise It Rather Than Drive It?
You could drive from Astoria to Lewiston in a long day, but you would miss what makes the route special. On the water you see the Gorge the way it was first traveled, rise through locks that lift the boat as much as about 100 feet, and arrive in small river towns from the front door rather than the highway. You unpack once, the excursions are organized for you, and evenings are spent with historians and naturalists who know the river. For many travelers it is also the easiest way to see a remote part of the West without long hours behind the wheel.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long are Columbia and Snake river cruises?
The classic sailing between Portland, Oregon and Clarkston, Washington runs about a week: American Cruise Lines sells it as a 9-day cruise including a hotel night, and Lindblad Expeditions sells 6- and 8-day versions. Shorter Columbia River Gorge cruises and a 16-day grand voyage are also offered.
Which direction should I choose?
Upriver from Portland builds from green, wet western Oregon to the dry canyons of the Snake, ending at Hells Canyon. Downriver from Clarkston finishes in Portland with more flight choices home. Both cover the same ground.
Are these cruises good for seniors?
Yes, they are popular with older travelers: no passport needed, English-speaking crews, short distances between stops and plenty of included excursions. Ask us about walking levels, especially on canyon and waterfall outings.
When do they sail?
Roughly spring through autumn, with the lines publishing exact departure dates each year. Summer is warm and dry inland; late season brings harvest and wine-country color.
This site is part of the Smart Traveler network, led by Mister Cruise. He has sold travel since 1972 and worked full-time in the industry since 1977. He has sold or originated more than $500 million in cruises and has trained more than 500 travel agents.
When you ask for a quote, our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise handle it personally — not a call center — and book everything for you. Meet Mister Cruise →
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