9 Day American Cruise Lines River Cruise from Clarkston to Hayden Island 2029

Day 1 Portland, OR

Arrive in Portland and settle into your hotel room. Explore this city nestled between the serene waters of the Columbia and Willamette Rivers and hear stories of the many Pioneers who once traveled through, discovering the great American West.

On the morning of your river cruise, simply gather in the hotel lobby after a hearty breakfast, enjoy an excursion to Multnomah Falls, followed by transportation to the ship. Your luggage from the hotel will be waiting in your stateroom when you arrive.

Day 2 Cruising the Columbia River

After breakfast at your hotel, we’ll arrange for your luggage to be waiting for you in your stateroom. Board your vessel, settle in, and join fellow travelers for a welcome reception to kick off your journey along the Columbia River.

Day 3 Astoria, OR

This small port city, known for its charming Victorian homes that cascade down the hillside, has earned the nickname “The Little San Francisco.”

Embark on your own adventure or choose from a selection of curated excursions in Astoria that will allow you to get to know this city. Immerse yourself in history with a guided tour of the National Park Service replica of Fort Clatsop, the winter camp where Lewis and Clark hunkered down during their legendary expedition.

Wander through the incredibly scenic Cape Disappointment State Park where the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center tells the duo’s story, or lose yourself in the captivating exhibits of the nearby Columbia River Maritime Museum.

Day 4 Kalama, WA

Our private dock in Kalama, Washington allows you to venture where most cruises can’t reach. Take in the stunning Cascade Mountains as you journey toward nearby stoic Mount St. Helens. Guided by a knowledgeable local expert, delve into the gripping tale of the volcano's cataclysmic eruption in 1980 and its lasting impact on the region.

Right off the ship’s dock, learn more about other wonders of the region at the fascinating Port of Kalama Interpretive Center. Shop like a local for fresh produce, seafood, and artisan snacks at the Mountain Timber Market. Or you can even try for a bullseye at Castle Rock Axe House for a unique local experience.

Day 5 The Dalles, OR

Welcome to The Dalles, the final frontier of the iconic Oregon Trail. With towering Mount Hood and Mount Adams as your stunning backdrop, each reaching over 11,000 feet, this destination captures all the natural beauty the Columbia River Gorge and Pacific Northwest are known for.

Paddle the quiet river on a guided Gorge kayak tour, where you can be one with the vast nature that calls this river home. Don’t miss the expert-led wine tastings at Maryhill Winery, where you’ll sample the finest wines from the fertile Columbia Valley.

Day 6 Cruising the Columbia River

Enjoy a relaxing day of cruising and watch the Columbia River Gorge develop from your private balcony. The dynamic landscape is truly magnificent, and you can catch the best views up on the sun deck. Engage in destination-focused enrichment programs featuring guest speakers and onboard activities. From Art Classes to sizzling Cooking Demonstrations, Mixology magic, and brain-teasing Trivia, there is so much to discover on board.

Day 7 Pendleton, OR / Richland, WA

Richland is situated at the meeting point of the Yakima and Columbia Rivers, a place shaped first by Ice Age floods and later by the Atomic Age. Dock right along the waterfront with American Cruise Lines and set out to see how the past continues to shape this part of the Pacific Northwest.

Step inside the REACH Museum to learn about the area’s ancient geology, Native History, and Cold War science. Walk the ground at Sacajawea State Park, where Lewis and Clark camped among Native communities in 1805. Or spend the day in nearby Pendleton, a town where the Old West lives on. Beneath its streets, uncover tunnels that once carried trade, secrets, and survival. From riverside museums to frontier tunnels, this port stop reveals the Northwest’s history in ways both unexpected and unforgettable.

Day 8 Clarkston, WA

Named in honor of William Clark of the renowned Lewis and Clark Expedition, this historic town traces its lineage back to the resilient Nez Perce tribe, the original stewards of this fertile land. Join an excursion to the heart of Hells Canyon, North America's deepest gorge. On a smooth-sailing jet boat, a local guide will highlight notable landmarks as you cruise down the Snake River. Cap off your scenic and historic river cruise sampling wine amongst sweeping views on Clearwater River Valley.

Day 9 Clarkston, WA

After a final breakfast on board, bid farewell to the ship and fellow travelers as you prepare to head homeward.