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

Day 1 Clarkston, WA

Named in honor of William Clark from 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. Settle into your comfortable hotel and explore this wonderful town at your own pace. Discover the beautiful parks, visit a boutique winery, or stroll down 6th Street and surrounding downtown to enjoy art galleries, the old-school soda fountain at Wasem's, unique shops, and a friendly small-town vibe.

Day 2 Cruising the Snake River

Take this time to witness a diverse array of landscapes and wildlife. As you glide along its winding course, you'll be greeted by breathtaking vistas of towering cliffs, emerald forests, and rolling hillsides. Be sure to notice the bald eagles soaring overhead and ospreys diving into the water in search of fish.

On board, partake in engaging activities, listen to fascinating lectures about the history of the river and the landscape around you, or spend the day on the expansive top deck spotting wildlife on the shore.

Day 3 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 4 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 5 Hood River, OR

Hood River holds a name derived from the river that flows from Mount Hood into the Columbia. Once renowned as the final stop of the Mount Hood Railroad, where timber and produce embarked on their journey downstream, this town exudes a long history of trade and commerce.

Today, Hood River beckons with a tapestry of delights, from quaint shops showcasing local artisanal treasures to some of the Pacific Northwest's finest wineries and breweries. Embark on a guided kayaking expedition through the Gorge's breathtaking waters or visit thefascinating exhibits of The Western Antique Aeroplane & Automobile Museum.

Day 6 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 7 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 8 Day of Cruising

Take this time to witness a diverse array of landscapes and wildlife while you cruise the Columbia River. On board, partake in engaging activities, listen to fascinating lectures about the history of the river and the landscape around you, or spend the day on the expansive top deck spotting wildlife on the shore.

Day 9 Portland, OR

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