Highlights of the Columbia River
6 day River Cruise – from £2689
With flights from £3339
From the steep sides of the Columbia River Gorge to the wide estuary with the Pacific Ocean, the Columbia River passes through some of the most picturesque scenery in the Pacific Northwest.
Highlights
- Discover the vibrant coffee culture and eclectic art scene in Portland
- Admire the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument
- Explore downtown Astoria and the Columbia River Maritime Museum
- Marvel at the majestic Multnomah Falls, that cascade 620ft to the gorge
Your Itinerary
Expand AllYou can customise your holiday by adding extra nights or destinations. Just let us know what you would like to do.
![Portland, Oregon](https://freedomdestinations.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/Portland-Oregon-200x133.jpg)
Welcome to Portland, your gateway to the Columbia River. After checking into your hotel, near to the riverboat dock, you are free to explore the city.
Positioned at the confluence of the Columbia and Willamette Rivers, Portland is closely connected to the ebbs and flows of these waterways. Known as the “City of Roses”, Portland has many well-tended parks, cycle paths and walkways that are easy to explore. It also has a vibrant coffee culture and an eclectic art-scene.
Portland hotel
![Portland, Oregon](https://freedomdestinations.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/Portland-Oregon.jpg)
![American Song, Columbia River, American Cruise Lines](https://freedomdestinations.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/AmericanSongShip2-200x133.jpg)
Day 2 – Cruising the Columbia River
This morning you will gather, with your fellow travellers, in the hotel lobby ready to be transferred to your riverboat. Your bags will be collected and taken directly from the hotel and placed in your cabin aboard the ship.
Once you board your ship, you will be greeted at a Welcome Reception, where there is a chance to meet the crew and your fellow passengers.
Spend the afternoon relaxing as you begin cruising along the Columbia River, on the way towards the Pacific Ocean.
![American Song, Columbia River, American Cruise Lines](https://freedomdestinations.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/AmericanSongShip2.jpg)
![Aerial view of Astoria, Oregon, with the bridge stretching across the river.](https://freedomdestinations.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/Astoria-Melger-Bridge-Oregon-200x133.jpg)
Day 3 – Astoria & The Columbia River Estuary
Nestled at the mouth of the Columbia River, Astoria is renowned for its Victorian architecture, maritime heritage, and stunning coastal views.
You can take the complimentary shuttle to the historic Astoria Column, which offers panoramic vistas of the river and ocean. You may also like to visit the engaging Columbia River Maritime Museum to learn about the region’s rich nautical history.
A simple stroll along charming waterfront, from under the sprawling Astoria-Megler Bridge, reveals streets lined with unique shops and restaurants, often reflecting Astoria’s history of salmon-canning and other fresh seafoods. You can experience the local flavours at a variety of the local eateries.
![Aerial view of Astoria, Oregon, with the bridge stretching across the river.](https://freedomdestinations.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/Astoria-Melger-Bridge-Oregon.jpg)
![Wildflowers at Mount St. Helens, Washington State, USA](https://freedomdestinations.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/Mount-St.-Helens-200x133.jpg)
Day 4 – Kalama & Mount St. Helens
The deepwater port of Kalama, is on the Washington State side of the Columbia River. Its waterfront is distinguished by totem poles, each intricately carved to reflect stories and symbols significant to local indigenous culture, celebrating the area’s original inhabitants. Just a short walk from the dock, is the Kalama Interpretive Centre that tracks the beginning of the town with its native inhabitants and then the early settlers.
On 18th May, 1980 the nearby Mount St. Helens violently erupted, drastically changing the surrounding landscape, now referred to as the National Volcanic Monument. You can join a guided scenic tour to learn more about the eruptions and how the local environment has since responded.
![Wildflowers at Mount St. Helens, Washington State, USA](https://freedomdestinations.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/Mount-St.-Helens.jpg)
![Autumn view of Multnomah Falls, Oregon, USA](https://freedomdestinations.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/multnomah-1-200x133.jpg)
Day 5 – Stevenson & Multnomah Falls
From your private balcony or the sundeck you will be able to witness the breathtaking views as your cruise through the Columbia River Gorge, where forest cloaked cliffs rise dramatically on each side of the river.
From the dock at Stevenson you can walk through the streets of the village or be transported to see the Multnomah Falls up close. Plummeting 620 feet, Multnomah Falls is the second highest constant waterfall in the USA. You can experience the sights and sounds of this magnificent waterfall, fed by rain, snow-melt, and underground springs on Larch Mountain.
Admire the falls from the Visitor Centre or take the short hike to Benson Bridge, one of the most photographed pieces of architecture in Oregon, to feel its misty spray and get a great photo.
![Autumn view of Multnomah Falls, Oregon, USA](https://freedomdestinations.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/multnomah-1.jpg)
![American Pride, Paddle Steamer, American Cruise Lines, Columbia River](https://freedomdestinations.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/AmericanPrideShip2-200x133.jpg)
Day 6 – Return to Portland
Your Columbia River Boat now turns and cruises back down the Columbia River Gorge and makes its way serenely back to Portland.
Your Columbia River cruise comes to an end as you disembark your riverboat back in Portland.
You could choose the complementary transfer to the airport to continue your holiday or return home. Alternatively you may like to spend some more time exploring Portland and the Pacific Northwest.
![American Pride, Paddle Steamer, American Cruise Lines, Columbia River](https://freedomdestinations.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/AmericanPrideShip2.jpg)
Your Itinerary
You can customise your holiday by adding extra nights or destinations. Just let us know what you would like to do.
Day 1
| Welcome to Portland, Oregon
Welcome to Portland, your gateway to the Columbia River. After checking into your hotel, near to the riverboat dock, you are free to explore the city.
Positioned at the confluence of the Columbia and Willamette Rivers, Portland is closely connected to the ebbs and flows of these waterways. Known as the “City of Roses”, Portland has many well-tended parks, cycle paths and walkways that are easy to explore. It also has a vibrant coffee culture and an eclectic art-scene.
Portland hotel
![Portland, Oregon](https://freedomdestinations.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/Portland-Oregon.jpg)
Day 2
| Cruising the Columbia River
This morning you will gather, with your fellow travellers, in the hotel lobby ready to be transferred to your riverboat. Your bags will be collected and taken directly from the hotel and placed in your cabin aboard the ship.
Once you board your ship, you will be greeted at a Welcome Reception, where there is a chance to meet the crew and your fellow passengers.
Spend the afternoon relaxing as you begin cruising along the Columbia River, on the way towards the Pacific Ocean.
![American Song, Columbia River, American Cruise Lines](https://freedomdestinations.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/AmericanSongShip2.jpg)
Day 3
| Astoria & The Columbia River Estuary
Nestled at the mouth of the Columbia River, Astoria is renowned for its Victorian architecture, maritime heritage, and stunning coastal views.
You can take the complimentary shuttle to the historic Astoria Column, which offers panoramic vistas of the river and ocean. You may also like to visit the engaging Columbia River Maritime Museum to learn about the region’s rich nautical history.
A simple stroll along charming waterfront, from under the sprawling Astoria-Megler Bridge, reveals streets lined with unique shops and restaurants, often reflecting Astoria’s history of salmon-canning and other fresh seafoods. You can experience the local flavours at a variety of the local eateries.
![Aerial view of Astoria, Oregon, with the bridge stretching across the river.](https://freedomdestinations.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/Astoria-Melger-Bridge-Oregon.jpg)
Day 4
| Kalama & Mount St. Helens
The deepwater port of Kalama, is on the Washington State side of the Columbia River. Its waterfront is distinguished by totem poles, each intricately carved to reflect stories and symbols significant to local indigenous culture, celebrating the area’s original inhabitants. Just a short walk from the dock, is the Kalama Interpretive Centre that tracks the beginning of the town with its native inhabitants and then the early settlers.
On 18th May, 1980 the nearby Mount St. Helens violently erupted, drastically changing the surrounding landscape, now referred to as the National Volcanic Monument. You can join a guided scenic tour to learn more about the eruptions and how the local environment has since responded.
![Wildflowers at Mount St. Helens, Washington State, USA](https://freedomdestinations.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/Mount-St.-Helens.jpg)
Day 5
| Stevenson & Multnomah Falls
From your private balcony or the sundeck you will be able to witness the breathtaking views as your cruise through the Columbia River Gorge, where forest cloaked cliffs rise dramatically on each side of the river.
From the dock at Stevenson you can walk through the streets of the village or be transported to see the Multnomah Falls up close. Plummeting 620 feet, Multnomah Falls is the second highest constant waterfall in the USA. You can experience the sights and sounds of this magnificent waterfall, fed by rain, snow-melt, and underground springs on Larch Mountain.
Admire the falls from the Visitor Centre or take the short hike to Benson Bridge, one of the most photographed pieces of architecture in Oregon, to feel its misty spray and get a great photo.
![Autumn view of Multnomah Falls, Oregon, USA](https://freedomdestinations.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/multnomah-1.jpg)
Day 6
| Return to Portland
Your Columbia River Boat now turns and cruises back down the Columbia River Gorge and makes its way serenely back to Portland.
Your Columbia River cruise comes to an end as you disembark your riverboat back in Portland.
You could choose the complementary transfer to the airport to continue your holiday or return home. Alternatively you may like to spend some more time exploring Portland and the Pacific Northwest.
![American Pride, Paddle Steamer, American Cruise Lines, Columbia River](https://freedomdestinations.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/AmericanPrideShip2.jpg)
This Cruise Includes
Flights & More
Lean more about the ships operating this cruise:
Ask your FREEDOM Consultant to include Economy, Premium or Business Class flights for a complete ABTA and ATOL protected package.
They can also add extra nights and experiences in places you choose, to create the exact holiday you are looking for.
Next Step
Please get in touch with our America Experts to start planning your holiday. You’ll have a single point of contact from your first enquiry through booking.
Highlights of the Columbia River
6 day River Cruise – from £
All prices are per person, based on two people sharing a double or twin room, and include meals where shown. Please call Freedom Destinations for departure dates and availability. Seasonal variations may apply.
Map
![Highlights of the Columbia River Cruise, Route Map, USA](https://freedomdestinations.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/Highlights-of-the-Columbia-River.png)
You May Also Like…
Subscribe to our Newsletter
For the latest travel inspiration and offers delivered straight to your inbox.