Highlights of the Columbia River

At the confluence of the Columbia and Willamette Rivers, Portland was once a sanctuary for pioneers and is a fitting place to start your journey. The city is surrounded by national parkland, but also offers an array of museums and shopping. If arriving a day early, visit the Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum or the Portland Art Museum

Portland, Oregon’s largest city is located at the merging of the Williamette and Columbia Rivers. Two groups of indigenous Chinook peoples inhabited this area long before American pioneers started arriving in the 1800’s. Once the Oregon Trail, a 2,170 mile historic east–west, large-wheeled wagon route connecting Oregon to the Missouri River, opened in the 1830’s, large numbers of settlers started arriving. Portland’s original name was "Stumptown" because so many trees had been cut down to allow for development. Two men owned the land - Asa Lovejoy of Boston, Massachusetts and Francis W. Pettygrove of Portland, Maine. They decided to rename it, but disagreed about the new name. They wanted to name it after their respective hometowns, so they settled this disagreement with a coin toss, which Pettygrove won. Today, Portland is ranked the 26th most populous city in the United States, and is especially known for all its bridges, many of which are historic landmarks.

The oldest American settlement west of the Rockies, the town of Astoria is steeped in culture and tradition. The city is home is to more than 70 Victorian-era homes and is the site of Fort Clatsop, a replica of where Lewis and Clark spent the winter of 1805-1806. Astoria is also well-known for being an integral part of the lucrative fur trading industry in the 1800's, with the Pacific Fur Company as the primary trading post in town.

Situated near the mouth of the Columbia River on the northern coast of Oregon, Astoria is a historic waterfront city known for its maritime heritage and scenic landscapes. Colorful Victorian homes, museums, and riverfront views reflect the city’s rich history as one of the oldest American settlements west of the Rocky Mountains. Visitors can explore local breweries, coastal attractions, and nearby natural beauty while enjoying Astoria’s charming small-town atmosphere.

Perhaps the most impactful of all landmarks in the region is Mount St. Helens. From high on an overlook, bear witness to the awesome power of the volcano whose eruption in 1980 scorched 230 square miles of forest land and forever changed the landscape. Expert guides will show you the pumice plain and lava dome as they explain the impact the volcano had on the environment and the lives of those in the surrounding towns.

Multnomah Falls is an awesome sight to behold. Get up close to one of North America's tallest waterfalls as you stroll along the footpath to Benson Bridge to admire its magnificence. Explore the village of Stevenson, which is easily accessible from our dock. and enjoy its mix of classic small town charm with a unique Northwest flair.

End your cruise back in the city of Portland. Spend the afternoon in the city and admire the red brick of Pioneer Courthouse Square and the beautiful fountains of Waterfront Park. Visit the Saturday Market, one of the largest farmer's markets in the United States, a wonderful place to conclude an amazing week in the Pacific Northwest.

Portland, Oregon’s largest city is located at the merging of the Williamette and Columbia Rivers. Two groups of indigenous Chinook peoples inhabited this area long before American pioneers started arriving in the 1800’s. Once the Oregon Trail, a 2,170 mile historic east–west, large-wheeled wagon route connecting Oregon to the Missouri River, opened in the 1830’s, large numbers of settlers started arriving. Portland’s original name was "Stumptown" because so many trees had been cut down to allow for development. Two men owned the land - Asa Lovejoy of Boston, Massachusetts and Francis W. Pettygrove of Portland, Maine. They decided to rename it, but disagreed about the new name. They wanted to name it after their respective hometowns, so they settled this disagreement with a coin toss, which Pettygrove won. Today, Portland is ranked the 26th most populous city in the United States, and is especially known for all its bridges, many of which are historic landmarks.