Paddlewheel Cruising on the Columbia & Snake Rivers

Let American Cruise Line show you the beauty of the Pacific Northwest, on it's paddlewheeler - Queen of the West - on a seven day cruise on the Columbia & Snake Rivers. The Columbia river, in Oregon, lies between Washington State to the North and Oregon. It flows through a landscape filled with deep river canyons, lush forested slopes, sparkling waterfalls, and snow-capped volcanic mountains..Along it's banks, and in the towns visited, is the reminders of early pioneers - fur traders, Native American Indians and the famous Lewis and Clark Expedition.

In 1803, Thomas Jefferson empowered Meriwether Lewis to undertake the job of finding a water route to the western coast of America. The amazing expedition began in May of 1804 and finally arrived on the Columbia River in November 1805.

Over the years the river has had many changes, due to a growing population and maritime economy. Large dams and locks have been built along the course of the river, the ship now traverses, seven sets of locks have been installed, raising it to over 700 feet above sea level.

The town of Astoria lies at the western end of the Lewis & Clark Trail , and is the oldest American settlement west of the Rockies. In its Historic district there are more than seventy victoria-era homes .

In the winter of 1805, the expedition occupied Fort Clatsop as their headquarters, present day cruise passengers can see a replica of the fort, which was erected in 1955, near the original site - which is a National Monument .

Along the Columbia river, the cruise passes through Volcano Alley , with views of Mt Hood, Mt. Adams and Mt. St Helens. One of the stops is at Ranier , allowing passengers to visit Mt. St Helens National Volcanic Monument and the nearby Observatory and Interpretive Center. A highlight of the visit, looking right into the steaming crater, and observing the damage caused by the 1980 volcanic eruption.

Cruising the Columbia Gorge is the most interesting part of the river. The 80-mile geologic wonder forms the border between northern Oregon and southern Washington State. It is a playground with every form of recreation, as it's canyon-like walls create ideal wind conditions for, windsurfing, saiing, river cruises, kayaking, and nature walks, all of which can be enjoyed here.

This is a very scenic part of the river where 4,000-feet cliffs, look down on quaint riverfront towns, and many waterfalls can be seen. However, in 1805, when the Lewis and Clark Expedition passed, none of this was evident except perhaps the scenic beauty, the canyon-like walls, the tidewaters at Beacon Rock and the rapids of the upper Cascades where the town of Stevenson, has been home to the Native American Indians, for thousand of years. It was also home to the trappers and missionaries who followed.

The past history of Pendleton depicts it as - a wide open anything goes Frontier Town with working-girls and wild cowboys - a very different place from the present day city. It is, however, still home to the Native American. where the Tamastslikt Cultural Institute, shows the history of the area.

Nearby Walla Walla, now a prospering place, famous for its Sweet Onions and Wineries, is another popular stop. From there the cruise continues on the Snake River, which has, some of the deepest canyons in north America.

On day eight of the cruise, the journey, through history, ends in Clarkston Washington, gateway to Hells Canyon, which with its twin city Lewiston Idaho - were named in honor of William Clark and Meriwether Lewis from the Expedition - are fitting conclusion to am exciting cruise.

Visits can be made to the Lewis-Clark Valley, which is 465 river miles from the Pacific Ocean, and the departure gateway for passengers

A cruise on the Columbia and Snake Rivers, is a vacation that can be enjoyed by all members of the family. Reliving history along the way, is a great education for the younger members of the family