One of the most visited pages on this website is Columbia River Scenic Highway – 75 miles The Dalles – Troutdale Oregon

Now one of the most popular cruise lines in the States, called American Queen Voyages are offering a 7 or 9 day river cruise along the Columbia and Snake Rivers. Operating in either direction you can start in Vancouver, WA (not Canada) with an included hotel stay and finish in Clarkston, WA for Spokane or vice versa.

The Sternwheeler, American Empress that is beautifully appointed offers full board, entertainment and inclusive excursions as well as transportation to and from the ship at the start and end of the itinerary. There is a selection of premium excursions that can be added to the experience as well as choice of upgraded cabin options.

The ship leaves from Portland and doesn’t appear to offer a Seattle option. If you are thinking of exploring this river cruise option from outside of the states do remember that flights are not included and there will not be a direct option either to Portland or Spokane so look at a round trip to Seattle/Tacoma.

Unsurprisingly this bucket list experience doesn’t not fit all budgets and with prices starting from $2,999 per person it is certainly doesn’t come cheap.

On our 2017 road trip we drove to Portland and took in the beautiful Multnomah Falls and saw the Columbia River from a viewing point and it was stunning. Included on our road trip from Seattle was Moses Lake and Spokane before we starting following the Columbia River Gorge and it was all done on a budget.

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Other itineraries that the American Queen Voyages offer include Mississippi from New Orleans or Chattanooga to Memphis, Louisville to Pittsburgh and St. Louis to Cincinnati. All of these I would consider being bucket list opportunities but as with all travel planning look into it carefully