A veteran of the Columbia and Snake Rivers, American West allows guests to experience the nostalgia of classic paddle wheeler travel, while enjoying perfect comfort and the most modern amenities. American West features a serene color palette, luxurious textiles and linens, comfortable furniture, and sophisticated artwork and flourishes. Relax in one of the ship’s spacious lounges with fellow guests and enjoy a nightly cocktail party with live musical performances.
Day 1 Portland
Portland is well known for its cutting edge rock'n'roll, though Shakespeare, Broadway shows, ballerinas, chamber music ensembles and full blown classical orchestrations exist here. Try one of many outdoor activities available year round with views of some of the country's best scenery. Portland has historical and cultural monuments, museums, and historic sites. According to a recent CNN survey, Portland is one of the five most "kid-friendly" cities in the United States. Portland has OMSI (the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry), the nations fifth largest science museum, the Oregon Zoo, and the Children's Museum with a strict "please touch" policy. For adventure, head for the indoor North Clackamas Aquatic Park, with its four foot waves and water slides, or visit an old fashioned Oaks Amusement Park, featuring roller coasters, thrill rides, a train, go carts, and bumper cars.
Day 2 Columbia River Scenic Cruising
Day 3 Astoria
Astoria is a city of 10,000 people on the Columbia River, just a few miles from the Pacific Ocean. It is surrounded by the beauty of the forest, mountains, 3 rivers and the sea. Astoria is part of a nationally significant historic region at the western end of the Lewis & Clark Trail. Astoria is the oldest American settlement west of the Rockies; a place that takes visitors back to simpler times, its architecture dominated by hundreds of Victorian homes clinging to steep wooded hillsides and with a revitalized 1920s era downtown; all set against a backdrop of tremendous natural beauty. Unspoiled and generally uncrowded, Astoria is near several first-class interpretive attractions including Fort Clatsop, the Columbia River Maritime Museum, the Flavel House, Fort Stevens State Park, the Astoria Riverfront Trolley and the Astoria Column. Because of its steep hills and beautiful Victorian homes, Astoria has been called the "Little San Francisco of the Pacific Northwest."
Day 4 Kalama
Day 5 The Dalles
Located at the northern border of Oregon, on the banks of the Columbian River, The Dalles was a major Native American trading center for thousands of years. The Fort Dalles Museum, housed in the only remaining building from the mid-19th century military outpost, features a collection of military artifacts, household goods and old medical equipment from the early days of the city. Recreational activities in The Dalles include river rafting, fishing and camping. Windsurfing is also a very popular pastime in The Dalles and the area has gained a reputation as one of the best places to learn and practice the sport.
Day 6 Columbia River Gorge
The Columbia River Gorge is a spectacular river canyon cutting the only sea-level route through the Cascade Mountain Range. It's 80 miles long and up to 4,000 feet deep with the north canyon walls in Washington State and the south canyon walls in Oregon State.
Day 7 Pendleton
Pendleton is a quaint town settled on the Umatilla River in the sprawling landscape of Eastern Oregon. Learn about the history of Pendleton at the Heritage Station Museum or the Tamstlikt Cultural Institute, where the history of the Cayuse, Umatilla and Walla Walla Native tribes are explored. In Pendleton's picturesque historic district, tour old Pendleton - the Empire Building (1907), Hendricks Building (1897) and the Empire Meat Company from 1895. Pendleton is known for its woolen manufacturing, and you can get a first hand look at the Pendleton Mills. Nearby, explore the Umatilla National Forest or the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest.
Day 7 Richland
Day 8 Clarkston
Clarkston is the gateway to Hells Canyon. Take a professionally guided jet boat tour of Hells Canyon, raft the Snake River, paddle a canoe down the Clearwater River on the historic Lewis & Clark Trail, rent your own jetboat, or try your hand at some of the best fishing in the Northwest! Follow the footsteps of Lewis and Clark, learn about the history of the Nez Perce Native American Indians, explore museums full of pioneering history and exhibits, or view bronze sculptures and paintings at local galleries. It is located within easy reach of Lewis-Clark Valley - which offers a wide variety of activities.
Day 9 Clarkston
Clarkston is the gateway to Hells Canyon. Take a professionally guided jet boat tour of Hells Canyon, raft the Snake River, paddle a canoe down the Clearwater River on the historic Lewis & Clark Trail, rent your own jetboat, or try your hand at some of the best fishing in the Northwest! Follow the footsteps of Lewis and Clark, learn about the history of the Nez Perce Native American Indians, explore museums full of pioneering history and exhibits, or view bronze sculptures and paintings at local galleries. It is located within easy reach of Lewis-Clark Valley - which offers a wide variety of activities.