American Queen Voyages Cruise - Vancouver / Clarkston - Spokane
We invite you to experience the serenity of wilderness in the Pacific Northwest aboard the American Empress. The Columbia and Snake Rivers are flowing passageways to rare ventures. Take time to linger on the deck. Soothing waterways lead to wine country, and allow the ever-moving world around you transform into a vessel of tranquility and peace – ripe for adventuring. The natural world is alive here – unlike anywhere else on Earth – and through historic sites and locks and dams, it flows. Sea lions sunbathe on buoys as the distant horizon unblankets the sky to reveal its snow-capped mountains. The silence of each evening brings calmness and peace. Cotton-candy sunsets give way to a stargazers’ paradise. Our Milky Way, scattered stars and the moon decorate the darkness, and remind us how small we really are, as if to whisper, “There’s more to existence than the daily hustle and bustle of the world.” The constant transformation of wind carries birdsong and the sweet smell of earth through open window and door as guests wallow in relaxation. Upon porting, a world of discovery awaits beyond the sunburned hillsides and graceful waterfalls that grace the riverbanks. Embrace dramatic scenery and relive the daring exploits of frontiersmen and adventurers. It’s here that history thrives in the parade of a quiet land, uplifted by the rocky cliffs and ripened trees that stretch from the ground below. Trace the passageway of Meriwether Lewis and William Clark along the Columbia and Snake Rivers aboard the American Empress.
- Day 01: Vancouver WA
- Day 02: Vancouver WA - Astoria
- Day 03: Astoria
- Day 04: The Dalles - Stevenson
- Day 05: Stevenson - Cruising on the river
- Day 06: River Cruising - On the river
- Day 07: Richland - Clarkston
- Day 08: Clarkston
- Day 09: Clarkston
Vancouver WA
1 Day
Free stay in Vancouver.
Vancouver WA - Astoria
1 Day
150 km
Today is the big day, spend a few more hours in Vancouver before you leave.
Astoria
1 Day
280 km
Astoria is known as the oldest American settlement west of the Rocky Mountains. For thousands of years, the Clatsop Indians inhabited the land now known as Astoria. In 1805, Lewis and Clark led their expedition through the city and spent the winter in Fort Clatsop. In 1813, a British warship sailed up the Columbia River and acquired possession of the city and remained in control until 1818, when they finally agreed to a joint occupation of the country.
The Dalles - Stevenson
1 Day
80 km
At the end of the Oregon Land Trail, The Dalles has a unique place in history as a starting point for pioneers, soldiers, gold diggers, adventurers, revolver heroes. Lewis and Clark camped at this location in Rock Fort Camp during their historic journey in 1805 and 1806. Fort Dalles was founded in 1850. The pioneers of Oregon Trail ended their journey over land at The Dalles, and were forced to build rafts and take the "river road" to the west to Fort Vancouver and then to the valley of the Willamette River. Ten thousand years of Indian trade took place on the banks of the Columbia River, formed by the Ice Age floods in Missoula. The city lay at the foot of a series of dangerous rapids that the furriers of the Hudson's Bay Company called "The Dalles of the Columbia".
Stevenson - Cruising on the river
1 Day
140 km
On the banks of the picturesque Columbia River lies the city of Stevenson. A walk along the Rock Cove path or the waterfront of the Columbia River is a great way to explore the area. Downtown Stevenson is home to unique shops, art galleries and restaurants. Stevenson is located in the heart of the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. Explore the eastern entrance to Mount St. Helens or the spectacular Lewis River Valley.
River Cruising - On the river
1 Day
140 km
Spend a relaxing day in the picturesque Columbia River Gorge. You can relax on your verandah and enjoy the spectacular scenery or enjoy a variety of activities on board. If you prefer a day ashore, you can also opt for a premium experience that will take you to Pendleton, Oregon while the ship is underway. There you will have the opportunity to explore the city, enjoy a delicious lunch, go shopping in the city centre and get a tour of the Pendleton Woolen Mill and the factory outlet store.
Richland - Clarkston
1 Day
220 km
Richland is close to the confluence of the Yakima and Columbia rivers, the northernmost point reached by the Lewis and Clark Expedition in 1805. Richland was first established in 1910 and remained a small agricultural community until the Army acquired it and 670 square miles of adjacent land in 1943 as the site of the Hanford Engineer Works which was used to produce plutonium during World War II and the Cold War. Today the historic B reactor and other important historical sites are part of the new Manhattan Project National Historic Park. The city is also home to the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and a branch of Washington State University.
Clarkston
1 Day
Clarkston is located between the Snake and Clearwater Rivers in southeast Washington. This city is the gateway to North America's deepest canyon, Hells Canyon on the Snake River. The picturesque views, year-round mild climate and deep history make this picturesque inner harbor a more than desirable stop. Spend the day following in the footsteps of Lewis and Clark's historic journey - from which the city takes its name. This incredible city is filled with artifacts and stories depicting the journeys of famous explorers. Clarkston has the ideal climate for visitors to enjoy countless activities including fishing, scenic walks and exploring the city.
Clarkston
1 Day
End of this fantastic journey, free stay in Clarkston or Spokane.
Included
Cruise, meal on board.
