We often encourage you to get out and bask in Oregon’s natural beauty by taking a hike or camping overnight in the wilderness, but there’s another great way to immerse yourself in gorgeous scenery. Here’s a cruise that takes you right through the Columbia River Gorge, and the views are breathtaking.
For a close-up look at the Columbia River Gorge, take a cruise on the Columbia Gorge Sternwheeler.
Columbia Gorge Sternwheeler and Locks Grill/Facebook
This beautiful, triple-deck sternwheeler operates in the Columbia Gorge from May through October. You’ll find it traveling the waters in Portland during winter months.
Columbia Gorge Sternwheeler and Locks Grill/Facebook
Your tour of the Columbia River starts at Marine Park at Cascade Locks, right in the heart of the gorge. The address for the park is 355 Wa Na Pa St., Cascade Locks, OR 97014.
Columbia Gorge Sternwheeler and Locks Grill/Facebook
Portland Spirit River Cruises offers several different options for your tour through the Columbia River Gorge.
Columbia Gorge Sternwheeler and Locks Grill/Facebook
Take the Brunch Cruise, which departs at 9:30 a.m. and tours from 10:00 a.m. to noon. It includes a locally-sourced brunch, complete with champagne.
Larry F/Tripadvisor
The Dinner Cruise departs at 5:30 p.m., and it cruises from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. You’ll enjoy a delicious dinner and a narrated tour of the gorge, with plenty of historical facts and folklore.
Columbia Gorge Sternwheeler and Locks Grill/Facebook
Two onboard bars provide drinks during your cruise. Enjoy a glass of wine, beer, or cocktail.
Columbia Gorge Sternwheeler and Locks Grill/Facebook
Stunning sunsets are included at no extra price.
Columbia Gorge Sternwheeler and Locks Grill/Facebook
You’ll be in good hands on your journey. Captain Tom Cramblet has been piloting the gorge for more than 30 years.
Columbia Gorge Sternwheeler and Locks Grill/Facebook
If you really want to get a thorough tour of the Columbia River, book the Landmarks of the Gorge Cruise. It takes you right under the Bridge of the Gods…
management/Tripadvisor
…through the Bonneville Locks…
Columbia Gorge Sternwheeler and Locks Grill/Facebook
…and along the towering cliffs that surround the gorge. This longer cruise boards at 9:30 a.m. and cruises from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
management/Tripadvisor
Keep an eye out for wildlife. You might catch a glimpse of a lazy sea lion basking on the rocks…
Jade M/Tripadvisor
You may also see a few osprey nests along the way, and if you’re really lucky, you’ll even see one catching dinner.
James K/Tripadvisor
Oregon’s Columbia River Gorge is one of the most stunning natural wonders of the state. Even if you’ve driven through the gorge, you’ve never seen it quite like this.
management/Tripadvisor
For more information, or to book a cruise, visit the Portland Spirit River Cruises website. If you’ve taken one of these cruises, we’d love to hear about your trip! Is this cruise as beautiful as it looks? Leave your feedback in the comments.
Columbia Gorge Sternwheeler and Locks Grill/Facebook
Larry F/Tripadvisor
management/Tripadvisor
Jade M/Tripadvisor
James K/Tripadvisor
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: 355 Wa Na Pa St., Cascade Locks, OR 97014
