Pacific Northwest Splendor: Vancouver to Clarkston

Trace the passageway of Meriwether Lewis and William Clark Fertile aboard the American Empress and relive the daring exploits of frontiersmen and adventurers. 9 days from only $1,199 per person (based on double occupancy on certain departures)

Tour Summary
Experience the serenity of wilderness in the Pacific Northwest along the Columbia and Snake Rivers cruising from Vancouver (Portland) to Clarkston (Spokane) or reverse. These flowing passageways lead to dramatic scenery including stretches of wine country, graceful waterfalls, and rocky cliffs. Onboard the American Empress, guests enjoy local flavors and market-inspired dishes that evoke the unique heritage and history throughout the region.

The Itinerary: Vancouver to Clarkston (and reverse)
Duration: 9 Days/8 Nights aboard the American Empress
Ports: Vancouver, WA – Astoria, OR – Stevenson, WA – The Dalles, OR – Richland, WA – Clarkston, WA

Available Dates:
September 6 – 14, 2020: Clarkston to Vancouver from $3,899
September 13 – 21, 2020: Vancouver to Clarkston from $3,899
September 20 – 28, 2020: Clarkston to Vancouver from $3,899
September 27 – October 5, 2020: Vancouver to Clarkston from $3,899
October 4 –12, 2020: Clarkston to Vancouver from $3,499
October 11 – 19, 2020: Vancouver to Clarkston from $3,499
October 18 – 26, 2020: Clarkston to Vancouver from $3,499
October 25 – November 2, 2020: Vancouver to Clarkston from $3,099
November 1 – 9, 2020: Clarkston to Vancouver from $2,699
November 8 – 16, 2020: Vancouver to Clarkston from $2,399
November 15 – 23, 2020: Clarkston to Vancouver from $2,399
November 22 – 28, 2020: Vancouver to Vancouver 7 days from $1,299
November 27 – December 2, 2020: Vancouver to Vancouver 6 days from $1,199
December 1 – December 6, 2020: Vancouver to Vancouver 6 days from $1,199
December 5 – December 10, 2020: Vancouver to Vancouver 6 days from $1,199

DAY 1: Hotel stay in Vancouver, WA
Enjoy your complimentary stay at the Hilton Vancouver Hotel. The evening is yours to venture into the city and independently explore local attractions.

The Hospitality Desk will be located in the hotel for your convenience between 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. and is there to assist with everything from general questions about your upcoming voyage to reserving Premium Shore Excursions. An American Queen Steamboat Company representative, as well as a local representative, will be readily available to provide you with dining, entertainment, and sight-seeing suggestions so that you may maximize your time in Vancouver.

Aerial of Vancouver

DAY 2: Vancouver, WA (EMBARK at 6:00 p.m.)
If you haven’t gotten your full dose of Vancouver yet, visit the AQSC Hospitality Desk for ideas about how to spend your day. The official Voyage Check-In will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the pre-cruise hotel. During this time, our representatives will arrange for your transfer to the vessel and answer any questions you might have.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Premium Shore Excursion Available: “The Rose City” Portland Tour – Including sight-seeing in downtown Portland (3 hrs) or Mount St. Helena Tour – Including a Portland City Tour (8.25 hrs)

Mount St Helens

DAY 3: Astoria, OR
Astoria is known to be the oldest American settlement west of the Rocky Mountains. For thousands of years, Clatsop Indians inhabited the lands that are now known as Astoria. In 1805, Lewis and Clark led their expedition through the town and spent the winter at Fort Clatsop. In 1813, a British warship sailed into the Columbia River, gaining possession of the city and holding control until 1818, when they finally agreed to a joint occupation of the land. The British did not fully leave Astoria until 1846. There is no doubting the rich history has deep roots grounded in this Columbia River town. When the history combines with the scenery, the harmony will surely bring you back for more!
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Included Shore Excursion Available: The Riverwalk or The Flavel House or Astoria Column Heritage, or Columbia River Maritime Museum (3.5 hrs)
Premium Shore Excursion Available: The Lewis and Clark Experience (4 hrs) or Zip-Lining Experience Adventure (4 hrs)

Columbia River Maritime Museum

DAY 4: Stevenson, WA
On the banks of the scenic Columbia River, the city of Stevenson is your launch pad to the Washington side of the Gorge. A stroll along the Rock Cove pathway or the Columbia River waterfront is a great way to take in surroundings. Downtown Stevenson is home to unique shops, art galleries, and restaurants. Stevenson is 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.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Included Shore Excursion Available: Columbia Gorge Interpretive Center, Bonneville Dam or Downtown Stevenson, WA
Premium Shore Excursion Available: The Ultimate Pacific Northwest Experience (8.5 hrs) or Multnomah Falls and Vista House – Including the Old Scenic Highway (3.5 hrs)

Bonneville Dam, Stevenson, WA

DAY 5: The Dalles, OR
Located at the end of the overland Oregon Trail, Lewis and Clark camped at this location at Rock Fort Camp during their historic journey in 1805 and 1806. Fort Dalles was established in 1850. Oregon Trail pioneers ended their overland journey at The Dalles, forced to build rafts and take the “river road” west to Fort Vancouver, then into the Willamette River valley. Ten thousand years of Native American trading took place on the banks of the Columbia River, shaped by the Ice Age Missoula floods. The town was located at the foot of a series of dangerous rapids which the Hudson’s Bay Company fur traders called “The Dalles of the Columbia.”
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Included Shore Excursions Available: Columbia Gorge Discovery Center & Museum or Original Wasco County Courthouse Museum or The Dalles Area Chamber of Commerce or Fort Dalles Museum or Downtown Shopping, Granada Theater, or National Neon Sign Museum.

The Dalles “Floozies”

DAY 6: Scenic River Cruising
Behold the beauty of nature as you enjoy a day of scenic river cruising. Picturesque canyon walls and fascinating volcanic formations will keep you guessing as to what lies around the next bend. As you wind through the dramatic mountains and forested ridges of the great Pacific Northwest, join our Riverlorian on-deck for insightful and entertaining narration.

For those guests seeking a bit of land adventure today, our premium shore excursion Pendleton and the Wild West is available for purchase.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Premium Shore Excursions Available: Pendleton and the Wild West (7.5 hrs)

Columbia River Gorge at sunset

DAY 7: Richmond, WA (Tri-Cities)
Richland is located near the confluence of the Yakima and Columbia Rivers, the northern most point reached by the Lewis and Clark Expedition in 1805. First incorporated in 1910, Richland 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 venues are part of the new Manhattan Project National Historic Park. The city is also home to the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and a branch campus of Washington State University.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Included Shore Excursions Available: The REACH Museum (The Hanford Reach Interpretive Center) or Sacajawea State Park or Franklin County Historical Society and Museum or Pasco Farmers Market
Premium Shore Excursions Available: The Plutonium Age: Uncovering the Secrets of the Manhattan Project (Includes exclusive access into Hanford’s B-Reactor) (5 hrs) or Wine and Spirits on Red Mountain (3.5 hrs)

The REACH Museum

DAY 8: Clarkston, WA
Nestled at the union of the Snake and Clearwater Rivers in southeast Washington, Clarkston is the gateway to North America’s deepest gorge, Hells Canyon on the Snake River. The picturesque vistas, year-round mild climates, and a deep history make this scenic inland port a more-than-desirable stop! Spend the day following the footsteps of the historic Lewis and Clark journey – where the city received its name. This incredible city is filled with artifacts and stories that depict the journeys of famous explorers. Clarkston has the ideal climate for visitors to enjoy countless activities including fishing, scenic walks along the trails, shopping, and exploring.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Included Shore Excursions Available: Nez Perce Historical Park, First Territorial Capitol Interpretive Center or Bridabilk/Schroeder House or Nez Perce Historical Society and Museum
Premium Shore Excursion Available: Hells Canyon Scenic Jet Boat Experience (4.75 hrs)

Clarkston Canyon

DAY 9: Clarkston, WA
Enjoy Clarkston at your leisure or consider a Post-Cruise Premium Shore Excursion with airport transfer.
Included meals: Breakfast

Premium Shore Excursion Available: Post-Cruise Spokane City Tour (6 hrs)

Commodore Services®
Enjoy these luxury amenities, special perks and exclusive benefits that will ensure your river cruise is one you will never forget. Guests holding reservations for Luxury Suite accommodations will receive our exclusive Commodore Services, an elite-level of hospitality and amenities reserved for guests of American Empress Luxury Suites.This special level of hospitality and amenities will make your Columbia or Snake River cruise the ultimate vacation experience. (LS category accommodations).
• Fruit basket and bottle of wine in your suite upon arrival
• Preferred dining arrangements
• Reserved seating in The Show Lounge
• Dinner with Senior Officers of the American Empress

In addition to Commodore Services hospitality and amenities, guests of our Luxury Suites will also receive the services of a friendly River Butler.
• Tour of your suite upon arrival
• Unpacking of luggage and hanging of clothes
• Preparation and packing of luggage
• Laundry and pressing service
• Shoe shine and conditioning
• Afternoon tea served in your suite
• Breakfast and dinner served on veranda (upon request)
• In-suite pre-dinner canapés
• In-suite post-dinner sweets
• Personal escort to reserved seating in The Show Lounge theater

Accommodations and Pricing
Please visit https://www.americanqueensteamboatcompany.com/vessels/american-empress/accommodations/ for details on stateroom categories and pricing.

About the Ship ( View Deck Plan )
Proudly serving as the largest overnight riverboat west of the Mississippi River, the American Empress delivers classic elegance and modern luxury on a grand scale. One step onboard and you will quickly discover that there is far more to this vessel than her welcoming appearance and signature red paddlewheel.

Boasting a vast collection of some of the finest historical artifacts and artwork of the Native Alaska, Russian, Gold Rush and sternwheeler eras, the corridors of the American Empress hold nearly as much beauty and intrigue as the dramatic scenery unfolding on the river outside. You needn’t be an art enthusiast to appreciate the captivating display of Pacific Northwest heritage that this unique collection represents.

A river cruise aboard the American Empress incites moments of sheer perfection with her seamless blend of stunning backdrops, exceptional dining venues, dynamic public spaces and stunning décor. Guests will delight in the luxurious modern amenities, gracious service and endless authentic experiences.

American Queen Steamboat Company is strongly committed to preserving the marine environment and continually strives to do our part in keeping America’s waterways cleaner.

The Show Lounge

Category A Stateroom

About the Tour Operator
The American Queen Steamboat Company offers steamboat cruising on the great rivers of the United States. The American Queen, the largest steamboat in the world, transports you back in time to an era of romantic travel along the Mississippi River. The American Empress, does the same for the Pacific Northwest. In 2017, the American Duchess joined as the third ship in their fleet, cruising through America’s heartland.

Terms and Conditions
One included pre-voyage hotel night is provided as part of the voyage fare. Additional pre-voyage hotel nights may be purchased for an additional charge. Guests are required to present a credit card upon hotel check-in to cover their incidental charges. Post-voyage hotel nights are not included in the voyage fare and may be purchased for an additional charge. A maximum of three pre-voyage and three post-voyage hotel nights are allowed for any booking. In lieu of an included pre-voyage hotel night on any voyage, a $50 per person onboard credit is available upon request and dependent upon voyage date. On a back-to-back voyage, two included hotel nights or a combination of one included hotel night plus a $50 per person onboard credit will be granted in lieu of taking a second included hotel night. A hotel credit will not be offered if a hotel is unable to accommodate additional hotel nights. Additional room night availability is based on the AQSC standard annual rate and is not guaranteed. The AQSC pre-voyage hotel may offer a direct promotional rate throughout the year that is lower than the AQSC standard annual rate.

Fares are per guest, double occupancy, with the exception of single cabin categories. Fares quoted are in U.S. dollars, are per person and do not include air or land transportation. Port Charges of $189 per person are additional and not included in the fare. All fares, itineraries, hotels, entertainment, shore excursions and other voyage attributes are subject to change and we are not responsible for errors or omissions therein.