sternwheeler cruises on the columbia river

Dinner and Brunch Cruises along the Columbia Gorge

Discover dining and expedition cruises with breathtaking views along the Columbia River.

Boat Tours That Create Lasting Memories

Tickets may be purchased online or in-person at the dock.

Dinner Cruise

Brunch Cruise

1-hour Expedition Cruise

Dockside Bar

Eat local in beautiful cascade locks..

Dine at one of the local restaurants in Cascade Locks.

SIGHTSEEING BOAT CRUISES

Experience the natural and scenic wonders of the Columbia River Gorge and learn about the Lewis and Clark Expedition by taking a boat cruise aboard an authentic triple deck sternwheeler. Watch Native American tribes fish from their legendary platforms as they have for centuries. Scenic rides, brunch and dinner cruises and interpretive tours provide 360-degree breathtaking vistas.

The Sternwheeler’s historic-looking interior and exterior along with its historic setting in the scenic Columbia Gorge makes it a wonderful experience for tourists and history enthusiasts. It has seating for 232 passengers for plated meals, an on-board galley, two full-service bars and is licensed to carry 599 people. The Columbia Gorge Sternwheeler was built in Hood River, Oregon by Nichols Boat Works and was launched in 1983. On April 19, 2006, the Columbia Gorge Sternwheeler became the first and only paddle-boat leased by American Waterways, Inc.

Enjoy exploring the Gorge from the Columbia River and plan a boat cruise today!

Columbia Gorge Sternwheeler

Experience the heart of the gorge.

Surround yourself in the beauty and history of the Columbia River by sailing through the Heart of the Gorge aboard the impeccably restored, iconic 145-foot triple-decker Columbia Gorge Sternwheeler. The 360-degree panoramic scenic views, coupled with locally sourced craft beer, wine and mouthwatering cuisine make for an unforgeable experience you can only get aboard the Sternwheeler!

For more information and ticket purchase visit   sternwheeler.com

Sternwheeler Columbia Gorge

The sternwheeler .

The Cascade Locks Marine Park is the home port for the Sternwheeler  Columbia Gorge . The Sternwheeler is owned by the Port of Cascade Locks and now operated by JettyLight.

For excursion schedules and pricing, visit:  sternwheeler.com  or call 541.399.5029

Built in Hood River, Oregon by Nichols Boat Works and launched in 1983, our authentic triple-decker paddle wheeler provides 360 degrees of breathtaking vistas.

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The  Visitor Center  is located in the Cascade Locks Marine Park. This section is currently under construction.

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Columbia Gorge Sternwheeler Dining & Sightseeing Cruises

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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Columbia Gorge Sternwheeler Dining & Sightseeing Cruises - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Sternwheeler Columbia Gorge Cruises

Review Highlights

“ The captain kicks off the experience with a safety talk and adds local and historic information during the ride. ” in 25 reviews

“ First and only trip on the lunch cruise of the Sternwheeler from Cascade Locks to Multnomah Falls and back. ” in 7 reviews

“ You are taken a ways down the Columbia Gorge, first down to the Bonneville Dam , and then turned around and went the other way for quite awhile. ” in 5 reviews

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299 NW Portage Rd

Cascade Locks, OR 97014

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Marine Park Campground is right around the corner with campsites on the lake. Water and electric hookup RV sites are $35, clean bathrooms and showers.

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The best way to see and get a feel for the Columbia River is by boat. We took the two hour Sternwheeler cruise and loved every single minute of it. It was a beautiful day so we stayed outside on deck the entire time. Everyone was rushing to get to the open top deck so it was crowded but the secret middle deck is where its at. For those interested, it's replica of the sternwheelers that cruised the Columbia beginning in the 1850's and was built in Hood River by Nichols Brothers boat builders. Sorry, I'm a history buff and love this stuff. During the whole cruise Captain Tom provides narration about the river's history and points out the various species of wildlife. We saw Osprey and a Bald Eagle during our cruise. You also get an incredible view of the 800 foot high Beacon Rock. . The vessel is wheelchair accessible - including the bathroom and main deck bar area - but I'm not sure how you get to the upper decks if you can't climb stairs. I never saw a public elevator but of course, I wasn't in need of one. Our cruise ticket price ($40 each) did not include meals but there is a snack bar that offers sandwiches, chips, candy and both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages for purchase. It was so cool buying a "glass" of wine and sitting back to watch the river go by. I'd also suggest you bring a jacket since it can get mighty windy out on the water. Oh, and buy the picture they take of you before you board. It's not required but is a great souvenir. I have ours framed and sitting on our dresser at home. Reminder of a beautiful day. Want to go back and take the Bonneville Dam & Lockage cruise next year.

Great food and atmosphere. The service was excellent. Will definitely be back next time we are in town.

For sightseeing only: When we went there was no indoor seating available at all, the entire cruise you have to sit outside. It is very windy so bring a hair tie or hat. You can purchase food in the cafe gift shop and bring it aboard to eat, there is basic cafe drinks, sandwiches and chips. You can also buy drinks/cocktails at the bar inside. For a warm summer night this was a ton of fun and a special date night. The views are absolutely gorgeous. You have to pay for parking either inside the gift shop or via a parking app.

Mandy Ann M.

Business Manager

Aug 25, 2022

Thank you for joining us for a cruise, Beth! On the evening you cruised as a sightseer, all the seats on the first and second cruise were taken by the sold out dinner cruise. It can get breezy in the Columbia Gorge, thanks for sharing that tip about bringing a hair tie or hat. We're so glad you enjoyed the sights from the boat as well as the drinks at the bar. You posted some great photos — thank you! Thanks again for joining us for your date night. We hope to see you again in the future!

Undeniably delightful dinner cruise! The food was delicious, the service spectacular and the captain of the ship navigated his Sternwheeler flawlessly. We participated in this cruise during the Fall and enjoyed it immensely. We will be returning this summer with our grandsons so that they can experience the magic. We're looking forward to partaking the views (more daylight) and a sunset. We highly, highly recommend this experience and this company.

Jan 10, 2022

Thank you, Dianna, for joining us last fall for a dinner cruise on the Columbia Gorge Sternwheeler. We look forward to welcoming you back with your grandsons in the summer. Thank you for taking the time to write a review and share great photos. See you again soon!

WOW! Super fantastic experience! Very easy to book tickets through your smart phone Easy to find, the boat was vintage beautiful, with plenty of seating on the top two decks for sightseeing. Once the cruise starts, there is a full bar and food (think stadium food like hot dogs and such). There are brunch and dinner cruises available with all the bells & whistles too. The stern wheel is super cool, actually really operational and not just for show. The Captain shares info tidbits along the way (if you want to hear every word you need to be on second deck/inside where bar is). What's also great, you pay for the East or West along the Columbia; you're invited to stay and ride the other way for free! What's not to love?!

May 31, 2022

Wow, thank YOU for sharing these wonderful photos, feedback and tips for future travelers! We're delighted you enjoyed the sightseeing cruise and we sincerely appreciate you taking the time to share your experience with others. We hope to have the pleasure of having you on board again in the future!

Best $76 I've spent on a two person boat cruise. Especially considering this was a spur of the moment decision after my muscles were too sore to see the Columbia River from a hike. The captain had great commentary. There were so many wild birds to be seen. Wind surfers and kayakers were out. And the scenery was stunning. So many colors of blue with beautiful trees and landscapes. And we got to go both east and west for two hours total of cruising time! I'm also normally prone to seasickness - didn't even need my Dramamine for this trip. Pro Tip: Eat at a restaurant in town (2 minutes past the cruise location) Double Pro Tip: Expect to pay $7 in parking at the lot. You can actually pay this in the gift shop rather than having to pay on your phone. Triple Pro Tip: The lower bow is usually empty so you can get there early and stake it out for yourself Quadruple Pro Tip: Book this cruise already!

Incredible experience. The ship is quite old, but it is still beautiful. Seeing the wheel turn in the back is truly incredible. The staff was incredibly friendly and helpful. They truly want you to have the best experience possible. The views are stunning. Never a bad view from the three levels of the ship. The food was also exquisite. Salad was just alright, but the beef tenderloin plate certainly made up for it. Simply delectable. Overall, just an awesome experience that is totally worth the money. Take your partner out for a date, or take the kids too for a fun time. One of the best things to do around

One of the lesser views from the ship. I'm telling you, the views are totally worth it.

Yummy dessert!

May 27, 2022

Thank you for cruising with us and taking the time to write a review and share your photos! We're so glad you had an incredible experience and enjoyed the service & food. We truly appreciate the recommendation and hope to see you on board again soon.

We had a wonderful evening and dinner celebrating my sister's birthday. Everyone was friendly, efficient, and professional. The food was outstanding and it was just a perfect memorable occasion.

My family and I did the brunch cruise and it was amazing! Well worth it. All you can eat delicious food, attentive and friendly staff (Thanks Jeff), and informative narration. They recognized our special family get together and they also recognized birthdays and anniversaries of passengers which really personalized the experience. A must do for visitors because you can explore the gorge from a vantage point that you don't get from the highway. We saw eagles, windsurfers, sailboats, and the extra long trains that pass through the gorge. Great value.

Jul 11, 2022

Thank you for joining us for a brunch cruise! We're delighted you enjoyed the food, friendly service from Jeff and informative narration. Thanks for taking the time to write about your experience and share photos so others might learn about our cruises — we appreciate it! We hope to have the pleasure of seeing you on board again in the future.

We went to celebrate my fiancés birthday. We got right on, and it happened to be a pretty cold day unfortunately. The main doors were wide open and I was freezing but they closed it halfway through. The service was AMAZING! Hannah was our server and checked on us quite often and made sure we had everything we needed. The views were so pretty and it was definitely something we would like to enjoy again.

See all photos from Kelsea S. for Sternwheeler Columbia Gorge Cruises

Jun 20, 2022

Thank you for cruising with us to celebrate your fiancé's birthday! We're so glad you enjoyed the views and service from our crew. We hope to see you on board, perhaps when it is a bit warmer!

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Popular Columbia River Gorge Sternwheeler Cruises Appear to Be Coming to an End Under Their Current Operator

Portland spirit says it has been unable to reach an agreement with the port of cascade locks to complete a repower of the vessel by 2024..

The iconic Columbia River Sternwheeler may take its final cruise at the end of this year—at least under its current operators.

Today, the general manager of Portland Spirit announced in a subscriber email that the business would no longer handle the vessel as of Jan. 1, 2023.

The beloved dinner and sightseeing boat is owned by the Port of Cascade Locks, not Portland Spirit, which has its own fleet that includes the namesake two-level yacht often parked in front of Salmon Street Springs, the Willamette Star and the Crystal Dolphin. The company has been in a long-term contract with the port to run tours on the Sternwheeler since 2006. However, it says the vessel now needs repowering with a new or remanufactured engine along with a remodel of the interior.

In all, those projects would cost an estimated $3 million. However, Portland Spirit says it has not been able to reach an agreement with the port that would allow it to complete the repower by 2024. Right now, that means there would be no more Portland Spirit-led cruises running through the Gorge except, perhaps, the summertime Bigfoot Adventure , which takes place on a 35-passenger jet boat.

“We have loved operating the port’s historic vessel for the past 16 years,” the letter stated. “At this point, we don’t know when the Sternwheeler will operate again in the future. In the meantime, we will invest in our Portland-based experiences and all our wonderful employees in Cascade Locks will be offered employment in Portland.”

Meanwhile, the Port Commission is considering its next steps—and that does not include moving the vessel and operating it elsewhere.

“The Sternwheeler has been a community asset in the region, especially in Cascade Locks,” Olga Kaganova, general manager for the port, tells WW . “Multiple options are under consideration. It does need a repower and work.”

The port says negotiations to date lack agreement on major terms, and it plans to send the next and final iteration of the agreement to Portland Spirit as soon as it is finalized. But ultimately, the commission wants Cascade Locks to know it remains invested there and nothing is off the table at this point, whether that means the port potentially takes over the Sternwheeler or enters an agreement with a different private company.

“What is the best outcome for the community?” Kaganova adds. “That’s the focus of the commission.”

Your last chance to ride the Sternwheeler through the Gorge with Portland Spirit is Oct. 30. Following the repositioning cruise—a one-way trip from Cascade Locks to Portland on Nov. 5—the paddle wheel boat will have limited local operations through Dec. 31.

Willamette Week’s reporting has concrete impacts that change laws, force action from civic leaders, and drive compromised politicians from public office. Support WW's journalism today.

Columbia Gorge Sternwheeler River Excursions

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Sternwheeler

The Columbia River is a river of stories. Experience the history, and the legends, of the Columbia River Gorge and learn about the Native Americans and the Lewis and Clark Expedition on a cruise aboard the Columbia Gorge Sternwheeler. Boarding is at Marine Park in Cascade Locks, in the heart of the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area.

There aren’t currently cruises being offered while the Sternwheeler undergoes maintenance projects. Check back soon for availability.

Come on board, and ride the sternwheeler. Experience our history firsthand:

take a cruise on a river of stories

> Columbia Gorge Sternwheeler

Ply the waters of the Columbia River and listen to stories of history and legend. See the Gorge from a different vantage point. Enjoy a day cruise or a dinner cruise. No matter what the weather, the scenery is spectacular.

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STERNWHEELER DINNER CRUISE

Cascade Locks / Columbia River

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Cruise the Columbia

Experience the Wonder of the Columbia River

#1 | Are you using Skamania County, Washington as your base camp for adventures in the Gorge? Then schedule a cruise on the Columbia Gorge Sternwheeler, an authentic paddlewheel vessel that offers short trips – excursion, brunch, and dinner – from their summer dock in Cascade Locks, Oregon. The Columbia Gorge operates on the Columbia River May through October. The captains are well versed in the history of the region including Native American stories, Lewis & Clark tales and the geologic formations and narrate throughout the one and two-hour trips. Or plan more time for the five-hour Landmarks Cruise and glide past such natural and historical landmarks as Multnomah Falls, Beacon Rock, Bonneville Locks and Dam, and many others – all from the best view on the Columbia. Your day will be complete with the fresh Northwest cuisine served on board. Get schedule and pricing .

#2 | Do you want to experience the full expanse of the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area while immersing yourself in the incredible history of this area? Consider a five or seven-day cruise on one of the two riverboats offering those itineraries. Queen of the West and American Empress both operate from April through November, with cruises generating in Portland and continuing upriver to the confluence with the Snake, including stops in Stevenson. The village of Stevenson has a classic small town charm with a unique Northwest flair and is easily accessible from the dock. Offshore excursions from Stevenson include visit to Multnomah Falls, Bonneville Dam, and Columbia Gorge Interpretive Center Museum.

#3 | One cruise is just not enough, right? After disembarking from your Columbia River experience, consider heading north to Alaska for a completely different adventure through the Inland Passage. Travel north on I-5 (or fly into Sea-Tac) and head to the Port of Seattle’s Downtown Cruise Terminals where you can choose from several cruise companies, vessels, and itineraries. Learn more .

Itinerary Options

• #1 | Columbia Gorge Sternwheeler
• #2 | Queen of the West & American Empress
• #3 | Port of Seattle

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Full steam ahead: valley gem sternwheeler sets launch date for second vessel, major/riviera.

From left, the Valley Gem Sternwheeler and their new vessel the Major/Riviera, set to debut at 5:30 p.m. May 25. (Photo provided)

The Valley Gem Sternwheeler has announced the launch of a second vessel into passenger service in Marietta.

The “new” vessel, named the Major/Riviera, is actually a combination unit made of the historic towboat, Major and the passenger barge, Riviera.

“The chamber is excited for this new addition,” Kelsy Eaton, President and CEO of the Marietta Area Chamber of Commerce said. “It’s been a long time in the making.”

The Riviera is very similar to the Valley Gem in size and layout and will carry 149 passengers. The lower deck is carpeted, enclosed and climate controlled.

The upper deck is open air with some sun shade protection.

Because the Riviera is a barge, it has no propulsion of its own and must be pushed by another vessel.

Eaton said this will double the number of passengers the two vessels can entertain.

The companion boat to the Riviera is the historic sternwheel towboat, Major.

The Major was originally built in 1928 and has a long history of service.

The Valley Gem company was able to purchase the boat in 2015, repaired and restored it, making it a Subchapter T passenger vessel so that it may work in conjunction with the Riviera as one unit.

The company needed a second vessel to meet demand for private charters and public cruises.

The Major/Riviera will launch on its maiden voyage on May 25 at 5:30 p.m.

There will be a ribbon cutting for the Major/Riviera which will then be setting off on dueling dinner cruises.

The Valley Gem and the Major/Riviera will leave the dock one after the other and will cruise together for two hours with a dinner and a live entertainment variety show. Reservations for both dinner cruises are still available.

The Major/Riviera has a full slate of events scheduled for the season including dinner cruises, murder mysteries, a summer of Jane Austen dinner theater, Broadway cabarets, specialty themed dinner cruises and a slate of holiday events including presentations or The Tell Tale Heart, Miracle on 34th Street and Christmas at Pemberley, among others.

Reservations for both the Valley Gem and the Major/Riviera can be made on the website,

www.valleygemsternwheeler.com or by calling 740-373-7862.

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