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Photo by Bruce Fingerhood @flickr - Columbia River west of Hood River.

Cool Places

Columbia River Gorge

A National Scenic Area, the largest in America, in the Pacific Northwest, between the states of Washington and Oregon. Here the mighty Columbia River cuts through the Cascade Mountains. Its natural beauty, with dozens of waterfalls spilling over the evergreen cliffs of the gorge. 

Overview

The Columbia River Gorge is a river canyon, 80 miles long and up to 4000 feet deep. The river itself is the longest river in the Pacific Northwest which flows from British Columbia, through central Washington, forms part of the boundary between Washington and Oregon, and empties into the Pacific Ocean. The Louis and Clark expedition came through the gorge in 1805, eventually making it to the Pacific Ocean. The Gorge is a must-see if you plan on visiting the area, and it will leave quite an impression. It’s famous for its majestic vistas and many waterfalls. 

Getting There

Portland, Oregon is the popular starting point to begin a journey into the Gorge. You can also come down from the North from Seattle, Washington, or from the interior from the East. You can explore it for a day or more if you want to experience all it has to offer. 

  • Nearest Major Airport: Portland International Airport (PDX), Portland, Oregon - Approx. 14 miles West
  • Alternate Major Airport: Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), Seattle, Washington - Approx. 170 miles North
  • Amtrak Train, Union Station (PDX) Portland, Oregon
  • By Car use US Interstate 84, Historic Columbia River Highway, or Evergreen Highway on the Washington side.
  • Port of Portland, or experience it from a river cruise

Climate

The best time to visit Columbia River Gorge for the best chance of good weather is between Late April and Mid-October. Considering that the Pacific Northwest is known for wet weather year-round, the months with the lowest chance of significant precipitation in the Gorge are July, August, and September.  The month of December is usually the wettest with even a chance of snow. 

Spring Average

HIGH

64 °F
18 °C

LOW

42 °F
6 °C

Fall Average

HIGH

66°F
19 °C

LOW

42 °F
6 °C

Summer Average

HIGH

88°F
31 °C

LOW

60 °F
16 °C

Winter Average

HIGH

42°F
6 °C

LOW

31 °F
-1 °C

attractions

CC BY — Multnomah Falls –  Photo by Dave Hoefler @upsplash; Bonneville Dam – Photo by USAEC @flick;, Hood River Valley – Photo by Frank Kovalchek @flickr; The Dalles – Photo by Bruce Fingerhood @flickr; Crown Point Vista House – Photo by Corey Seeman @Flickr

Explore in style

Cruise the Columbia River aboard the American Empress

The American Empress is a luxurious river cruise ship that sails on the Columbia River, offering passengers the opportunity to explore the stunning landscapes and historic sites of the Pacific Northwest region. Here are some of the highlights of the American Empress cruise on the Columbia River:

  1. Scenic Views: The Columbia River is known for its breathtaking scenery, including majestic mountains, lush forests, and rolling hills. The American Empress offers passengers panoramic views of the river and surrounding landscape from its spacious decks and observation areas.

  2. Historic Sites: The cruise stops at several historic sites along the Columbia River, including Fort Clatsop, where Lewis and Clark spent the winter of 1805-06, and the Bonneville Dam, which was built during the Great Depression as part of a public works project.

  3. Onboard Activities: The American Empress offers a range of onboard activities, including live entertainment, cooking demonstrations, and educational lectures on the history and culture of the Pacific Northwest.

  4. Shore Excursions: Passengers can choose from a variety of shore excursions to explore the local area, including wine tastings at local wineries, visits to museums and historic sites, and hiking and biking tours of the surrounding countryside.

  5. Culinary Delights: The American Empress offers a range of dining options, from gourmet dinners in the main dining room to casual fare in the onboard cafes and lounges. The ship also features a Pacific Northwest-inspired menu featuring local ingredients and regional specialties.

  6. Luxurious Accommodations: The American Empress offers luxurious accommodations, including spacious staterooms with private balconies and suites with separate living areas. Passengers can also enjoy a range of onboard amenities, including a fitness center, spa, and outdoor hot tub.

 

When you are ready or have any questions about visiting the Columbia River Gorge, send us a message. We will be happy to hear from you. If you are interested in cruising the Columbia River aboard the American Empress, we are here to help you navigate and plan your river cruise. 

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