From Cherry Lemonade to Fiery Volcanoes – Five Reasons to Visit the Columbia and Snake Rivers
The Columbia and Snake Rivers are some of the most beautiful waterways in North America. From her source in the Canadian Rockies, this huge river is home to small communities and spectacular scenery. To truly appreciate these majestic rivers, we recommend a small ship river cruise of course!
One: Step Back in Time at Fort Clatsop
Fort Clatsop, located just outside Astoria, Oregon, is where American history meets quiet coastal nature. This reconstructed fort marks the winter encampment of the Lewis and Clark Expedition in 1805–1806, when the explorers finally reached the Pacific Ocean after their long journey west. Today, visitors can walk through the fort, watch historical demonstrations, and explore peaceful forest and river trails that show what life was like for the expedition more than 200 years ago. Surrounded by misty woods and close to the rugged Oregon coast, Fort Clatsop offers a clear, engaging glimpse into early American exploration while still feeling calm, scenic, and easy to enjoy.
Two: The OTHER Vancouver is pretty cool too…
According to The Atlantic, Vancouver (Washington State USA) is listed as being the 10th most peaceful metropolitan region in the United States – tied with Portland, Oregon. Quirky almost obsolete laws in the town used to keep you from buying meat of any kind on Sundays and also banned all lollipops. Thank goodness those ‘wild west’ days are gone!
Three: Helen is one fiery lady
Not far from Kalama, Washington State is the very fiery volcano of Mount St Helens. The most notable eruption during our lifetime was on the 18th of May 1980 where 2 months worth of earthquakes culminated in a massive eruption which caused mudslides that reached as far as the Columbia River 80km to the Southwest. Hundreds of square miles where levels and 57 people lost their lives in this example of nature’s raw power.
Four: Cherry Pie
Oregon’s The Dalles on the Columbia River has a walking route called the ‘Cherry Trail‘ where, you can try delicacies like Cherry Pie, Cherry Cinnamon Rolls, Back Forest Cream Cheese Pie, Chocolate Cherry Scones, Cherry Almond Cake, Cherry Lemonade or Cherry Mocha. There is glass cherry ornaments to buy a whole load of cherry-themed fun. Plus, in April each year the annual Cherry Festival takes place.
Five: Wowsa waterfalls
From The Dalles port of call, you can visit the stunning Multnomah Falls in Oregon. This double-drop waterfall is a total of 189 metres high with an average flow rate of 150 cubic feet per second. The original peoples of the land, the Multnomah, have a beautiful and tragic story about the falls. You can read it HERE
Inspired to visit this stunning part of the world? Talk to an Australian Columbia & Snake River expert at Cruise Traveller today – 1800 507 777