About Columbia River Maritime Museum

Columbia River Maritime Museum

Recognition Programs

Explore the world of marine transportation from the days of dugout canoes, through the age of sail, to the present.

Watch a dramatic 12-minute film introducing the history and perils of the the Columbia River. Sail a model boat on the newly opened Warnock Model Boat Pond. Walk the bridge of a World War II warship, marvel at the 44-foot motor lifeboat plowing through a wave in a rescue mission. Participate in four interactive and hands-on exhibits including taking the helm in a tugboat wheelhouse. 

The museum's 3D theater brings family-friendly movies to life in grand fashion, onto the huge screen and in pure digital surround sound.

And what's more…you can board the Lightship Columbia, a National Historic Landmark, that once guided ships to safety at the mouth of the Columbia River.

Recognition Programs

Reviews & Ratings

TripAdvisor Traveler Rating: 4.7/5 TripAdvisor Traveler Rating based on 1870 reviews
  • TripAdvisor Rating
    September 30, 2026
    ksufan88

    Enjoyed the coast guard exhibits about the Columbia River area

    This museum has some great exhibits with actual fishing boats along with coast guard vessels. They are well explained with even some videos. We learned so much about the dangerous sandbar navigation around the Columbia River. Moored outside is a lightship (basically a floating lighthouse) that was used for many years in this part of the country. I had never heard of this type of ship, and it was interesting to tour it.

  • TripAdvisor Rating
    September 30, 2026
    Jan T

    Well done museum

    This museum brings into focus the power of the confluence between the Pacific Ocean and the Columbia River. The visuals and audios are amazing! The history and resilience of the people that worked the area was inspiring. We would recommend a visit here to any age group.

  • TripAdvisor Rating
    September 12, 2026
    janetaX6758EM

    Nice museum to get the gist.

    Nice local museum. $15 for seniors, additional to see the movie (we didn't). Several buses from the American Cruise Lines were bringing groups... The best thing was the docent who did a very informative "2 minute talk" on the map in the front lobby!!

  • TripAdvisor Rating
    September 7, 2026
    Cintiskyline

    Very disappointed

    Quite unfriendly and curt staff. No reference at all regarding admission of animals. Apparently service animals only but absolutely no reference to restrictions on the website. In particular, nothing about sleeping elderly 12 lb Shih Tzus confined to a stroller. Looks nice. Pretty disappointing. No “Gee whiz, I’m so sorry” or ANYTHING resembling ANYTHING empathetic. Good luck.

  • TripAdvisor Rating
    August 21, 2026
    lowbrow56

    Loved it

    Loved it if I was. Gonna get critical, the only thing I can see is it doesn’t flow well but I’m guessing that will change when the new wing opens

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