Few things define Portland like its rivers. Flowing through downtown and along its northern border, the Willamette and Columbia rivers have been the lifeblood of the city since its founding. Today they’re also its playground, offering riverfront beaches, swim spots, paddle sports and pretty bridge views. But there are still new ways to fall in love with these familiar waterways — like seeing them from a different point of view on a river cruise.
For the last 30 years, the family-owned and -run Portland Spirit has been showing Portlanders and out-of-towners alike a new side of the city’s rivers with its fleet of four vessels, including the flagship Portland Spirit yacht. Departing from central Portland, the company’s range of seasonal and year-round tours offers something for all occasions. Here are three top ways to cruise along Portland’s rivers, from fast-paced fun on the Columbia to leisurely lunches and dinners on the Willamette.
1. Sip Cocktails During Happy Hour on the River
Want to make the most of a glorious summer afternoon in Oregon? Grab your friends, climb aboard, and spend an hour and a half sipping and sightseeing on an all-ages Happy Hour Sightseeing cruise (July through September). This Willamette route takes you past downtown Portland and Waverly Country Club, dishing up views of famous bridges, greenery-drenched riverbanks and fancy houses.
Hang out on the breezy, sun-soaked open-air decks to bask in the view, or relax in the climate-controlled indoor decks. The full bar offers plenty of beverage choices, including nonalcoholic options, and light bites are available on the happy hour menu. An onboard audio guide and the constantly changing vistas provide plenty of entertainment for little ones, making this cruise a great family-friendly option.
2. Jet to the Columbia River Gorge on a Sightseeing Tour
With towering basalt cliffs and ribbon-like waterfalls, the Columbia River Gorge is a geological wonder from any angle. But nothing compares to witnessing this feat of nature from the waters that helped carve it — plus, visiting by boat means you can skip the traffic and parking.
The 7 Wonders of the Gorge cruise (July through September) takes thrill seekers and nature lovers on a fast-paced, 3.5-hour sightseeing tour of seven of the lower Gorge’s most famous natural landmarks. The cruise departs from central Portland on the open-air Explorer Jetboat. You’ll head north along the Willamette before joining the Columbia and moving upriver to enter the Gorge. Gaze in awe at soaring rock formations like Crown Point, and pass by picturesque waterfalls. An expert guide is onboard to point out landmarks and answer questions.
3. Scenic Wine and Dine on the Willamette
Drift past glassy skyscrapers, forested riverbanks, rocky cliff faces and charming floating homes — all while enjoying delicious meals accompanied by live piano music — on one of the Portland Spirit’s sit-down dining cruises. Cruisegoers sit back on enclosed dining decks with panoramic windows to enjoy brunch, lunch or dinner as the Portland Spirit charts a course along the Willamette River. Sailing through the heart of downtown Portland and along the historic Milwaukie waterfront, these year-round culinary cruises give diners a chance to admire the landscapes in myriad ways. Dinner cruises offer the chance to see the Portland skyline in all its illuminated glory, while brunch and lunch departures let you soak up the changing seasons in full sunshine, from summertime greenery to fall foliage to springtime blooms.
As the boat glides along, you might spot bald eagles or ospreys soaring overhead. You’ll also get the chance to admire the stately properties lining the riverbanks. Lasting between 2 and 2.5 hours depending on the service, diners have plenty of time to savor their Northwest fare. Sip mimosas while dining on eggs Benedict during brunch cruises, or enjoy upscale entrees like Columbia River steelhead trout during dinner. After eating, explore the boat’s outer sightseeing decks, where you can sit back with a drink to admire the view as an audio guide shares interesting facts and tidbits about the landmarks.
