Columbia Gorge Sternwheeler

299 SW Portage Rd, Cascade Locks
(503) 224-3900

Recent Reviews

Jan Franz

Loved the cruise, our 50th anniversary we were treated like royalty and all our 14 grand children loved it,food was delicious and excellent service,highly recommend, please come back to us for our 60th.

Michele Eskridge

Loved the dinner cruise

Dunaysi Morales

Amazing!

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

Dunny Morales

Amazing!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Sebastian Zermeno

Driving through Cascade Locks, the sudden appearance of the stern wheeler prompted us to embark on an unplanned journey. Inside, the warm ambiance and reasonably priced, amazing bar service enhanced the experience. There was also a small food menu, but we decided not to indulge and instead focus on the scenery. The captain's informative commentary added depth to the picturesque views. The the option to walk around the entire vessel allowed us to explore and fully embrace the charm of the cruise. This spontaneous adventure—scenery, warmth, narration, delightful drinks, and the freedom to explore—made it truly unforgettable.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Samuel Facey

I like the caption he was nice, he let me sail the boat for a few minutes, and later on the cruise the crew saved a dogs life in the water. What a heroic and awesome crew and captain, would recommend. Also the food was ok and the drinks were really good, great bartender.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 5

Cathy P.

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.

Joshua Baker

As locals, we love the Sternwheeler , and we are so glad it's back. Yes, it is open for business. The bar was even open this evening for a while after today's excursions. The trips themselves are amazing with fantastic scenery and educational narration. Well worth it!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 5

Susie Lawrence

It was a fun trip. A bit more history of the area would have been nice. More personable people working would have been nice also. However the gentleman working the bar was very nice and helpful with carrying my dog's stroller up the stairs so we could sit outside ? Thank you for the fun day.

Atmosphere: 4

Service: 4

Patricia H.

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.

Jesse Fulcher

This is a really fun and educational cruise around the Columbia river. The boat is old and has lots of history, but if your in the area I highly recommend checking it out. The kids love it and it's a blast from the past.

Atmosphere: 5

Service: 5

Dee Rodgers

As they start anew they have been kind enough to allow locals free rides at special times. There was no real food service other then soda and chips at that maiden voyage. It was nice to have our opitions count toward a community relationship in the bissness sector. The remodel is very nice and I look forword to seeing what is next.

Atmosphere: 4

Service: 5

Sara Chaffin

Just went today! We were celebrating my son's birthday. It was informative, beautiful and so much fun. The staff is super friendly.With the purchase of your ticket you get to wander the decks and even get to stay on for both routes (East and West) and free parking. They offer several sandwiches chips, salads and candy, a couple juices, bottled sodas and some adult options too!There is a bathroom onboard.We'll be going back for sure!!

Atmosphere: 5

Service: 5

Mackenzie Saunders

Fun group activity! This is really cool for most ages. We went with my grandmother, mom, and my sibling and I, with both of our partners for a brunch cruise.Unfortunately, there was an issue with the boat, so we couldn’t take the cruise. But we did get to enjoy our brunch and drinks for a couple of hours on the boat. They offered us either a reimbursement for our tickets or we could rebook for a future date. We chose to rebook, and I’m really glad we did. The tour guide was fantastic, and the views are breathtaking. It’s hard to describe how beautiful the Columbia river gorge is, if you’ve never been there. We took the cruise in early fall, and I think it was a really great time to see the foliage changing colors. We are looking forward to trying the Portland steerwheeler cruise sometime in the future!My only piece of feedback for the team - better vegan food options! I think we had oatmeal as an option for the brunch, which wasn’t bad, it’s just a little plain. Maybe a tofu scramble with a robust veggie mix? And for lunch or dinner, perhaps a tofu/tempeh sandwich, or a risotto or other pasta? Just an idea. Thanks!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 5

Skeuomorphic Spud

I Didn't eat anything, but the water was good.First and probably last experience on the Sternwheeler. It was a great break in the tedium that is daily life.Unfortunately it's looking like it's going to get shut down for cruises like this last one. I don't like boats, so this was different for me.I liked that I could walk around on the bottom floor if I wanted to, there was food and drink if I wanted, and there were two more decks to explore that I am told were nicer than the first floor, albeit a bit cold.My only problem was my mobility, nothing to do with the Sternwheeler. I wanted to look around because I love old pieces of engineering history. I wished to go up the stairs, but my body would barely let me stand long enough to take a few pictures. Which I hope to share.The best part was there was a man dressed as Captain America following the Sternwheeler in a kayak, smiling and waving energetically. For the whole hour and a half cruise. Probably just someone wanting to ride the wake of the Sternwheeler in spirit of Halloween. But it made the cruise fun for me. He was with a half a dozen other kayak-ers that were fun to see as well, but Captain America was the only one in costume.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 3

Service: 5

Load More