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Your day will be complete with the fresh Northwest cuisine served on board. The Columbia Gorge Sternwheeler is an authentic triple-decked paddle wheeler that offers visitors 360-degree views of the Gorge as it moves down the river. It was built in neighboring Hood River and launched in 1983, and ever since has been providing exceptional seasonal cruises up and down the stunning Columbia River. #2 | Do you want to experience the full expanse of the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area while immersing yourself in the incredible history of this area? Consider a five or seven-day cruise on one of the two riverboats offering those itineraries.
Things to do in Cascade Locks, Oregon
Ply the waters of the Columbia River and listen to stories of history and legend. Unfortunately, we were not able to come to a timely agreement with the Port to renew our long term contract that would allow us to complete a repower of the vessel by 2024. Cascade Locks sits right at the spectacular Bridge of the Gods on the banks of the Columbia River.
Fare Policies
The village of Stevenson has a classic small town charm with a unique Northwest flair and is easily accessible from the dock. Offshore excursions from Stevenson include visit to Multnomah Falls, Bonneville Dam, and Columbia Gorge Interpretive Center Museum. We are excited to offer special tailor-made dinner cruises, featuring local restaurants and chefs from throught the Columbia Gorge.
take a cruise on a river of stories
In town, you can stop at little tents on the side of the road to buy it. Given the nature of our operation and limited seating for each sailing, all tickets are non-refundable. However, they are transferable if transferred at least one week (seven calendar days) prior to the schedule sailing. If an online purchase included food and beverage, it may not be possible to credit for the exact menu selection. In these cases, the refunded will receive a credit of a similar value to the food item originally purchased.
But day-to-day operations are run by American Waterways Inc., better known as Portland Spirit, the company that runs a fleet of tourist boats in Oregon. We have loved operating the Port’s historic vessel for the past 17 years. Our final public cruise in the Columbia River Gorge was on October 30, 2022. Cruise line captains don’t want to deal with such delicate issues.
Portland Spirit’s Columbia Gorge Sternwheeler Heart of the Gorge Sightseeing, Gorgeous Dinner, Brunch, Landmarks
Columbia Gorge Sternwheeler Arrives in the Tri-Cities for 10 Day Stay - NBC Right Now
Columbia Gorge Sternwheeler Arrives in the Tri-Cities for 10 Day Stay.
Posted: Fri, 18 Apr 2014 07:00:00 GMT [source]
For example, maneuvering an old-tech sternwheeler is tricky. Another sticking point in negotiations revolves around which sternwheeler improvements Portland Spirit should cover, and which the port would pay for. No decision has been made and, meanwhile, it can take two years to fulfill a marine parts order. “We approached them about four years ago to start that conversation for repowering and doing some cosmetic updates, and the process has really taken a long time,” said Corwin. For example, the sternwheeler needs $3 million in restoration work to its engines and interior. Cascade Locks city administrator Gordon Zimmerman said the town was more widely discovered in the 2000s after developers bought land in anticipation of a casino being built.
STERNWHEELER DINNER CRUISE
However, in order to operate smoothly for years to come, the vessel requires a repower (new engines, various propulsion components, control panel, etc.). Additionally, we would like to renovate the interior to better showcase the vessel’s historic beauty. We estimate a cost of approximately 3 million dollars between the repower and remodel, which must be amortized over time in order to justify the extraordinary cost. Cascade Locks, Oregon, is a small yet beautiful town on the banks of the mighty Columbia River. Like most river towns, the history of Cascade Locks is intimately tied to the river itself.
For a truly romantic experience aboard the Columbia Gorge Sternwheeler, take the Gorge-ous Dinner Cruise. You’ll enjoy the same narrated history and sights as the other cruises, but you’ll be treated to a sensational chef-created menu featuring local and seasonal ingredients. The Sternwheeler’s historic-looking interior and exterior along with its historic setting in the scenic Columbia Gorge makes it a wonderful experience for tourists and history enthusiasts. It has seating for 232 passengers for plated meals, an on-board galley, two full-service bars and is licensed to carry 599 people. The Columbia Gorge Sternwheeler was built in Hood River, Oregon by Nichols Boat Works and was launched in 1983. On April 19, 2006, the Columbia Gorge Sternwheeler became the first and only paddle-boat leased by American Waterways, Inc.
After years of financial struggle, port leaders want to build on the city’s economic success. So they are negotiating to bring American Cruise Lines into town. The company’s big vessels can carry more than 200 passengers and staff, who would likely spend plenty of money if they docked locally. In addition, light snacks made by local chefs may be included in this unique experience. The price will vary depending on time of year, but typically range between $50.00 to $75.00 plus tax. All reduced fare tickets can be purchased on-line, but ID will be required to validate the reduced fare ticket at time of boarding.
So the port is talking to the tribes to see if there’s some wiggle room. But that would involve working around tribal fishing platforms and negotiating fishing rights. Under the current agreement, Portland Spirit pays the port a monthly concession fee, regardless of gains or losses.
On Monday, October 3, 2022 we issued a press release to the media sharing the disheartening news that we will no longer operate the Columbia Gorge Sternwheeler as of January 1, 2023. Additionally, the Locks Waterfront Grill will permanently close as of November 1, 2022. Aside from boarding the fantastic Columbia Gorge Sternwheeler, here are a few of our favorite things to do in Cascade Locks, Oregon.
The cruise departs at 6 pm and returns at 8 pm, and thus includes a sunset during the majority of the year. Summer sunsets happen just after returning from the cruise, and they can be enjoyed at the adjacent Marine Park. Corwin said Portland Spirit officials are amenable to moving the Gorge sternwheeler to another dock, but there are other problems.
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