Future of Columbia Gorge sternwheeler uncertain as Cascade Locks courts larger cruise line

Table Of Content

• What to expect from a Dinner Cruise aboard the Sternwheeler
• STERNWHEELER DINNER CRUISE
• Now offering: Brunch Cruises along the Columbia Gorge
• Things to do in Cascade Locks, Oregon
• Dockside Bar
• Luxury Cabins along the Columbia River in Carson, Washington. Minutes to Multnomah Falls & Beacon Rock State Park.

You’re welcome to stay on the boat for the return trip or get off and wander around, catching the next boat (provided you don’t miss the last boat back to Cascade Locks). The most popular cruise aboard the Columbia Gorge Sternwheeler is the Sightseeing Gorge, which is offered daily from May – October. As you travel, the captain will narrate the history and point out a variety of attractions and natural landmarks. Snacks and beverages from the bar are available for purchase.

What to expect from a Dinner Cruise aboard the Sternwheeler

Today, thanks to its beautiful location on the river, there are plenty of great things to do in Cascade Locks, Oregon. In Portland Spirit’s last contract proposal, it included a payment increase of more than 50%. But so far, the two parties have been unable to reach and agreement.

STERNWHEELER DINNER CRUISE

Umatilla tribal member Kim Brigham built the Brigham Fish Market with her family. The family cashed out their 401ks and built the Brigham Fish Market. Cruise through the Columbia Gorge Historic Scenic Area while enjoying a freshly prepared three-course dinner with your choice of entrée. There aren’t currently cruises being offered while the Sternwheeler undergoes maintenance projects. The Cascade Locks Marine Park is the home port for the Sternwheeler Columbia Gorge. The Sternwheeler is owned by the Port of Cascade Locks and now operated by JettyLight.

Now offering: Brunch Cruises along the Columbia Gorge

Columbia River Gorge Tours - Travel Portland

Columbia River Gorge Tours.

Posted: Tue, 19 Mar 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]

It’s best known for the Columbia Gorge Sternwheeler, which offers daily and nightly cruises from May – October – but it’s also home to popular attractions like Thunder Island. If you’re looking for something unique and fun to do this summer, we have the perfect thing! Head down to the charming town of Cascade Locks, Oregon, and take a cruise with the Columbia Gorge Sternwheeler. The Columbia Gorge Sternwheeler is one of the most popular things to do in Cascade Locks, Oregon, which itself is a charming town worth visiting. The restaurant gets a few diners from the local Columbia Gorge Sternwheeler. But Brigham thinks they’d get more if a larger cruise liner docked in town.

Boat Tours That Create Lasting Memories

East highlights Wind Mountain and Skamania Lodge, while west features the Bridge of the Gods and Bonneville Dam. Stay on board to do both loops for free (not available on last cruise of the day). Experience the history, and the legends, of the Columbia River Gorge and learn about the Native Americans and the Lewis and Clark Expedition on a cruise aboard the Columbia Gorge Sternwheeler. Boarding is at Marine Park in Cascade Locks, in the heart of the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. Built in Hood River, Oregon by Nichols Boat Works and launched in 1983, our authentic triple-decker paddle wheeler provides 360 degrees of breathtaking vistas. These cruises leave on the hour from Cascade Locks and travel for an hour in one direction.

Things to do in Cascade Locks, Oregon

#1 | Are you using Skamania County, Washington as your base camp for adventures in the Gorge? The Columbia Gorge operates on the Columbia River May through October. The captains are well versed in the history of the region including Native American stories, Lewis & Clark tales and the geologic formations and narrate throughout the one and two-hour trips.

Future of Columbia Gorge sternwheeler uncertain as Cascade Locks courts larger cruise line

Indeed, during the years of the great recession, the nearby Eagle Creek wildfire and during the pandemic, ridership was so low the sternwheeler did not turn a profit. It kept paying the port however, as busy years supplement slower years. “Our previous contract with (Portland Spirit) has certainly limited the revenue to the port, and the port believes that it could be operated for an increased revenue,” she said.

Experience the natural and scenic wonders of the Columbia River Gorge and learn about the Lewis and Clark Expedition by taking a boat cruise aboard an authentic triple deck sternwheeler. Watch Native American tribes fish from their legendary platforms as they have for centuries. Scenic rides, brunch and dinner cruises and interpretive tours provide 360-degree breathtaking vistas.

Luxury Cabins along the Columbia River in Carson, Washington. Minutes to Multnomah Falls & Beacon Rock State Park.

The Columbia Gorge Sternwheeler can hold up to 232 passengers and offers an onboard galley and two full-service bars for those not taking part in a plated meal-service cruise. As the Columbia Gorge Sternwheeler makes its way down the river, you’ll pass by famous sights like The Bridge of the Gods, Wind Mountain, the Bonneville Dam, and more. Over the last five years, the sternwheeler has seen an average 35,000 passengers from Marine Park in Cascade Locks.

On Sundays between May and October, join the Columbia Gorge Sternwheeler for a delicious brunch cruise up the Columbia River. This cruise lasts two hours and features an all-you-can-eat buffet brunch with hosted Champagne and mimosas. Spending an afternoon or evening aboard the Columbia Gorge Sternwheeler is a beautiful way to enjoy your time in the Columbia River Gorge. Riding this incredible boat is all about relaxing and enjoying the breathtaking scenery of the Columbia River Gorge. Escape to the Columbia Gorge on this 2-hour cruise through the heart of the Columbia Gorge. Enjoy a delicious plated Northwest brunch with complimentary Champagne/mimosas.

Portland Spirit’s contract with the port is scheduled to sunset in December and negotiations are getting tense. Kim Brigham’s family has sold fish in Cascade Locks for as long as she can remember. In 2014, port officials suggested she open a brick-and-mortar restaurant. For generations, members of the Umatilla, Yakima, Warm Springs and Nez Perce tribes have fished for salmon in the Cascade Locks area.

These dinner events will allow these local culinary artists to provide a unique dining experience especially made for each cruise. The price for these unique dinner adventures will vary depending on the menu and time of year, but typically range from between $65.00 to $100.00, plus tax. Just as in days of old, join us aboard the replica sternwheeler Columbia Gorge for a truly impressive cruise along the picturesque Columbia River. We will carefully select partner caterers and restaurants, pairing their fares with local craft beers and locally grown wines. Every Sunday during the season, you can board the vessel at Cascade Locks and leave your worries behind for a fun-filled and unforgettable brunch cruise.