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Paddlewheeler to Launch Columbia River Trips in August by Staff Leisure Group Travel, January 19, 2010

American Cruise Lines has finalized its 2010 Columbia River schedule for the newly acquired paddlewheel cruise ship Queen of the West. Beginning Aug. 7, trips will depart weekly, through October, from Portland, Ore., or Clarkston, Wash. The last sailing of the season is Oct. 30.

Two itineraries will be available. The Columbia and Snake River cruise will travel between Portland and Clarkston, while the Great Western Rivers cruise will be a roundtrip from Portland.

Both itineraries will cruise the Columbia River and the Columbia River Gorge, traversing a number of locks in the Columbia River Lock & Dam System, with stops including Astoria, the home of Lewis and Clark's winter camp; Pendleton, famous for its cowboys at the Pendleton Roundup; and Mt. St. Helens. The Columbia and Snake River cruise will continue further east to the dramatic Snake River, where passengers will have the opportunity to travel through the deepest canyon in North America.

For passengers on the Columbia/Snake River cruise who prefer to return to their originating airport, a complimentary post-cruise option will include transportation back to the embarkation port, a bonus shore excursion with lunch along the route and an overnight stay in the embarkation city.

(800-814-6880, www.americancruiselines)