About the Port
Clarkston sits along the Snake River at the Idaho-Washington border, serving as the practical arrival point for river cruises that trace the river's canyon walls and remote wilderness stretches. The surrounding hillsides shelter bald eagles, osprey, herons, and other wildlife, making the approach itself a highlight of any visit. The town's small waterfront makes it an easy, walkable landing for travelers beginning or ending their river journey.
From Clarkston, routes lead inland toward Hells Canyon, one of the deepest river gorges in North America, often viewed by air for a fuller sense of its scale. Journeys north also connect to Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, where a lake known for its clear water and forested shoreline offers a change of pace. Together these stops round out a visit centered on rugged, water-carved landscapes of the interior Northwest.
Pavlus Recommendations
How our planners would spend a day in Clarkston.
Fly Over Hells Canyon
A narrated small-plane flight reveals the full scale of this deep gorge, with canyon walls and river bends impossible to appreciate from the water alone. Typically arranged as a half-day excursion inland from Clarkston.
Cruise Lake Coeur d'Alene
Head north to Idaho for a scenic lake cruise past forested shoreline and clear water, often paired with a lunch on board. A worthwhile change of pace from the river canyon landscape.
Watch for Wildlife on the Waterfront
Stroll Clarkston's small, walkable riverfront and scan the surrounding hillsides for bald eagles, osprey, and herons before or after the river journey begins.
Cruise Lines That Call Here
Cruises That Visit Clarkston
| Departs | Cruise Line | Ship | Itinerary | Nights | From |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 5, 2026 | Lindblad Expeditions | NG Sea Bird | 7 | $5,909 | |
| Sep 19, 2026 | Lindblad Expeditions | NG Sea Bird | 7 | $5,471 | |
| Sep 19, 2026 | Lindblad Expeditions | NG Sea Lion | 5 | $3,969 | |
| Sep 29, 2026 | Lindblad Expeditions | NG Sea Lion | 5 | $3,344 | |
| Oct 3, 2026 | Lindblad Expeditions | NG Sea Bird | 7 | $6,125 | |
| Oct 17, 2026 | Lindblad Expeditions | NG Sea Bird | 7 | $5,177 |