Hello!
Does anyone have any experience with American Cruise Lines for the Columbia and Snake River trip? Would you recommend the company? We are looking at the 8 day trip and I would be traveling with my 96 year old Dad who is mobile, but a little slow. Do you think this trip would be a problem for him? I called the cruise line about this and they weren't overly helpful! Lastly, would mid September be a good time to go? I don't want it to be too cold where we can't sit outside.

Thanks for any insight you can send along!!!

I would not pay over $4350 PER PERSON for an 8 day one way boat trip from Portland up to Richland Washington. YMMV. My advice is to fly into PDX and rent a car and set your own pace. The Columbia River Gorge is known for occasional very high winds. When you are coming in for a landing at PDX you will get a birds eye view of the river for more than a minute. Early September MAY be warmer than mid September.
If you do drive I-84 east of Portland, be sure to stop to see Multnomah Falls. It is a left exit into the median parking area. There is a walking tunnel under the eastbound lanes to get close to the falls (Oregon's tallest).

However, the slow pace of the boat might be just the ticket for a 96 year old person sitting in the lounge and enjoying the passing scenery.

https://flic.kr/p/7rQZDS