Willamette River Brunch Cruise: Portland Bridges & Buffet

Eat your way downriver while six historic bridges unfold above you

A 2-hour brunch cruise on Portland's Willamette River pairs an all-you-can-eat Northwest buffet with live piano music and narrated sights of Portland and Milwaukie. The boat passes under six bridges, the USS Blueback submarine, Oaks Amusement Park and Tom McCall Waterfront Park, with a dedicated server at your reserved table and hosted mimosas throughout. Gluten-free and vegan options are available; the lower deck is wheelchair accessible, though upper decks require stairs.

Step-by-step itinerary

2-hour brunch cruise on Willamette River

• Board the cruise vessel
• Enjoy all-you-can-eat Northwest brunch buffet
• Drink hosted mimosas and coffee
• Listen to live piano entertainment
• Hear narration of sights from outer decks
• Pass under Hawthorne Bridge
• Pass under Interstate 5 (Marquam) Bridge
• Cruise by OMSI and USS Blueback submarine
• Pass Tilikum Crossing bridge
• Pass under Ross Island Bridge
• Pass under Sellwood Bridge
• Cruise by dog-friendly park with sandy beaches
• Cruise by Oaks Amusement Park
• Cruise by Waverley Country Club
• Pass by ancient volcanic island rocks
• Pass under Morrison Bridge
• Pass under Burnside Bridge and view White Stag sign
• Pass under Portland Steel Bridge
• View Oregon Convention Center spires
• Pass Rose Quarter campus and Moda Center
• Cruise by Tom McCall Waterfront Park
• Disembark from the cruise

The Experience

The cruise runs 2 hours and departs from Portland with a reserved table waiting for you — no hunting for a seat or jostling at a buffet line. The boat moves slowly enough that you can eat, refill your mimosa, and still catch the narration on the outer decks explaining what you're passing. A carving station and made-to-order dishes sit alongside the buffet spread, so you're not limited to what's already plated.

Six bridges mark the route: the Hawthorne, built in 1910 and still the oldest vertical lift bridge in operation; the Marquam Bridge carrying Interstate 5; the Tilikum Crossing, which opened in 2015 with 178 LED lights that shift color with the water temperature; the Ross Island Bridge, designed by the engineer who built Hudson River crossings; the Sellwood Bridge, handling 30,000 vehicles daily; and the Burnside Bridge, famous for its Italian Renaissance towers and the view of the White Stag sign. Between bridges you'll pass the USS Blueback submarine at OMSI, Oaks Amusement Park (operating since 1905), and the 36 acres of Tom McCall Waterfront Park.

Live piano plays throughout, and a server stays attentive to refill coffee and mimosas without you asking. The upper decks are open for the narration and the views, but if stairs are difficult, the enclosed lower deck is fully accessible and still gives you the river and the bridges. Boarding requires a photo for security.

What’s included

• All-you-can-eat Northwest brunch buffet with carving station and made-to-order dishes.
• hosted mimosas, sparkling wine, sparkling cider, tea and coffee.
• live piano entertainment.
• reserved table for your party.
• live English narration of sights on the outer decks.
• gluten-free and vegan options.

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleStroller friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Portland Spirit Cruises & Events

Is this one for you?The live narration is in English, so you'll follow the bridge history and site commentary comfortably without translation. If you want to stay warm or need to avoid stairs, the enclosed lower deck is fully accessible and still puts you on the river for the full 2 hours.

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Top questions

What bridges do you pass under on the Willamette River brunch cruise?

The cruise passes under six bridges: the Hawthorne (1910, the oldest vertical lift bridge still in operation), the Marquam Bridge (Interstate 5), the Tilikum Crossing (opened 2015 with temperature-responsive LED lights), the Ross Island Bridge (designed by the engineer who built Hudson River crossings), the Sellwood Bridge (carrying 30,000 vehicles daily), and the Burnside Bridge (Italian Renaissance style, designed by the architect of the Golden Gate Bridge). You'll also see the White Stag sign from the Burnside Bridge side.

Is the brunch cruise suitable if I use a wheelchair?

The enclosed lower deck is wheelchair accessible, and you can board and dine there without needing stairs. Upper decks require stairs to reach, so if you want to go outside for the narration and views, that won't be possible. Let the operator know when you book so they can confirm your setup.

What's included in the brunch buffet?

The all-you-can-eat buffet features a carving station, made-to-order dishes, and assorted miniature desserts. Gluten-free and vegan options are available. Hosted beverages include sparkling wine, mimosas, sparkling cider, tea and coffee. Other drinks like soda, beer, wine and cocktails are available for purchase.

How long is the cruise and what else do you see besides bridges?

The cruise lasts 2 hours and travels through Portland and Milwaukie. Beyond the six bridges, you'll pass the USS Blueback submarine at OMSI, Oaks Amusement Park (operating since 1905 and 3.5 miles south of downtown), Waverley Country Club (established 1896), and Tom McCall Waterfront Park, which spans 36 acres along the river.

Do you get live narration about the sights on the cruise?

Yes, a live guide in English provides narration about the bridges, historic sites and landmarks as you cruise. The narration is available on the outer decks, or you can bring headphones for your cell phone to listen from inside.