Peak Northwest Astoria Boat The Portland Spirit cruises down the Columbia River between Portland and Astoria. (Lizzy Acker/Lizzy Acker/The Oregonian)

You’ve probably driven from Portland to Astoria. Maybe you’ve even taken the bus. But have you ever traveled between the two cities by boat?

On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we talk about the twice-a-year travel experience that’s taking people down the Columbia River, providing a very different way to travel to the north Oregon coast.

Lizzy Acker, who reported on the Astoria cruise earlier this spring, joins the podcast to talk about her experience, and some options for those who want to embark on a longer car-free trip along the coastline.

Here are some highlights from this week’s show:

Everything you need to know about the Portland Spirit cruise.

Acker recounts her trip down the Columbia River.

While most travelers take a bus right back to Portland, Acker chose to spend the night in Astoria.

It’s possible to take an even longer car-free vacation along the Oregon coast.

Here’s the full episode:

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