When autumn settles over Portland, the Willamette and Columbia rivers transform into backdrops of misty mornings, glowing sunsets, and crisp evenings. This year, Portland Spirit Cruises invites you to celebrate the season in three unforgettable ways, from spine-tingling Halloween adventures to craft beer and spirits tastings afloat.
Spirit of Halloweentown: The Ghostly Voyage
photo credit: portlandspirit.com/cruise/halloweentown/
There’s only one way to arrive in true Halloweentown fashion: by boat. This October, Portland Spirit is bringing back The Ghostly Voyage, a Halloween-themed jetboat ride that spirits passengers from Portland directly to the famed Spirit of Halloweentown Festival in St. Helens.
The 90-minute cruise sets the stage with chilling tales from Portland’s haunted past and legends of St. Helens, including the eerie halls of the Klondike Hotel. When the boat pulls into the new St. Helens Riverfront Dock, festival-goers step right into a world of pumpkin-lined streets, spooky attractions, and Disney movie nostalgia. Costumes are encouraged, magic guaranteed.
Cruise Dates: October 4–5, 11–12, 18–19, 25–26, 2025
Tickets: $115 adults, $95 youth (includes festival admission). Group discounts available.
Learn More & Book →
Brews on Board: Northwest Craft Beer & Cider
When the leaves turn golden, it’s time for hops and harvest. On September 25, 2025, Portland Spirit launches Brews on Board, a two-hour tasting cruise featuring fourteen of the Northwest’s favorite breweries and cideries.
Sample the latest creations from Deschutes Brewery, pFriem Family Brewers, Rogue Ales, StormBreaker Brewing, and more — all while the Willamette River glows with the colors of fall. Each ticket includes 14 tasting pours and a souvenir glass, with food available for purchase. It’s the perfect way to toast the season in true Portland style.
Event Date: September 25, 2025
Tickets: $58 per person, 21+ only. Group rates available.
Reserve Your Spot →
photo credit: portlandspirit.com/cruise/brews-on-board/
Spirits on the Spirit: A Toast to Oregon Distilleries
Whiskey, gin, rum, vodka, Oregon’s craft distilling scene is thriving, and Portland Spirit is giving it the stage it deserves. On October 23, 2025, the Spirits on the Spirit cruise sets sail, featuring tastings from twelve of the region’s top distilleries, including Freeland Spirits, Eastside Distilling, Wild Roots, and Hood River Distillers.
Passengers can sip their way through small-batch spirits, creative cocktails, and seasonal favorites while taking in sweeping river views. With a crisp autumn evening outside and warming flavors in hand, it’s a night that captures the very essence of fall.
Event Date: October 23, 2025
Tickets: $58 per person, 21+ only. Group rates available.
Reserve Tickets →
Bonus Event: BOO Cruise
Get on board for a ghoulishly good time on the Halloween Boo Cruise! Dance the night away as one of Portland's top DJs spins Halloween party hits. There are 2 full-service bars and a bistro menu available for purchases on board.
Event Date: October 31, 2025
Tickets: $50+ per person, 21+ only.
Reserve Tickets →
Where To Stay
To make the most of your Portland Spirit fall cruises, having a cozy riverside base is everything. Here are a few hotels that combine comfort, atmosphere, and proximity — perfect for slipping into an autumn evening on the water.
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Kimpton RiverPlace Hotel
Nestled just south of downtown Portland on the river walk, this lodge-inspired retreat blends refined elegance with natural calm. Between its warm communal “Living Room,” deluxe suites, waterfront cottages, and a courtyard that catches golden light as dusk falls, this hotel feels like a sanctuary after a night of tasting, cruising, or cheering on the spooky shadows. (riverplacehotel.com)
photo credit: riverplacehotel.com/boutique-downtown-portland-hotel-photos/#eat
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River’s Edge Hotel, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
On Portland’s South Waterfront, this boutique spot offers serene river or hillside views, modern rooms with king-size beds, and easy access to both downtown energy and peaceful walks along the Willamette. It’s ideal if you want a quieter place to rest, but still be close to where the action is. (riversedgehotel.com) -
Portland Marriott Downtown Waterfront
If you want to wake up to sweeping views of the bridge and the river, this is the place. The Marriott pulls off a rare balance — close to downtown dining, breweries, and cultural landmarks, while giving you those calming waterfront vistas. Amenities like valet parking, comfortable rooms, and an approachable, family- & bike-friendly ambiance make it a solid choice. (marriott.com) -
Holiday Inn Portland-Columbia Riverfront
For those who don’t mind being a little off the beaten path, this hotel on Hayden Island offers spacious rooms (many with balconies), a pool, and riverside charm. It’s a great way to combine river views with a touch more solitude, especially if you want to stretch your legs or take in the riverfront landscape without the bustle of downtown. (ihg.com)
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