From Portland: Bigfoot Adventure 3.5-hour Jetboat Cruise

If you’ve been pondering a trip that combines scenic views of the Columbia Gorge with a touch of Northwest folklore, the Bigfoot Adventure Jetboat Tour might catch your eye. We haven’t personally strapped into this boat, but after digging into the details, reviews, and what it offers, it seems like a solid option for those looking for a unique way to explore Portland’s surrounding waterways.

What really grabs us about this experience are the stunning river vistas and the expert narration from Cliff Barackman, a well-known Bigfoot enthusiast from Animal Planet. Plus, the adventure-style ride, which reaches speeds of up to 45 miles per hour, promises a fun, adrenaline-pumping journey. On the flip side, it’s worth noting that this tour could be challenging for those sensitive to turbulent rides or with mobility issues, and some reviews mention mechanical hiccups that impacted the trip’s flow. But overall, this cruise is best suited for travelers craving both scenic beauty and a bit of local legend — especially those who enjoy lively guides and a bit of adventure.

Key Points:

• High-speed thrill on open-air jetboats to experience the Columbia Gorge
• Engaging narration with insights about Bigfoot and local landmarks
• Beautiful river scenery including wildlife sightings and views of Multnomah Falls
• Not wheelchair accessible and requires good physical health to handle turbulence
• Cost around $90 per person, offering a mix of adventure and sightseeing
• Varied weather and water conditions mean you should dress warmly and be prepared for a bumpy ride

You can check availability for your dates here:

Setting the Scene: What You Can Expect on the Tour

This tour kicks off in Portland, where you’ll meet at the boat landing with a large parking lot nearby. From there, your adventure begins with a quick climb into the open-air jetboat, which can be a bit of a shuffle—stepping down two steps into the boat, for instance—so good mobility is essential. After that, it’s all about the ride.

The boat cruises along the Willamette River, where you get your first taste of the Portland skyline and natural surroundings. Soon, you’ll be passing into the Columbia River, heading toward the heart of the Gorge. This stretch is particularly scenic, with lush greenery and rugged cliffs framing your view.

One of the highlights is the trip’s speed—you’ll be cruising at up to 45 miles per hour, which adds a real adrenaline rush. If you’re into high-speed boat rides, this will likely satisfy. The boat is open-air, so dress warmly, especially since it can be cooler on open water, and bring sunglasses, a sun hat, and sunscreen.

The Bigfoot Twist: Narration and Lore

A unique aspect of this cruise is the narration about Bigfoot, delivered via recorded clips from Cliff Barackman, a star of Finding Bigfoot. This adds a playful, intriguing element, especially if you’re into legends or cryptozoology. The narration is mixed with live commentary from your guide, making for an engaging experience that balances natural beauty with local stories.

Many reviews mention that the Bigfoot talk can be lengthy—sometimes making the trip feel more about the legend than the scenery. For example, one traveler said, “Way, way too much on Bigfoot…not only up the river but back down.” If you’re a hardcore Bigfoot enthusiast, you might appreciate the deep dive, but if you’re more interested in the natural surroundings, you might find the focus a bit heavy-handed.

Wildlife and Landmark Sightings

While the focus is on Bigfoot stories, the scenery itself is a major draw. As you cruise along, keep an eye out for wildlife, which you might spot along the riverbanks—birds, deer, or even otters if you’re lucky. Passengers frequently comment on how beautiful and varied the landscape is, especially around Multnomah Falls.

Speaking of the falls, it’s the iconic destination most expect to see, but here’s where the experience can vary. Some reviews note that mechanical issues, like engine overheating, can delay or cut short the cruise, preventing the trip from reaching Multnomah Falls entirely. For instance, one traveler observed, “We never made it to Multnomah Falls because the boat’s engine kept overheating,” turning what should be a 3.5-hour trip into a longer, somewhat frustrating experience.

Mechanical and Weather Considerations

This is an adventure tour, which means river conditions can impact your journey. The boat’s speed and turbulence are part of the fun, but if you’re prone to motion sickness or prefer calmer rides, this might not be your best pick. Also, the weather can be variable—bring warm clothes since it can be cooler and windier on open water.

A few reviews mention mechanical hiccups, which is something to keep in mind. The company has shown the ability to fix issues quickly—one reviewer noted repairs were made just before their trip—but it’s worth being flexible and understanding that sometimes, plans change unexpectedly.

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Who Will Enjoy This?

This tour appeals most to adventure lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, and folk-lore fans. If you enjoy a lively ride, stunning views, and a dash of legend, you’ll likely have fun. It’s also good for those who don’t mind getting a little wet, or who want an active, engaging way to see the Columbia Gorge.

However, it’s not suitable for pregnant women, children under 2, or those with mobility issues. The boat isn’t wheelchair accessible, and you will need to be steady on your feet and able to climb down into the vessel.

The Price and Overall Value

At about $90 per person, this tour offers a decent mix of scenery, thrill, and storytelling. The inclusion of narrated commentary, noise-canceling headsets, and onboard restroom makes it reasonably comfortable for a half-day adventure. Although you’ll need to bring your own food or drinks, outside food is allowed, giving some flexibility.

Given the stunning river views and the unique storytelling about Bigfoot, many travelers find it a worthwhile experience—especially if they’re into outdoor adventure or cryptozoology. Mechanical issues have been noted by a few, but the company’s responsiveness appears solid; still, it’s worth being prepared for the possibility of delays.

Final Thoughts: Is It Right for You?

This jetboat cruise offers an energetic way to explore Portland’s waterways with a twist of legend. If you’re seeking a high-speed adventure combined with scenic beauty and a bit of local folklore, it’s worth considering. The narration about Bigfoot adds a fun, quirky element that can make the trip memorable—even if you’re not a total Bigfoot fanatic.

For those who enjoy learning about the area’s natural features, wildlife, and geology, you might wish there was a bit more focus on those. Some reviews suggest that the Bigfoot talk can overshadow the scenery, but if you enjoy stories and legend, that might not bother you.

Overall, it’s a solid choice for adventure seekers, folklore fans, and outdoor lovers looking to experience the Columbia Gorge from a different perspective. Just keep your expectations in check regarding weather, mechanical reliability, and the focus of the narration.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
This tour isn’t recommended for children under 2 years old, and it requires passengers to be steady on their feet. The boat isn’t wheelchair accessible, so it’s best for those in good health and physical condition.

What should I bring on the cruise?
Bring your passport or ID, sunglasses, a sun hat, and sunscreen. Since the boat is open-air, dress warmly and consider layers. Outside food and drinks are allowed, so pack a snack or beverage if you like.

How long is the tour?
The cruise lasts approximately 3.5 hours, usually in the morning. Keep in mind that mechanical issues have extended some trips, so it might take a bit longer.

Will we actually get to see Multnomah Falls?
It’s possible, but not guaranteed. Mechanical problems or river conditions might prevent the boat from reaching the falls, so manage expectations accordingly.

Is the narration about Bigfoot engaging?
Many travelers find the narration fun and informative, especially if you’re into legends. Some feel it’s a bit lengthy, but it adds a unique flavor to the ride.

What is the boat ride like?
It’s an adventure-style jetboat that reaches speeds up to 45 mph, with turbulence and splash. It’s exhilarating but might be too much for those sensitive to motion sickness or rough water.

Can I cancel the booking?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, giving you flexibility if plans change.

This trip isn’t perfect, but if you’re after a mix of scenic views, lively storytelling, and a splash of adrenaline, it could be a memorable part of your Oregon adventure. Just come prepared for the weather and the occasional mechanical hiccup, and you’re set for a wild ride.

You can check availability for your dates here: