We often encourage you to get out and bask in Oregon's natural beauty by taking a hike or camping overnight in the wilderness, but there's another great way to immerse yourself in gorgeous scenery. Here's a cruise that takes you right through the Columbia River Gorge, and the views are breathtaking.

For a close-up look at the Columbia River Gorge, take a cruise on the Columbia Gorge Sternwheeler.

This beautiful, triple-deck sternwheeler operates in the Columbia Gorge from May through October. You'll find it traveling the waters in Portland during winter months.

Your tour of the Columbia River starts at Marine Park at Cascade Locks, right in the heart of the gorge. The address for the park is 355 Wa Na Pa St., Cascade Locks, OR 97014.

Portland Spirit River Cruises offers several different options for your tour through the Columbia River Gorge.

Take the Brunch Cruise, which departs at 9:30 a.m. and tours from 10:00 a.m. to noon. It includes a locally-sourced brunch, complete with champagne.

The Dinner Cruise departs at 5:30 p.m., and it cruises from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. You'll enjoy a delicious dinner and a narrated tour of the gorge, with plenty of historical facts and folklore.

Two onboard bars provide drinks during your cruise. Enjoy a glass of wine, beer, or cocktail.

Stunning sunsets are included at no extra price.

You'll be in good hands on your journey. Captain Tom Cramblet has been piloting the gorge for more than 30 years.

If you really want to get a thorough tour of the Columbia River, book the Landmarks of the Gorge Cruise. It takes you right under the Bridge of the Gods...

...through the Bonneville Locks...

...and along the towering cliffs that surround the gorge. This longer cruise boards at 9:30 a.m. and cruises from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Keep an eye out for wildlife. You might catch a glimpse of a lazy sea lion basking on the rocks...

You may also see a few osprey nests along the way, and if you're really lucky, you'll even see one catching dinner.

Oregon's Columbia River Gorge is one of the most stunning natural wonders of the state. Even if you've driven through the gorge, you've never seen it quite like this.

For more information, or to book a cruise, visit the Portland Spirit River Cruises website. If you've taken one of these cruises, we'd love to hear about your trip! Is this cruise as beautiful as it looks? Leave your feedback in the comments.