Our final full day of excursions was based in Astoria. The oldest continuously occupied settlement west of the Rocky Mountains, it has been a key access point for maritime trade for goods and natural resources throughout the Columbia River Basin. We have reached the westernmost limit of our journey, as it was for the Corps of Discovery during the winter of 1805–6. We began with a visit to the Columbia River Maritime Museum, then had a fine day out, visiting the historic site of Fort Clatsop, Fort Stevens, and the beach at the wreck of the Peter Iredale, an iron bark driven ashore during a storm in 1906. With unusually clear skies and a stiff offshore breeze, how fitting to conclude the day and our week of exploration with a sunset cruise out towards the mouth of the "Great River of the West." We safely returned, of course, avoiding any difficulties in an area known for its swirling currents and shifting sands, then started the overnight transit, up river, to our last port-of-call in Portland, Oregon.
4/20/2024
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National Geographic Sea Bird
Hells Canyon
The final day of our trip holds a bounty of natural beauty, as guests disembark National Geographic Sea Bird in Clarkston, Washington, and hop aboard the preferred mode of transportation on the Snake River: the mighty jet boat. The shallow rapids of Hells Canyon are none-too-kind to propellers, so the locals use these shallow-draft vessels for daytrips into the nation’s deepest river canyon. Punctuated by pit stops at nature reserves and eateries, the day’s adventure showcases the very best of Idaho, Washington, and Oregon all in one place. Once all have had their fill of steep basalt cliffs and Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, the jet boats turn and head downriver to deliver guests safely back to National Geographic Sea Bird . Following an afternoon siesta, the day’s activities culminate in presentations from two exceptional local personalities. J.R. Spencer is a Nez Perce storyteller who takes one back in time with traditional Indigenous tales; Coco Umiker is the owner and founder of Clearwater Canyon Vineyards in Lewiston, Idaho. They both take time to come aboard our ship and present to guests about their respective trades and passions.