The familiar sounds of National Geographic Sea Lion smoothly pulling up to dock woke us this morning as we approached our mooring in Clarkston, WA. Our final full day has brought us to the limits of navigability on the Snake River, where it pours out of Hells' Canyon to the south and meets the Clearwater River rushing down from the Rocky Mountains to the east. Near here the Corps of Discovery had found friendly Nez Perce people, and a welcome respite after their perilous crossing of the mountains in the autumn of 1805. We have a chance today to explore some of this history, as well as gain a glimpse into the modern culture and economies of the valley.
4/24/2025
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National Geographic Sea Bird
Hood River
Unseasonably warm and dry weather continued to grace us as we proceeded with our expedition down the Columbia River. The morning was crisp as we disembarked in Hood River, Oregon, but quickly warmed up as we boarded our coaches. Our explorations began at Multnomah Falls, the number one tourist attraction in the state of Oregon. After we experienced this astounding cascade, some of our guests proceeded to Beacon Rock for a scenic climb up this 800-foot tall, aged lava plug. Others went to the Bonneville Fish Hatchery where we visited a local icon, Herman the sturgeon. Then both groups of explorers met at the Columbia Gorge Interpretative Center for Syncline wines and an overflowing helping of intriguing local history. As the superb weather continued, we voyaged back to National Geographic Sea Bird for a lovely afternoon of classic cruising down the Columbia River. Guests enjoyed the sun on deck or an engaging presentation on how climate change is affecting migratory birds. Complimentary water-level views of Multnomah Falls followed, and our last transit through a lock of this trip – a lovely passage through the Bonneville Lock and Dam. Photos by Doug Crispin and Alex Rubenstein
