We’re here on the western edge of the Northern Rocky Mountains, and spring has arrived in the rivers and canyons that drain the high country. In general, our weeklong journey follows the flow of the water westward, toward the ocean. However, this morning we started our adventure by travelling upstream. We moved up the Snake River, southward and deep into Hells Canyon. Our comfortable home, National Geographic Sea Bird, was tied up in the Port of Clarkston. We used contract jet boats for the trip today. These boats use powerful motors to drive water through a turbine pump, allowing the boats to fly against the current in only a few inches of water. The Clarkston/Lewiston area is a center for jet boat manufacturing and activity in the U.S.
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
