This morning National Geographic Quest was making its way down the Columbia River toward the city of The Dalles, our destination for the afternoon activities. On the way, we navigated through two locks, John Day and The Dalles, before anchoring just off the city. Once everyone was on shore, two different groups headed off to their destinations. One left for Rowena Crest and the Columbia River Gorge Discovery Center, and the other toward Maryhill Museum and Stonehenge. From the Discovery Center, we were given several options besides exploring the museum, biking back to the ship, a naturalist-led or photo walk around the Center’s grounds. We all would meet back at the ship for our evening recap, and cocktail hour, before another superb dinner!
4/24/2025
Read
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
