The morning started with a frost-covered dock here in Clarkston, Washington. The chill of the morning air warmed slowly as the sun rose and we bundled into jet boats for our navigation upstream into Hells Canyon. Highlights of the day included the aforementioned sunshine, Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, and assorted birdlife, including bald eagles and one tundra swan on its migration. For the afternoon J.R. Spencer, a Nez Perce storyteller, came aboard and brought laughter and a connection with our inner child. The evening was topped off with a wine tasting featuring Coco Umiker and her wines from Clearwater Canyon Cellars.
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
