This morning had an early start to activities. We had another full day ahead of us exploring the Columbia River Gorge area. First it was off to the Western Antique Airplane & Automobile Museum, then we were heading to Draper Girls Farm for samplings of local fruits and ciders, followed by our return to the National Geographic Sea Lion for another excellent lunch. Almost immediately it was off again for an entire afternoon of exploring. First everyone went to Multnomah Falls, the tallest waterfall in Oregon, and the second tallest in the country. This was followed by two options, climbing Beacon Rock, a landmark from the Lewis and Clark Expedition, and visiting the Bonneville Fish Hatchery to see the returning salmon and hatchling salmon. The special treat, however, was seeing the huge white sturgeon through a viewing window in the side of their pool! Another fabulous day on the river!
- Daily Expedition Reports
- 01 Oct 2021
Hood River Area, Multnomah Falls, Beacon Rock, Bonneville Fish Hatchery, 10/1/2021, National Geographic Sea Lion
- Aboard the National Geographic Sea Lion
- Pacific Northwest
Rich Kirchner, Naturalist/Certified Photo Instructor
Rich Kirchner has worked as a naturalist in Antarctica, Alaska, the Bering Sea, Baja and the High Arctic, including Svalbard, Greenland, the Canadian Arctic and Iceland, along with other destinations. His 33 years as a professional wildlife photograp...
Read MoreAshley Karitis, Assistant Expedition Leader
Ashley was raised in Central Oregon where she spent her childhood ski racing, riding horses, playing classical piano, and working summer jobs on a dude ranch. She then attended the School of Cinematic Arts at the University of Southern California in ...
Read MoreShare Report
Columbia and Snake Rivers: Food, Wine and History 8-Day
VIEW ITINERARYRelated Reports
4/22/2025
Read
National Geographic Sea Bird
Walla Walla, Washington
We awoke today with National Geographic Sea Bird anchored at the confluence of the Snake and Columbia Rivers near Sacajawea State Park. A few intrepid explorers set out for a daily survey of birds by way of Zodiac, and we were able to identify 15 different species of birds. Highlights for some guests were seeing a pair of wood ducks and a few big male turkeys, or toms, strutting around the park like they owned the place. After breakfast, all 58 guests disembarked, boarded our trusty motor coaches, and headed into the Walla Walla Valley where we learned about some of the human history and regional wine production. A wildlife highlight of the day was getting an up close and personal view of a Northern harrier, a small slender raptor, near Mill Creek. We’re looking forward to our journey over the next few days, continuing west and down river towards the Pacific Ocean.
4/21/2025
Read
National Geographic Sea Bird
Palouse River
It was a windy but lovely day on the Palouse River. This morning, we got a chance to take Zodiac tours up the Palouse River, through the reeds, and past the stunning columnar basalt of this incredible ecosystem. Guests saw a porcupine relaxing in a tree, heard the hypnotic singing of red-winged blackbirds, and some even saw a muskrat! How cool! Then folks transferred for a bus ride overlooking the 200-foot-tall Palouse Falls Waterfall upriver. After some afternoon kayaking and a history presentation from our Historian Doug Kenck-Crispin, we pulled anchor and made way along the Snake River to tomorrow’s destination, Walla Walla, Washington!