The second day of our voyage started with the National Geographic Sea Lion anchoring in a wide part of the Columbia River, just west of Multnomah Falls. So right after breakfast, and a quick briefing on the proper way to enter and exit the Zodiac landing craft, we headed ashore for the morning activities. First it was a bus ride to the falls for a short walk, and a lot of picture-taking of this magnificent natural feature in the state of Oregon. Our next stop was just ten minutes away at the Bonneville Fish Hatchery, where we saw massive sturgeon, rainbow trout, and some of the returning salmon to this large facility. After lunch it was time to go through the first of eight locks along our travels up the Columbia and Snake Rivers! The rest of the day was spent cruising upriver through the beautiful Columbia River Gorge toward Hood River, and tomorrow’s adventures!
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