We awoke this morning to tall cliffs of basalt glowing orange in the early morning light as they rose above the Columbia River. After breakfast, we set sail and passed through the Wallula Gap, a narrow opening in a large wall of rock that rises above the river. We learned about the fascinating geological history of this area and its relationship to the ancient cataclysmic floods that carved the surrounding landscape before we continued up the river for the rest of the morning. Just before lunch, we passed through the locks at McNary Dam and got a quick look at the large fish ladder that allows migrating salmon to bypass the dam. After lunch, we made our way down the river to the Umatilla National Wildlife Refuge for an afternoon of exploration. We explored the shoreline by kayak and got a close-up perspective of the riverside vegetation, including sedges, legumes, willows, and cottonwood trees. As the sunny afternoon continued, we gathered on Zodiacs to explore the channels around the small islands in the wildlife refuge. We saw an amazing diversity of migrating birds and waterfowl, including coots, white pelicans, bald eagles, osprey, crows, ducks, flickers, and Canadian geese. We crossed the river and were amazed to watch thousands of snow geese take flight and fly overhead along the river. After this incredible display of wildlife, we headed back to the ship to unwind with some drinks and a view of a stunning sunset. After dinner, we learned about the Lewis and Clark expedition along the Columbia River before we headed off to bed.
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