After passing through another lock and dam during our sleep, we awoke heading eastbound on the Columbia River. Our morning adventure was at Crow Butte State Park, an island in the middle of the river that is a beautiful example of a sagebrush ecosystem. Using Zodiacs to go ashore, we hiked through the hills covered with flowering sagebrush, tumbleweed, and hoary tansyaster, and we observed darkling beetles digging their holes in the sandy soil. A great horned owl was also present in the campground loop, as well as many small birds. Our hike ended with a delicious treat of spiced apple cider. We headed back to the ship for lunch and cruised further up the Columbia River. Midafternoon brought us through the McNary Lock and Dam, where we saw an abundance of wildlife along the riverbank while entering the lock. The frolicking groups of mule deer almost seemed excited we were there, curiously following the ship and watching as we passed into the lock. Beyond the lock, more cruising brought us to the confluence with the Snake River. We entered and headed east, passing through the Ice Harbor Lock during dinner. Our day ended with naturalist Kim Baldwin’s presentation about birds in the cozy forward lounge while we gently continued our way up the Snake River.
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