Overnight, the bridge team of National Geographic Sea Bird navigated from Astoria to Hood River along the Columbia River. We spent our morning enjoying walks in Multnomah Falls and Beacon Rock, two magnificent natural landmarks in the area. We also had the opportunity to visit a fish hatchery featuring the famous sturgeon named Herman who is 89 years old! Our guests enjoyed a farm to table lunch paired with local wines in The Dalles at Sunshine Mill. We then headed out to Draper Girls Farm where we tasted local apples and pears and heard from area farmers. Following our farm experience, we changed gears and headed to the Western Automobile and Airplane Museum, or WAAAM. After a full day of activities and learning, we gathered for cocktail hour and dinner back on board our beautiful ship and were treated to an after-dinner presentation by historian Doug Crispin on the historic Columbia River Highway. What a fantastic and unforgettable day!
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
