Rowena Crest is set on one of the many thick basalt flows that filled the Columbia River Basalt thousands of years ago. Towering above the river below, it offers a commanding view of the surrounding watershed. The historic Columbia River Highway winds through forested groves of oaks, maples, and ponderosa pines on its way to the view point where the shadow of Mount Hood can be seen to the east. The same peak is also the setting for lunch as guests enjoy an organic farm to table meal at the historic Crag Rag Hut, the haunt of one of Oregon’s most established Ski Patrol organizations.
11/4/2023
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National Geographic Sea Bird
Astoria, Oregon
O! the Joy! Hmm, we needed to rethink that one this morning, as we woke to a rainy and blustery Astoria. What this weather did give us was a taste of historic authenticity in relation to the Corps of Discovery and their experiences here in the winter of 1805-06. Our first activity this morning was amongst the magnificent exhibits of the Columbia River Maritime Museum. This world-class facility tells the story of the mighty Columbia and the treacherous results to mariners when the river shoves against the incoming tides of the Pacific Ocean. As our day progressed, we crossed the Astoria-Megler bridge to the state of Washington. At the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center the winds continued but the rain subsided, and we enjoyed a sun-drenched afternoon with an option to walk a forest trail down to Waikiki Beach. The sun and sand were a siren to us and we made an additional stop at the North Jetty to get a water-level view of the waves crashing against the rocks of the Cape Disappointment lighthouse. The day turned out anything but disappointing.
