The Columbia River Gorge
Early in the morning, we awoke to the now-familiar sounds of a lock transit. As we opened bleary eyes, we realized that the National Geographic Sea Bird was in the heart of The Dalles Lock and Dam. This incredibly smooth transition from upstream to downstream took us merely a quarter of an hour to complete. Shortly thereafter, we docked at The Dalles Marina and prepared for our morning activities.
We gathered on the dock and boarded motorcoaches headed to the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center. Passing through The Dalles itself, we saw maraschino cherry plants and one of the most well- known Lewis and Clark campsites, Fort Rock. At the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center, we explored the natural history of the Gorge; the human history of Wasco County; the cargo carried by The Corps of Discovery; and even met some of the rescued raptors which once made their homes in the surrounding landscape.
After departing this world-class museum, we drove a small stretch of the Columbia River Scenic Highway, which was built from 1913-16. The views were beautiful and the incredible artistry of Italian stonemasons was not lost on our party. At the entrance to the Mosier Tunnel’s walking and biking trail, we parted ways. A few intrepid souls braved the rain to climb through the old roadbed on bicycles, while others attempted on foot. Still more decided to forego the activity and head into the charming town of Hood River for exploration.
Cruising in the early afternoon took us deeper into the Gorge and deeper into the Cascade Mountains. We made one more stop, at the historic town of Cascade Locks. Docking in the old lock chamber, we all disembarked, setting our sights on either Multnomah Falls or Bonneville Dam. The hillsides were awash in fall colors, heightening our experiences. Some of us reveled in the natural beauty of the waterfall s of the Gorge, while others marveled at the engineering masterpiece that is Bonneville Dam. After a satisfying day of exploration, we reconvened at the ship to transit through the lock chamber at Bonneville. This evening, we enjoy a cruise downriver to Astoria, secure in the waters of the free-flowing Columbia River.
