National Geographic Sea Lion sailed 120 miles upriver overnight from Astoria, arriving at Bonneville Dam on a beautiful morning. Guests were treated to the first lock and dam at Bonneville, lifting the ship over 70 feet, leaving any tidewater influence. After transiting the lock, guests were given an informative iPhone photo presentation by Photo Instructor Chelsea Mayer.
After lunch, guests were shuttled to the Washington shore on Zodiacs where they boarded buses to Multnomah Falls in Oregon, crossing the majestic Bridge of the Gods across the Columbia River. Cutting through the powerful landscapes of the Columbia River Gorge, guests admired the 620-foot falls before visiting Bonneville Fish Hatchery and greeting Herman, the 86-year-old sturgeon who resides there. We followed this up with a hike up the 880-foot Beacon Rock.
The day concluded with a local wine and food event at the wonderful Columbia Gorge Interpretive Center.
Photos by Patrick MacQuarrie and Kelly Ferron
