The first day of the trip started out with a high-speed trip up Hells Canyon. Everyone hopped on jet boats and the adventure began. Hells Canyon is a narrow section of the Snake river that winds through Oregon, Idaho, and Washington. The jet boat sails over rapids and flies through turns on the river, giving everyone the excitement they are looking for. The shoreline is dotted with mule deer, wild turkeys, and Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep. Bald and golden eagles soar overhead at the rim of the canyon. The six-hour expedition ends back in Clarkston, Washington and the day ends with wine tasting and enough food for a week!
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
