After a peaceful night anchored just off Cascade Lock, the guests and staff headed to shore for a full morning of activities. Some went to Multnomah Falls, some to climb Beacon Rock, some to Bonneville Dam, and the most adventurous headed off to do whitewater rafting on the White Salmon River. Most guests also were able to visit the wonderful fish hatchery at the dam. After returning to the ship for lunch, we were off for afternoon exploring some Hood River highlights! The Western Antique Airplane & Automobile Museum, or WAAAM, along with a tour through the many orchards above the city, near Mount Hood, were on the options this afternoon, along with a chance to spend some time in town!
4/25/2024
Read
National Geographic Sea Bird
Crow Butte
After transiting McNary Lock and Dam, National Geographic Sea Bird dropped anchor at Crow Butte in the early morning of Thursday, April 25th. After a hearty breakfast, we were delivered by Zodiac to the south side locations for an aerobic walk to the top of Crow Butte, supplemented with a medium elevation nature hike. A more casual history-oriented walk began on the west side of the Island and ended where we were able to get some great photos of National Geographic Sea Bird at anchor. The aroma of the sagebrush in the shrub-steppe environment filled the air, and the gentle but steady winds preceded a light rain in the otherwise arid environment. Returning hikers were greeted by the hotel staff and hot chocolate at the landing site and also enjoyed the playground equipment. Crow Butte is a tear drop shaped island surrounding a core of basalt, and the sandy terrain is composed of debris deposited during the Ice Age Flood events of 12,000-18,000 years ago. The afternoon was spent cruising the Columbia River on our way to dock at Hood River, Oregon.