Palouse River and Falls are evidence of the immense volcanic, geologic, and glacial history of Washington and the grander Columbia River basin. We spent the day visiting Palouse State Falls and then Zodiac cruising through miles of the Palouse River, a tributary to the Snake. We could see the evidence and learned of the catastrophic floods from the latest ice age (over 10,000 years ago) that carved through the basaltic bedrock. Following the paths of least resistance, these floodwaters carved through rock, leaving behind canyons, coulees, and mesas, along with a wonderful river habitat perfect for wildlife. We spent the sunny day exploring and set sail to our next destination just as the sun began to set.
4/8/2025
Read
National Geographic Sea Bird
Clarkston, Washington
Guests aboard National Geographic Sea Bird traveling downstream along the Columbia and Snake Rivers, went ashore for a delicious day in the Walla Walla Valley. Most guests chose to spend the morning taking a tour of the Whitman Mission National Historic Site, a mid-19th century Christian mission that helped many who traveled the Oregon Territory. Another bus took guests to The Rocks District of Milton-Freewater, Oregon to learn about grapevines planted 40 years ago in the unique soil by the founders of Seven Hills Winery. Just before lunch, both buses took guests to downtown Walla Walla for a tour and tasting of Seven Hills wines, and a meal catered by TMACS. Next came a walking tour of downtown led by Nancy Helms-Lovell of Destination, Walla Walla. Stops included the century-old Marcus Whitman Hotel, Bright’s Candies, and tasting rooms for Spring Valley Vineyard, Mercer Wine Estates, and Mark Ryan Winery. Nearly every guest walked back to the bus stop having stopped at the Pine Cone Creamery for a scoop of ice cream. Dinner aboard National Geographic Sea Bird included chef Alan Griffith’s honey-glazed Pacific sablefish, a dish that featured Walla Walla sweet onions.
