Exploring iconic sights around the mouth of the mighty Columbia River (also known as “the Graveyard of the Pacific”), we had an opportunity to immerse ourselves in the community of Astoria, Oregon. While the day began with a heavy wind and a mighty rain, our expedition would not be deterred by the daunting weather.
Voyaging to Cape Disappointment (named by British Captain Meares in 1788) we had the opportunity to explore the Corps of Discovery’s expedition at the well-appointed and curated Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center. To say that the view of the mouth of this mighty river was breathtaking would be a gross understatement. The river moves swiftly into the illy named Pacific Ocean, and a massive bar runs the length of the confluence – a historically formidable barrier. A visit to Waikiki Beach (not the one near Diamond Head) and accompanying hike through the temperate rainforest yielded a close encounter with a black-tailed buck.
In the city of Astoria, we visited the Columbia River Maritime Museum, which showcases the placement on the river and explains the importance of shipping to the region’s history. With interpretive displays on subjects like shipwrecks, the dangerous job of the Columbia River bar pilots, and the fishing industry, we were provided with numerous opportunities to discover more about this majestic river. The museum showcases a gigantic graphic display detailing the over 2,000 shipwrecks and the resulting 700 souls lost.
The oldest American settlement west of the Rocky Mountains did not disappoint, and through our expedition in this storied community, we were surrounded by the heritage of this riverine landmark.
