The Dalles, Hood River, and the Columbia River Gorge
The morning dawned bright and sunny as the Sea Lion approached The Dalles Dam, the second to last dam on the Columbia River. After “locking” through the dam, we docked at The Dalles, Oregon. A historic transit point on the river before The Dalles Dam flooded Ceilo Falls, the great cataract of the Columbia, The Dalles provided accommodation and supplies for steamboat passengers of an earlier era. Upon docking, the guests took busses to the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center. The Discovery Center provides a wonderful glimpse into the rich history of the Columbia River Gorge, from the lives of prehistoric inhabitants, to Lewis and Clark’s voyage of discovery down the river, and the era of American settlement along the shores of the mighty Columbia. After guests viewed the museum’s exceptional exhibits, naturalist Sue Perin led a short nature walk around the grounds identifying the natural flora of the region including sagebrush and Ponderosa Pine.
We departed the museum and traveled by bus to the scenic Rowena Crest Overlook on the Historic Columbia River Highway. From the heights of the precipice, guests looked down on the river that has been our highway for the past four days. After the overlook, guests had the choice of exploring Hood River, Oregon or taking a walk along a restored stretch of the Historic Columbia River Highway. Completed in 1916, the Highway provides unparalleled views of the Columbia River Gorge from its scenic overlooks and “windowed” tunnels cut into the hard basalt. Some guests opted for a light stroll along the pedestrian path while others walked the entire 4.6 mile Twin Tunnels Trail. Historians Carlos and Ben Schwantes led hikers along the trail as it cut through the forested hills above the mighty river. Its narrow width and tight turns hinted at the difficulties drivers faced negotiating the road in an era before Interstate highways.
In the early afternoon, the guests returned the Sea Lion, now docked in Hood River, and ate a hearty lunch as the vessel sailed downstream through the heart of the Columbia River Gorge. As rain began to sprinkle across the surface of the water, we passed through the Bonneville Dam locks and entered the lower Columbia River. The rain accentuated the beauty of the magnificent waterfalls that showered down the walls of the gorge, especially the 620 foot tall Multnomah Falls. Tomorrow we arrive at Astoria and complete our journey to the mouth of the Columbia River.
The morning dawned bright and sunny as the Sea Lion approached The Dalles Dam, the second to last dam on the Columbia River. After “locking” through the dam, we docked at The Dalles, Oregon. A historic transit point on the river before The Dalles Dam flooded Ceilo Falls, the great cataract of the Columbia, The Dalles provided accommodation and supplies for steamboat passengers of an earlier era. Upon docking, the guests took busses to the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center. The Discovery Center provides a wonderful glimpse into the rich history of the Columbia River Gorge, from the lives of prehistoric inhabitants, to Lewis and Clark’s voyage of discovery down the river, and the era of American settlement along the shores of the mighty Columbia. After guests viewed the museum’s exceptional exhibits, naturalist Sue Perin led a short nature walk around the grounds identifying the natural flora of the region including sagebrush and Ponderosa Pine.
We departed the museum and traveled by bus to the scenic Rowena Crest Overlook on the Historic Columbia River Highway. From the heights of the precipice, guests looked down on the river that has been our highway for the past four days. After the overlook, guests had the choice of exploring Hood River, Oregon or taking a walk along a restored stretch of the Historic Columbia River Highway. Completed in 1916, the Highway provides unparalleled views of the Columbia River Gorge from its scenic overlooks and “windowed” tunnels cut into the hard basalt. Some guests opted for a light stroll along the pedestrian path while others walked the entire 4.6 mile Twin Tunnels Trail. Historians Carlos and Ben Schwantes led hikers along the trail as it cut through the forested hills above the mighty river. Its narrow width and tight turns hinted at the difficulties drivers faced negotiating the road in an era before Interstate highways.
In the early afternoon, the guests returned the Sea Lion, now docked in Hood River, and ate a hearty lunch as the vessel sailed downstream through the heart of the Columbia River Gorge. As rain began to sprinkle across the surface of the water, we passed through the Bonneville Dam locks and entered the lower Columbia River. The rain accentuated the beauty of the magnificent waterfalls that showered down the walls of the gorge, especially the 620 foot tall Multnomah Falls. Tomorrow we arrive at Astoria and complete our journey to the mouth of the Columbia River.
