The day began as the sun rose across the Snake River, illuminating expansive basaltic landscapes connected by historic bridges. Completed in 1912 for a staggering sum of 2 million dollars, the 3920-foot-long bridge—with supports dug 65 feet below the riverbed—stands 260 feet above the Snake River. After a buffet breakfast, guests enjoyed "Fire, Ice, and Flood," a presentation by geologist Grace Winer on the Columbia Basin basalt flows caused by the historic Missoula Floods.
Guests then embarked on two excursions: Kayaking in Lyon's State Park before driving over to see the majestic Palouse Falls; or cruising up the Palouse River in Zodiacs.
CANYONS & CASCADING WATER
Arriving at Palouse Falls, guests were inspired by the power and majesty of basaltic flows that formed dramatic landscapes. The 200-foot Palouse Falls was formed from ravished basalt canyons, still pumping thick mist hundreds of feet in the air and thrusting white water 100 cubic feet per second towards the Snake River Basin. The sediment-laden water penetrated through cracks, fractures, and basalt columns causing sections of the falls to calve or fall off into the plunge pool below. Guests listened intently to our historian’s account of the connection of historical Palouse Indian fishing at the falls, and its immense spiritual value to tribes from all over the region.
SAIL THE COLUMBIA & SNAKE RIVERS THIS FALL >
THE POWER OF ICE AGE FLOODS
Other guests took Zodiacs up the Palouse River absorbing the vast basaltic landscapes formed when the dramatic Missoula Floods scoured the region from Montana to Oregon through the Columbia Gorge. Over 15,000 years ago, these cataclysmic floods carved out coulees and canyons that sculpted the Palouse River Basin. We learned about 10,000-year-old human remains found in the Marmes Rockshelter, excavated in 1962, but unexpectedly flooded during the construction of Lower Monumental Dam in 1969. They witnessed first-hand how the floods formed distinct colonnades overtopped by thick entablatures and receded by steep talus slopes. The canyons bustled with abandoned cliff swallow nests, clumsy coots, soaring ravens, fluttering northern flickers, majestic golden eagles, and commanding bald eagles.
VIEWING THE DAM AT DUSK
Following the Zodiac and bus tours in the Palouse River Basin, National Geographic Quest passed through Lower Monumental Dam at dusk, the third of four dams on the Snake River, dropping over 95 feet approaching the Columbia River. Guests also gained expertise on smartphone photography, followed by animated recaps and a gourmet dinner. After dinner, guests were treated to a historic talk on Thomas Jefferson’s obsession with Lewis and Clark’s journey to open the Pacific Northwest to the world. Tomorrow another thrilling day of discovery awaits.
