Rowena Crest is set on one of the many thick basalt flows that filled the Columbia River Basalt thousands of years ago. Towering above the river below, it offers a commanding view of the surrounding watershed. The historic Columbia River Highway winds through forested groves of oaks, maples, and ponderosa pines on its way to the view point where the shadow of Mount Hood can be seen to the east. The same peak is also the setting for lunch as guests enjoy an organic farm to table meal at the historic Crag Rag Hut, the haunt of one of Oregon’s most established Ski Patrol organizations.
4/27/2024
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National Geographic Sea Bird
Astoria, Oregon
We reached the penultimate day of our journey in Astoria, Oregon, where the Columbia River collides with the open ocean. We were met with a typical Pacific Northwest day of gentle rains punctuated by moments of sunshine. The guests were divided to conquer this gem of a city, nestled under bridges; half headed across the river to Washington to visit the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center at Cape Disappointment, while the other half visited the Columbia River Maritime Museum and Astoria Column. The museum and the interpretive center are both excellent examples of what the west coast can offer with regard to history and culture. Each has thoughtful exhibits that cover broad swaths of topics, and are staffed with informative and helpful faculty. After a hearty lunch on board, the groups swapped in order to have the best of both worlds. Finally, all met back aboard for the week’s final recap and guest slideshow.
