Mist was swirling on the Columbia River as we approached the Bonneville Lock and Dam highlighting our brisk fall morning. We saw fishermen, a variety of gulls, double-crested cormorants, great blue herons, and a few bald eagles looking for something to catch on the river. The basalt of Beacon Rock, named by Lewis and Clark and the Corps of Discovery Expedition, was kissed by the sun in the early morning light. This is where the historic expedition first noticed a tidal fluctuation in the river, more than 120 miles from the Pacific Ocean.
After a delicious brunch we set out to explore the Bonneville Fish Hatchery and Multnomah Falls. Only a few salmon were still swimming the fish ladder attempting to reach their birthplace. But Herman – a ten-foot, 75-year-old sturgeon – was a very popular attraction at the hatchery. Multnomah Falls is the second most popular tourist attraction in Oregon for a reason, it is a gorgeous waterfall. Everyone had plenty of time to visit both attractions this afternoon before returning by Zodiac to National Geographic Quest.
