Podcast 21 - Stop 17 - Cascade Locks, OR

Days 38 through 41 bring our expedition to Cascade Locks, Oregon, situated in the heart of the breathtaking Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. When the original Corps of Discovery passed through this region in the fall of 1805, they faced the daunting task of navigating the Columbia River's treacherous and turbulent rapids while marveling at the towering cliffs and numerous cascading waterfalls along the southern shore.During this action-packed four-day basecamp, modern travelers will experience the raw power and scenic beauty of the Pacific Northwest through a series of incredible guided excursions. Highlights for this leg of the journey include:Columbia Gorge Guided Motorcoach Tour: A spectacular drive along the scenic Columbia Gorge Highway, featuring stunning vista points and a visit to the magnificent 620-foot Multnomah Falls—one of the notable cascades explicitly documented by Meriwether Lewis in 1805.Bonneville Dam and Fish Hatchery: A firsthand look at the operation of two of the nation's largest hydroelectric powerhouses, complete with a stop at the underwater viewing rooms to watch migrating fish travel upstream.Portland Spirit Lunch Cruise: A relaxing dining cruise that allows guests to experience the majestic Columbia River right from the water, tracing the water-bound route the explorers took.Mount St. Helens Guided Motorcoach Tour: A powerful excursion to the Mount St. Helens Volcanic Monument and Johnston Ridge Observatory to learn about the devastating 1980 eruption. While Lewis and Clark noted this towering, snow-capped volcano in their journals, modern travelers will witness its dramatically altered landscape and flood plains.During their free time, guests can explore the immediate local area, with optional visits to the Cascade Locks Marine Park—where displays explain the 19th-century locks that finally made the turbulent river passable—the Bridge of the Gods, or the Cascade Locks Historical Museum.