When traveling the Columbia River aboard the Sea Bird we look forward to visiting the Columbia River Gorge Discovery Center in The Dalles, Oregon. It is a beautifully displayed interpretation of the natural assets of the river. In addition, it tells the story of human history here. Native Americans occupied the land for at least ten thousand years. Two hundred years ago Lewis and Clark paused here on their journey west, and again the following spring as they headed home.
Later it became the end of the Oregon Trail, for here the pioneers had to make the choice of rafting down the river to Ft. Vancouver, or taking the arduous Barlow Trail to Oregon City. Then came the cattlemen, sternwheeler river traffic, and orchardists, until today The Dalles is a friendly modern city. Now that this is a National Scenic area, this place represents the best way for visitors to get a grasp of this place, so rich in heritage.
As we are welcomed into the gallery, we receive a talk on how best to spend our time here, but some of us are distracted by the spectacular view of the hills beyond the window.
