From the Sea Lion on the Columbia & Snake Rivers, 10/23/2000, National Geographic Sea Lion

From sunrise alpenglow on the flanks of Mt. Hood to a blazing red sunset over Portland, we enjoyed a phenomenally beautiful day in the Columbia River Gorge. We spent our morning exploring the wonderfully creative exhibits of the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center, or chugging through the Hood River Valley's famous apple and pear orchards aboard the Mt. Hood Scenic Railroad. Back on the Sea Lion, we continued down river, making our final lock movement at Bonneville Dam and entering the free flowing Columbia River. With a bald eagle and an osprey soaring overhead, we hugged the Oregon shore for close-up views of the gorge's famous waterfalls. The fall foliage and bright blue sky accentuated the beauty of 620 foot high Multnomah Falls.