The Columbia cuts a gorge through the Cascades, making them easy to cross. As a result, on November 7, the expedition reached an estuary 20mi (32km) from the coast. Here they were pinned down for three weeks by fierce storms and high winds. But by the end of November they had reached the Pacific Ocean.
They had hoped that they would now find a ship to carry them home. But no ships passed – and none were likely as winter was approaching. As a result they had to spend the winter near to the coast.
