Difference between revisions of "Bonneville Dam"
From Oregon Hikers Field Guide
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Bonneville Dam can be viewed from many area hikes including the [[Buck Point Hike]], the [[Wauna Viewpoint from Eagle Creek Hike|Wauna Viewpoint Hike]], the [[Tooth Rock Loop Hike]] and the [[Aldrich Butte Hike]]. | Bonneville Dam can be viewed from many area hikes including the [[Buck Point Hike]], the [[Wauna Viewpoint from Eagle Creek Hike|Wauna Viewpoint Hike]], the [[Tooth Rock Loop Hike]] and the [[Aldrich Butte Hike]]. | ||
| − | There is a visitor's center which makes a great location for families and school field trips. Here you can view the fish ladders that allow salmon and other species to return upstream to spawn. There is an underground viewing area with windows to give you a better view of the fish passing by. Volunteers here are charged with counting ''every'' fish that passes by the window, ''by species''! | + | There is a visitor's center which makes a great location for families and school field trips. Here you can view the fish ladders that allow salmon and other species to return upstream to spawn. There is an underground viewing area with windows to give you a better view of the fish passing by ([http://portlandhikersfieldguide.com/wiki/Image:BonnevilleFishViewing.jpg photo]). Volunteers here are charged with counting ''every'' fish that passes by the window, ''by species''! |
| − | There are plenty of interpretive diaramas, maps, and a movie to interest children of all ages. | + | There are plenty of interpretive diaramas, maps, and a movie to interest children of all ages ([http://portlandhikersfieldguide.com/wiki/Image:BonnevilleHandsOn.jpg photo]). |
Since 9-11 the powerhouse is closed to the public except of a few guided tours a day. Call ahead for times and availability. | Since 9-11 the powerhouse is closed to the public except of a few guided tours a day. Call ahead for times and availability. | ||
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=== Contributors === | === Contributors === | ||
* [[User:Stevefromdodge|Stevefromdodge]] (creator) | * [[User:Stevefromdodge|Stevefromdodge]] (creator) | ||
| + | * [[User:Jeffstatt|Jeffstatt]] | ||
Revision as of 07:03, 22 March 2007
- Weather forecast: NWS/NOAA
- Maps: Oregon Hikers Maps Google Maps
- Latitude, Longitude: 45.64426, -121.94086
- Elevation: 70 feet
Contents |
Description
Bonneville Dam is one of the oldest dams on the Columbia, constructed between 1933 and 1937. The second powerhouse was added in 1982. The dam is somewhat usual because it is made up of several dams on separate river channels with islands in between. From the north, the first channel is blocked by the new 1982 powerhouse. Next comes Cascades Island, then the second channel, dammed by the spillway, which regulates the water level in the reservoir. Bradford Island comes next, followed by the south channel, dammed by the original 1937 powerhouse and Robins Island. The final channel is the new lock, built in 1993. Only Bradford Island is natural; the others were created when new river channels were created.
Bonneville Dam is in the middle of a very historic area. There's a rich history here of natural landslides, Indian villages, river rapids, portage railroads and abandoned highways. Some historic sites remain accessible below the dam, others are underwater above the Dam.
Bonneville Dam can be viewed from many area hikes including the Buck Point Hike, the Wauna Viewpoint Hike, the Tooth Rock Loop Hike and the Aldrich Butte Hike.
There is a visitor's center which makes a great location for families and school field trips. Here you can view the fish ladders that allow salmon and other species to return upstream to spawn. There is an underground viewing area with windows to give you a better view of the fish passing by (photo). Volunteers here are charged with counting every fish that passes by the window, by species!
There are plenty of interpretive diaramas, maps, and a movie to interest children of all ages (photo).
Since 9-11 the powerhouse is closed to the public except of a few guided tours a day. Call ahead for times and availability.
Any trip to the dam should include the nearby Fish Hatchery. There are dozens of holding tanks spanning across beautifully manicured lawns and landcscaping. It's a pretty spot for a picnic. Children will love the tank holding two (very large!) sturgeon.
If you come in early fall, you can see salmon returning up nearby Tanner Creek into the the holding bins.
Trip Reports
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Guidebooks that cover this destination
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Contributors
- Stevefromdodge (creator)
- Jeffstatt