Columbia River Gorge & Bonneville Dam Powerhouse
Today we explored the Gorge, a fifty-mile section of the Columbia River that brims with cultural, historical, geographical, and technological currents. Our morning visit to the Wasco County Museum and Discovery Center provided us an opportunity to delve further into the varied history of the region. Impressive displays re-told the stories of the natives who first occupied the region, such as the Lewis and Clark’s expedition westward into the country, the pioneers who followed, and the technological aspects such settlement brought to the area over the centuries.
One such technological advancement brought to the area was the scenic highway. Designed and built by Sam Hill and Sam Lancaster in the early part of this century, the purpose of the design was two-fold: to provide a more modern road system through the Gorge, while at the same time maintaining a harmonious balance with the majestic landscape. Those of us who walked and biked along a section of the highway system this morning can attest that Sam Hill and Sam Lancaster certainly achieved their goals. Admiring the fall colors emerging around us, we felt as if we were truly part of the Gorge, not just travelers passing through.
Re-boarding the Sea Bird in Hood River, we made way for Bonneville Lock and Dam, where we took advantage of an unusual opportunity. Guided by a member of the Army Corps of Engineers, we toured a section of the facility’s original powerhouse. Construction began in the 1930s with the aim to harness the hydropower provided by the Columbia River. Along with making electricity that supports Oregon, Washington, sections of Idaho, California, and even western Wyoming and Montana, Bonneville Dam improved transportation and navigation for river vessels.
With new understanding of hydropower, we once again returned to the Sea Bird, entering the Bonneville the lock chamber for our last lockage on the Columbia River. Gathered on the bow, soaking up the sun, we watched as the lock gate opened. Surrounded by the man-made structure of Bonneville Dam, our eyes looked past the gates to the stunning natural surroundings: Multnomah Falls on the Oregon side, Beacon Rock on the Washington side. Ahead of us: Astoria, and our final day on the mighty Columbia River.
Today we explored the Gorge, a fifty-mile section of the Columbia River that brims with cultural, historical, geographical, and technological currents. Our morning visit to the Wasco County Museum and Discovery Center provided us an opportunity to delve further into the varied history of the region. Impressive displays re-told the stories of the natives who first occupied the region, such as the Lewis and Clark’s expedition westward into the country, the pioneers who followed, and the technological aspects such settlement brought to the area over the centuries.
One such technological advancement brought to the area was the scenic highway. Designed and built by Sam Hill and Sam Lancaster in the early part of this century, the purpose of the design was two-fold: to provide a more modern road system through the Gorge, while at the same time maintaining a harmonious balance with the majestic landscape. Those of us who walked and biked along a section of the highway system this morning can attest that Sam Hill and Sam Lancaster certainly achieved their goals. Admiring the fall colors emerging around us, we felt as if we were truly part of the Gorge, not just travelers passing through.
Re-boarding the Sea Bird in Hood River, we made way for Bonneville Lock and Dam, where we took advantage of an unusual opportunity. Guided by a member of the Army Corps of Engineers, we toured a section of the facility’s original powerhouse. Construction began in the 1930s with the aim to harness the hydropower provided by the Columbia River. Along with making electricity that supports Oregon, Washington, sections of Idaho, California, and even western Wyoming and Montana, Bonneville Dam improved transportation and navigation for river vessels.
With new understanding of hydropower, we once again returned to the Sea Bird, entering the Bonneville the lock chamber for our last lockage on the Columbia River. Gathered on the bow, soaking up the sun, we watched as the lock gate opened. Surrounded by the man-made structure of Bonneville Dam, our eyes looked past the gates to the stunning natural surroundings: Multnomah Falls on the Oregon side, Beacon Rock on the Washington side. Ahead of us: Astoria, and our final day on the mighty Columbia River.
