Noteworthy Sights in the gorge

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Next we stopped at the Bonneville Lock and Dam. Construction on the dam began in 1933 and was commissioned by President Theo. Roosevelt in September , 1938. This is one of 11 dams along the Columbia River. This was one of the most interesting stops along the way as the dam is not only for water control and electricity but also was built with “Fish Ladders” which help the fish, especially salmon, move back upstream to spawn. The fish enter the fish ladders, which resemble a maze, and are led back upstream through the swimming of the fish ladders, taking the fish from the lower end of the river to the higher end. The fish ladders also allow protection for the juvenile fish traveling back to the ocean. The fish and the ladders may be viewed from below the dam through windows that were especially built for viewing and counting the fish. Each fish that passes through the ladders is counted and recorded. It was interesting to see the thousands of fish that go through this area every day. The Army Corps of Engineers did a remarkable job engineering this dam and changing the topography of the area while maintaining the integrity of the gorge, the river and it’s inhabitants.

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Photos

Beacon Rock
Stopping at Beacon Rock was quite educational. Beacon Rock is an 848-foot high remnant of an ancient volcano. A well-engineered trail leads to the top of the rock where a grand view of the river and gorge awaits you. Beacon Rock was a beacon for downriver travelers, signifying the end of the rapids and the beginning of the tidal influences of the Pacific Ocean.

Bridge of the Gods
The Bridge of the Gods is named from Native American legend in which a stone arch built by the gods spanned the mighty river. Today, a toll bridge of the same name, built in 1926, crosses the river and is also a part of the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail that runs from Mexico to Canada. Once across the river we then were on Hiway 84 in Oregon and viewing the gorge from the south side.