Interpretive Activities
Please note: Security measures that close areas or restrict access are subject to change on a daily basis. Closures or restrictions may apply to visitor facilities, fishing access areas, roadways and scheduled tours. Please call 541-374-8820 or 541-374-8344 (OR) 509-427-4281 (WA) to determine current public accessibility before your visit. THANK YOU FOR YOUR PATIENCE!
Public access to the dam and visitor facilities are provided on both the Oregon and Washington shores. The visitor facilities are open to the public and free of charge. With the exception of visiting the navigation lock (found on the Oregon shore), visits to either visitor facility is comparable.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineer park rangers and guides are on-site providing interpretive activities throughout the day. Review the touring options below to determine which is best for your group.
Touring Options
When visiting Bonneville Dam, you have three touring options:
- Explore the facilities on your own (self-guided)
- Join in on an interpretive program or
- Schedule an interpretive program for your group.
Please phone 541-374-8820 for information on any of these tour options, to determine which tour option best fits your groups needs or to schedule a reservation. Hope to see you at Bonneville Dam soon! << See also: Hours of operation and Driving directions & Maps >>
1. Self-Guided Visits
Photo- Group with Ranger around a table looking at how power is generated.Both visitor centers are set up for self-guided visits and you are welcome to come on your own at any time. If you're coming from a distance, it is wise call ahead [541-374-8820] to insure the facilities are open.
Once you arrive, make sure to stop by the visitor center desk for the latest information and check if there are any interpretive events scheduled during your visit [See below].
2. Interpretive Programs
Based on their daily schedule, the visitor center staff provide 30 to 60 minute interpretive presentations including fish talks, hydropower talks, history talks and audiovisual presentations at each visitor center. These programs are frequently attended by family groups and are suitable for all ages. Check the visitor center information desk when you arrive to learn what programs are available during your visit.
3. Group Reservations
Interpretive programs for groups are available on a reservation basis. The staff is prepared to lead programs on fish, hydropower, navigation, history or geology. Programs can also be customized to your needs.
A typical presentation has one or two 20-minute sections and may also include an audiovisual program lasting another 20-30 minutes. Most will include a visit to the underwater fish viewing windows and a powerhouse.
Please call the Visitor Center at 541-374-8820 between 9 am and 5 pm to schedule a tour.
Here are some other considerations:
- Groups of larger than 40 will be split in two. Therefore, if you plan your visit with fewer than 40 people, you have the best chance of reserving a guide.
- Seating capacities in the theaters are 65 for the Oregon and 45 for the Washington visitor center.
- We recommend at least one adult for each 10 children/student under the age of 14. The safety of all visitors is our primary concern.