News Release
| Release Number: | 02-058 |
| Dated: | 3/27/2002 |
| Contact: | Matt Rabe, 503-808-4510 |
Portland, Ore.-Spring is a great time to experience the Columbia River Gorge and one of its top visitor destinations, Bonneville Lock and Dam.
The visitor's areas on the Oregon side of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' project, on the Columbia River 40 miles east of Portland, are open. And it's wonderfully spring at Bonneville, with brilliantly colored daffodils bursting out all over.
This weekend could be a great time to take the family and enjoy the beauty, as well as the learning opportunities available. While some security restrictions still apply, visitors can enjoy the Bradford Island Visitor Center, which includes historical exhibits, theaters, and special underwater views of the fish ladder. Escorted tours of the powerhouse and navigation lock may be arranged in advance.
By March 25, 2002, nearly 2,000 returning chinook salmon had been counted moving past the fish viewing windows on the project. While there are no guarantees that you'll get to see the big fish, because they are on their own schedule, there's a good chance. The complex is open from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. daily. Picnic tables are available on Robins Island. The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife hatchery, too, is open to visitors.
The North Shore Visitor Center and Fish Viewing Building, both on the Washington side of the project, will open April 1, 2002.
Take Interstate-84 east from Portland, and swing off the freeway at Exit 40 to explore the beauty and enjoyment of Bonneville Lock and Dam.