Bonneville Lock and Dam

Since 1938, Bonneville Lock and Dam has supplied the region surrounding the Columbia River Gorge with inexpensive electrical power. Located forty miles east of Portland, OR, and Vancouver, WA, the Bonneville Dam spans the Columbia River and links the two states. The dam is operated and maintained by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and is used for hydroelectric power production, fish and wildlife protection, recreation and navigation. Visitor facilities are provided on both the Oregon and Washington shores, are open to the public year-round and are free of charge. Thirty to sixty minute interpretive presentations are provided on both sides of the dam, including talks on aquatic life, power generation and dam history. Audiovisual presentations are also available.