The Bonneville Lock and Dam sits in the Columbia Gorge National Scenic Area. This is just 40 miles east of Portland, Oregon, and Vancouver, Washington. Believe it or not, Bonneville Lock and Dam actually connects Washington and Oregon. This is because it spans across the Columbia River.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers operates this beautiful getaway. They also offer fish and wildlife protection and navigation for visitors. The dam itself has been supplying power to the region since 1938. There are several things to do while visiting the area, including visiting the powerhouses, watch fish from an underwater viewing area, and camp in a tent or an RV.
The Bonneville Lock and Dam area is a great way to break away from the hustle and bustle of the busy city and relax and enjoy nature. There are several places to camp near the dam, one of the most popular being at Beacon Rock State Park.
Getting to Bonneville Lock and Dam is incredibly easy. There are several different areas where you can enter. It's important to note that the lock and dam itself are open from 9 AM to 5 PM, and the area is closed on holidays such as Thanksgiving day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day.
The dam is located just 40 miles from downtown Portland. When you arrive, you have the option of starting your adventure at several different places. One of the more common places is the Bradford Island Visitors Center. This is located just four miles west of Cascade Locks, Oregon.
You could also start at the Washington Shore Visitor Complex. This is accessible from Washington State Highway 14 by turning south towards the river on Dam Access Road.
Lastly, you can also enter through the Navigation Lock. It's open seasonally from the Friday of Memorial Day weekend up until Labor Day. It is open daily from 1 PM to 4 PM, but there is no set schedule for when boats will pass through the lock. By taking I-84 to exit 40, bear right at the flagpole intersection. There is a parking lot past the guard station.
All of the roads leading to the public entrances are paved. They are treated and maintained during the winter months as well.
There are a variety of campground options near the lock and dam. Above, we focused on Beacon Rock State Park as it’s one of the more frequently visited options. Their rates vary whether you’re camping in an RV or tent. Campsites are designed for tent use and smaller RVs. Five campsites have full hook-ups for your RV.
There is a group campsite available that can hold up to 200 people. All campsites at Beacon Rock are first-come, first-serve. There are plenty of showers, toilets, and drinking water fountains available. In addition to the state park, there are also two equestrian campsites nearby if you fancy a bit of horseback riding.
Around Bonneville Lock and Dam, there are several areas to hike. There is the Pacific Crest Trail, the Fort Cascades Historic Site and Trail, along with trails that run parallel to I-84. These trails vary in difficulty. The majority of them are gravel and are well-maintained. Depending on the time of the year, there may be several people along the trails. You can take in beautiful views of the Columbia River, surrounding mountains as well as the lock and dam itself.
Another great activity you can do just outside of the Portland area is fishing. You can fish near the Bonneville Lock and Dam year-round. In general, you want to bring your own fishing gear. Some nearby campsites may sell bait and tackle if needed. You'll find a variety of different fish in the Columbia River, including trout, catfish, and many more. For your own safety, if you're fishing with children, please make sure they wear life preservers since you'll be near a large, moving body of water.
The area around the Bonneville Lock and Dam is absolutely perfect for photography. You can photography the lock and dam in action as well as nearby waterfalls. In the right season, you might be able to catch some amazing shots of fish swimming near the dam. If you're looking to photograph someone, you'll have the option of giving them the backdrop of a river, mountains, forests, and more. And at the campgrounds surrounding the Bonneville Lock and Dam, you'll get the opportunity to photograph many different types of wildlife.
Understandably, the outdoors isn't for everyone. Near the Bonneville Lock and Dam, there are plenty of different spa options. You can go for a more traditional spa experience at an indoor facility, or take part in outdoor spas that are unique to the Washington and Oregon area.
The outdoor spas offer hot springs with natural water and minerals that claim to provide several benefits to the human body. On the other hand, if you want a more traditional experience, you can find an indoor spa that has a more typical menu of services such as facials, sauna, and massages.
One of the more unique and fun activities that are available right at Bonneville Lock and Dam is the underground fish observatory. Here you'll find a large window where you can watch all the different types of fish swim right by! You can even watch salmon migrating, depending on the season you visit the area. This area is called the fish ladder and is most active in May, June, and September. This is a favorite activity for families with small children.
Several guided tours are provided by volunteers and employees of the Bonneville Lock and Dam. This is a great option for families that have inquisitive children. They'll show you how exactly the lock and dam work and how it produces power to thousands of people.
Taking a tour can be a great learning opportunity for a visitor of any age. There are generally three tours per day, depending on staff availability. They take place at the Washington Shore Visitor Center Complex.
