It begins in Canada and ends on the Oregon border, but make no mistake—the Columbia is Washington’s river. Once its salmon fed us; today its humming dams and silent windmills feed us power. Our farmland drinks its water, and we play on what’s left. Nuclear war was born on the same banks that welcomed Lewis and Clark and the Oregon Trail. The Columbia River is the backbone of Washington state, 1,243 miles of history and our future.
A Brief History of the Columbia River
Impress your friends on your next trip with some historical trivia.
Where to Stay and Play on the Columbia River
From the lake to the mouth, make the most of your next trip along the river.
This Is What Washington’s Tiniest Ferry Looks Like
Who’s says there’s no such thing as a free ride?
Columbia River Caviar Might be Making a Comeback
All it takes is some prehistoric fish.
Kiteboarding Sets Sail
But the Gorge-born sport isn’t taking the wind out of windsurfing.
The Hardest Job on the Columbia
The giant ships of the Columbia River don't drive themselves.
Where the Wild Things Are
A guide to the animals in and along the Columbia River.
The Strange Song of Woody Guthrie
The ultimate folk balladeer immortalized Washington in “Roll On Columbia.”
5 Ways to Boat Down the Columbia
Bring your own captain’s hat.
Maya Lin Heard Something Here
The Vietnam War memorial artist is commemorating in her own way.
The Atomic Graveyard on the Hanford Reach
The Hanford Reach was the top-secret site of America’s biggest technological achievement—or one of its deadliest. Now it’s simultaneously a toxic dump and a pristine expanse of river.
|
|
|