The Dalles to the Bonneville Dam
Today we further investigated both the cataclysmic effects of the ancient Missoula Floods and the more recent human developments of scenic highways and hydroelectric dams. We started the day just shy of the Dalles Dam and traveled to the Columbia River Gorge Discovery Center. This beautiful museum houses an incredible collection of movies, displays and artifacts on the cultural history of Wasco County and the natural history of the river gorge. Armed with all we had learned during this week's presentations, we were able to put the pieces together into a vibrant story as we walked among the exhibit.
The first major paved road in the Northwest was a scenic highway which passed through this area on its way to Portland. Completed in 1922, the Historic Columbia River Highway was inspired by European roads such as those in the Rhine River Valley, yet also instituted the most advanced highway technology of the time. The designers’ intention to compliment the natural landscape of the gorge was evident to those who walked or biked a small section that has been restored as a path on the way to Hood River.
After lunch we were granted a rare opportunity to explore the Bonneville Dam Power Facility. In this cavernous building the old turbines are currently being replaced with more eco-friendly versions. We were able to visit the bay where the new turbines are being assembled and will later be moved into their permanent positions.
After we passed through the last lock on our journey there was still time to enjoy the landscape as it continued to change. Fisherman and greenery lined the shores of the river. A view of the Multnomah Falls capped off this fabulous afternoon.
Today we further investigated both the cataclysmic effects of the ancient Missoula Floods and the more recent human developments of scenic highways and hydroelectric dams. We started the day just shy of the Dalles Dam and traveled to the Columbia River Gorge Discovery Center. This beautiful museum houses an incredible collection of movies, displays and artifacts on the cultural history of Wasco County and the natural history of the river gorge. Armed with all we had learned during this week's presentations, we were able to put the pieces together into a vibrant story as we walked among the exhibit.
The first major paved road in the Northwest was a scenic highway which passed through this area on its way to Portland. Completed in 1922, the Historic Columbia River Highway was inspired by European roads such as those in the Rhine River Valley, yet also instituted the most advanced highway technology of the time. The designers’ intention to compliment the natural landscape of the gorge was evident to those who walked or biked a small section that has been restored as a path on the way to Hood River.
After lunch we were granted a rare opportunity to explore the Bonneville Dam Power Facility. In this cavernous building the old turbines are currently being replaced with more eco-friendly versions. We were able to visit the bay where the new turbines are being assembled and will later be moved into their permanent positions.
After we passed through the last lock on our journey there was still time to enjoy the landscape as it continued to change. Fisherman and greenery lined the shores of the river. A view of the Multnomah Falls capped off this fabulous afternoon.
