Bonneville Lock and Dam

Bonneville Lock and Dam consists of serveral dam structures that together complete a span of the Columbia River between the US states of Oregon and Washington at River Mile 146.1. The dam is located 40 miles east of Portland, Oregon, in what is now the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. The Primary function of Bonneville Lock and Dam are those of electrical power generation and river navigation. The dam was built and is managed by the US Army Coprs. of Engineers. Electrical power generated at Bonneville is distributed by the Bonneville Power Administration. Bonneville Lock and Dam is named for the Army Capt. Benjamin Bonneville, an early explorer credited with charting much of the Oregon Trail. It was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1987


Second Powerhouse – Constructed 1974-82; 300.5 m (986 ft) long; 8 generators (plus two at fish ladders) with a total generating capacity of 558,200 kW.


Bonneville Dam offers a visitor center with a fish-viewing window where visitors can see adult salmon swimming through the fish ladder.