Description - The Dalles Dam is located 192 miles upstream from the mouth of the Columbia River, two miles east of the city of The Dalles, Oregon. The dam extends 1.5 miles from the Oregon shore to the navigation lock on the Washington shore. Because the boundary between the two states follows the old river channel, The Dalles Dam is almost entirely in the state of Washington. The project consists of a navigation lock, spillway, powerhouse and fish passage facilities. Various recreational facilities are provided along Lake Celilo, the 24-mile-long impoundment behind the dam. The workforce that maintains and operates The Dalles Lock and Dam includes engineers, powerhouse and lock operators, skilled craftspeople, warehouse workers, rangers, guides and office administrators.
Attractions
- Various recreational facilities are provided along Lake Celilo, the 24-mile long lake behind the dam. There is a visitor center available focusing on the project and the region. Then a small brightly painted train takes visitors from the visitor center to the fish ladder and powerhouse for a guided tour. Hydropower exhibits in the powerhouse explain the operation of the dam.
Ancient Indian fishing, hunting and camping grounds are within the project area. During the summer season a train provides transportation for tourists around this large navigation and hydropower project on the Columbia.
Recreation - Various recreational facilities are provided along Lake Celilo, the 24-mile long lake behind the dam. There is a visitor center available focusing on the project and the region. Then a small brightly painted train takes visitors from the visitor center to the fish ladder and powerhouse for a guided tour. Hydropower exhibits in the powerhouse explain the operation of the dam. There are campgrounds, boat ramps, picnic areas, hiking trails and beach areas all located at The Dalles Lock and Dam, Lake Celilo.
Climate - Climate in central and eastern Oregon varies greatly depending on elevation. The high elevations receive much more precipitation and colder temperatures. These regions are much more arid and see greater temperature extremes than western Oregon. Much of the precipitation comes from October to April, mostly in the form of snow in the higher elevations. Winter temperatures can drop well below zero degrees Fahrenheit. Snow remains in the high mountains into early summer. Late spring, summer and early autumn tend to bring clear, sunny days, with warm to hot temperatures at the low elevations and moderate temperatures at the higher elevations. Summer afternoon thunderstorms are not uncommon.
Location -
The Dalles Lock and Dam, Lake Celilo is located directly on the Oregon and Washington boarder. The Dalles Dam is almost entirely in the state of Washington.From The Dalles, 2 mi. E on I-84.
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