Bonneville Dam: Salmon, Sturgeon & the Fish Ladder

4 hours · Educational, scenic, family

Forty minutes east of Portland, the Bonneville Dam spans the Columbia River. Watch migrating salmon climb the fish ladder through underwater viewing windows, meet giant sturgeon at the hatchery, and tour the historic powerhouse built by the WPA.

Map & Directions

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The Itinerary

Bonneville Dam — Bradford Island Visitor Center

⏱ 1.5 hr 📍 I-84 Exit 40, Cascade Locks, OR

Fish ladder viewing windows and powerhouse tour

Bonneville Fish Hatchery

⏱ 1 hr 📍 70543 NE Herman Loop, Cascade Locks, OR

See huge sturgeon and watch trout feeding

Historic Cascade Locks & Marine Park

⏱ 45 min 📍 355 Wanapa St, Cascade Locks, OR

Walk the historic locks and the waterfront

Bridge of the Gods Viewpoint

⏱ 30 min 📍 Cascade Locks, OR

Iconic bridge and Gorge views

Tips

  • Best fish viewing is August–October during salmon runs
  • The powerhouse tour is free but has limited hours
  • Grab lunch at the Brigham Fish Market in Cascade Locks

Best For

Families, engineers, and wildlife watchers