Bradford Island Visitor Center @ Bonneville, Oregon, USA

I visited the Bonneville Dam, a National Historical Landmark few years ago which was the first Dam and Lock system with a spectacular view of the Columbia River Gorge is around 40 miles from Portland.

Just wanted to share a slight history about the Bonneville dam which was shared by a friendly and knowledgeable tour guide. This was the first dam built on the Columbia River in 1943 named after Benjamin Louis Eulalie de Bonneville (1796-1878), an American officer of US army who pioneered parts of the Oregon Trail and is noted for his expeditions of Oregon County.

The Bradford Island Visitor Center, located alongside to the dam. This center has multi level floors ( sorry don't remember how many floors ) with various exhibits like history of the dam and local areas around, hydroelectric and many more. A viewing platform or the observation deck allows visitors to see the working turbines and generators of the hydroelectric dam. I also remember and was fascinated about one exhibit called as "Fish ladder" that showed many fishes used ladders to get upstream.

Now, Let me explain what's a "Fish Ladder" - Its a structure artificial or natural barrier which enable the fishes to pass by either swimming or leaping up relatively low into the river from one side to other.

What actually does lock and dams do?

The purpose of the lock which is a device used for raising and lowering boats or ships as they travel upstream or downstream. It also to make a river more easily navigable. The boats or ships continue into the next lock until they reach the end of the dam and lock system.

The operation of the Power house and dam are shown in photographs around the Visitor Center. There is also a nice little gift shop with some unique displays, snacks and souvenirs.

Bradford Island Visitor Center @ Bonneville is just few minutes away from Multnomah Falls (https://sk-digilance.blogspot.com/2021/06/multnomah-falls-oregon-usa.html), so it is easy to combine the two for a day trip when you visit Portland.

The Visitor Center is very free, educational and worthwhile to visit at least for 1 hour once.

Ps:

1. Parking was free when we visited any years ago.

2. Definitely clean restroom.

Stay Safe friends and Have fun exploring my Blog and if possible do visit these places whenever ur free…

Until my next article ….👋