Near Lyle in Klickitat County, Washington — The American West (Northwest)
The Columbia Then & Now
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, August 14, 2020
1. The Columbia Then & Now Marker
Captions (top left) 1935 Aerial Photo; (top center) William Clark's Journal Map, 1805-06; (bottom right) Current Conditions; Key: 1) Celilo Falls, 2) Railroad Bridge, 3) The Short Narrows, 4) Avery Overlook (You Are Here), 5) Columbia Hills State Park, 6) The Long Narrows, 7) Spearfish Basin, 8) The Dalles Dam, 9) The Dalles; (bottom center) "Angry River" by John F. Clymer.
When the Lewis and Clark expedition passed through the Short and Long Narrows of the Columbia in the early 1800s, the river looked dramatically different than it does today. The water was squeezed into narrow channels punctuated by treacherous whirlpools and whitewater. This powerful part of the river now sleeps beneath Lake Celilo, formed by the backwaters of The Dalles Dam.
The center map is William Clark's drawing of this stretch of the river, from Celilo Falls to The Dells. The 1935 aerial views shows the river prior to the construction of the dam. The current conditions map illustrated how the shorelines have changed since the dam was constructed.
October 24, 1805
"Capt Lewis and three men crossed the river and on the opposit Side to view the falls which he had not yet taken a full view of" ~ William Clark ~
"we went through a narrows where the river is all confined in a narrow channel of about 20 yds and verry rapid and bad whorl pools ... towards evening we came to another narrows" ~ John Ordway ~
Changing Views
The rivers and landscapes of this country have changed since the Lewis and Clark Expedition. As you view the Columbia River below and the surrounding landscape, what do you
this page online
Erected by Lewis & Clark Expedition - Washington.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Exploration • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Lewis & Clark Expedition series list. A significant historical date for this entry is October 24, 1805.
Location. 45° 39.835′ N, 121° 2.278′ W. Marker is near Lyle, Washington, in Klickitat County. Marker is on Lewis and Clark Highway (Washington Route 14) near Avery Road, on the right when traveling east. This marker is at the Avery Overlook. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Lyle WA 98635, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. To Market, to Market (a few steps from this marker); Columbia River Indians (approx. 3.1 miles away); Class P-2 Engine No. 2507 (approx. 3˝ miles away); Horsethief Butte (approx. 3.6 miles away); Long Narrows Challenge (approx. 3.6 miles away); "the Great Mart" (approx. 3.6 miles away); Sheltered Homelands (approx. 3.6 miles away); Through the Short Narrows (approx. 3.6 miles away).
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, August 14, 2020
2. The Columbia Then & Now Marker
This marker is on the right.
Credits. This page was last revised on October 25, 2020. It was originally submitted on October 25, 2020, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 223 times since then and 33 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 25, 2020, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.
