Near Megler, Washington — The American West (Northwest)
Crossing the River
Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, June 10, 2026
1. Crossing the River Marker
For centuries, crossing the Columbia River was a major challenge. At the time of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, the Corps watched in amazement s Cathlamet People in their high-prow canoes crossed this wide estuary with fish to sell despite a raging storm. The storm had nearly capsized the Corps' own canoes and forced then to shore.
Although salmon industry boats routinely stoped here in the late 1800s, passenger service only began in 1921 with the Tourist, a small diesel powered ferryboat. Within a few years, traveler3s had a choice of ferries - the Tourist, line, the North Beach, the M.R. Chessman, snf the Kitsap.
Forty years later, the Astoria-Meglar Bridge put ferries out of business. Opened in 1966, this soaring steel-truss bridge spans 4.1 miles, making it the longest single truss-bridge in North America. Today more than 7,000 vehicles use the Astoria-Meglar Bridge every day.
Erected by National Park Service.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Bridges & Viaducts •
this page online
Location. 46° 14.937′ N, 123° 51.666′ W. Marker is near Megler in , Washington. It is on Lewis and Clark Trail Highway (State Highway 401) near Hungry Harbor Lane, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the American Lewis & Clark Corridor. Globally, it is in North America, the Pacific Rim, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Salmon Fortunes (here, next to this marker); Dangerous Days in "Dismal Nitch" (within shouting distance of this marker); Lewis & Clark at Dismal Nitch (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Chief Skamokawa/"Great joy in camp" (about 600 feet away); St. Mary's Church (approx. 2.3 miles away); The Business of Trade (approx. 2.3 miles away); In Search of Recognition (approx. 2.4 miles away); How Do These Stories Continue? (approx. 2.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Megler.
Another
Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, June 10, 2026
2. Crossing the River Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on August 21, 2026. It was originally submitted on August 21, 2026, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 6 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 21, 2026, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.
