Near Megler, Washington — The American West (Northwest)

Salmon Fortunes

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, June 10, 2026

1. Salmon Fortunes Marker

Caption: Joseph Megler operated a cannery and fish buying station during the 1870s and 1880s. The pilings still visible today supported a salmon receiving station where fishing boats unloaded their catch.

Inscription. Millions of salmon once swam up the Columbia River to spawn every year. Salmon were the staple for the many tribes that lived along its banks. Traders carried fish up and down the river to trade for other goods. Later white settlers joined the fishing industry focused on its incredible resource.
By the late 1800s, salmon trading had expanded to include fish canned in tins. More than 40 salmon canneries operated along the lower Columbia River, employing thousands of people. Like local Chinookan people, fishing crews used seine nets to catch vast piles of fish. Women and children labored in canning lines. Salmon was packed, sealed, and shipped to far-flung destinations.
At first, the salmon runs seemed never-ending. By 1900, however, Columbia River salmon populations were already in decline. The industry gradually shifted north, leaving abandoned canneries and workers behind, and Chinookan people struggle to maintain access to the resource today.

Erected by National Park Service.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Indigenous Peoples and Communities • Industry & Commerce

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• Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1900.

Location. 46° 14.936′ N, 123° 51.668′ 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: Crossing the River (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 marker is no

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, June 10, 2026

2. Salmon Fortunes Marker

The marker is on the left in the distance.

longer nearby. Columbia River Explorers (was approx. 1.3 miles away but has been confirmed missing).

Pilings of the Megler Cannery image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, June 10, 2026

3. Pilings of the Megler Cannery

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 5 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 21, 2026, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.