North Bonneville in Skamania County, Washington — The American West (Northwest)
Journey Through the Columbia River Gorge
Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, June 11, 2026
1. Journey Through the Columbia River Gorge Marker
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The Lewis and Clark Expedition first encountered the Columbia River Gorge on its westward voyage in October 1805. The explorers passed this way again in April 1806 during their return journey. They described the beauty and grandeur of the Gorge in their journals. They noticed dramatic changes in weather and landscapes as they traveled between the arid eastern end of the Gorge and the rainy climate of the western end.
Beacon Rock (illustration at upper center)
William Clark observed "a remarkable high detached rock" on October 31, 1805 and later named the feature Beacon Rock. The explorers
this page online
California Condor (illustration at lower left)
On October 28, 1805, the Lewis and Clark Expedition first saw the California condor (Gymnogyps caloforniianus), an endangered species that no longer inhabits this area. Clark wrote, "fist Vulture of the Columbia Seen to day." Near the mouth of the Columbia, Reubin Field shot one of the gigantic birds. The explorers measured its wing span at nine and a half feet.
The "Great Shute" (photograph at lower center)
The Expedition portaged the last set of Columbia River rapids on November 1, 1805. The "Great Shute" (Cascades of the Columbia), located a few miles upstream from here, is now underwater behind Bonneville Dam.
Erected by Washington Lewis & Clark Expedition Bicentennial Commission.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Exploration • Natural Features • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical date for this entry is October 28, 1805.
Location. 45° 37.126′ N,
Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, June 11, 2026
2. Journey Through the Columbia River Gorge Marker
Thie marker is in the Kiosk.
Regionally, this marker is in the Columbia River Gorge and in Southwest Washington State. It is also on the American Pacific Coast, in the Pacific Northwest, and in the Lewis & Clark Corridor. Globally, it is in North America, in the Cascade Range, on the Ring of Fire, on the Pacific Rim, in the Western Hemisphere, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Passage Through Time (here, next to this marker); "Remarkable" Rock (here, next to this marker); Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail (here, next to this marker); Beacon Rock State Park (approx. ¾ mile away); "Beacon Rock" (approx. ¾ mile away); a different marker also named Beacon Rock
Photographed by Edward S. Curtis, circa 1909
3. "The Fisherman - Wishham"
Our way of life has been tied to the river and fishing since time immemorial.
Credits. This page was last revised on September 7, 2026. It was originally submitted on September 2, 2026, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 10 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 2, 2026, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.
