Near Dallesport in Klickitat County, Washington — The American West (Northwest)
Journey Through the Columbia River Gorge
Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, June 12, 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 and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Exploration • Landmarks • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included
Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, June 12, 2026
2. Journey Through the Columbia River Gorge Marker
Location. 45° 38.623′ N, 121° 6.354′ W. Marker is near Dallesport, Washington, in Klickitat County. It is on Horsethief Lake State Park Road near Lewis and Clark Highway (Washington Route 14). This markers is located in Horsethioef Lake State Park. This marker is duplicated at several locations along Washington's Lewis and Clark Trail. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Dallesport WA 98617, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Washington’s Columbia River Gorge, in the Columbia Basin and in Yakima Valley. It is also in the American Mountain West and in the Lewis & Clark Corridor. Globally, it is in North America, in the Cascade Range, on the Ring of Fire, in 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 walking distance of this marker: Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail (here, next to this marker); Nix luv dix - The Trading Place (here, next to this marker); "first wooden houses" (here, next to this marker); Horsethief Butte (approx. 0.2 miles away); Long Narrows Challenge (approx. Ό mile away); "the Great Mart" (approx. Ό mile away); Sheltered Homelands (approx. Ό mile away); Through the Short Narrows (approx. Ό mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Dallesport.
Credits. This page was last revised on September 9, 2026. It was originally submitted on September 9, 2026, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 5 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 9, 2026, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.
