West Linn in Clackamas County, Oregon — The American West (Northwest)

Willamette Falls Locks

Oregon History

Photographed by Kevin W., June 14, 2008

1. Willamette Falls Locks Marker

Inscription. Still in use below this point-were opened on New Years Day, 1873, when the steamer Maria Wilkins became the first vessel to navigate up the west end of Willamette Falls. Farming and shipping interests had long sought to eliminate expensive portages around this age-old bar to navigation 26 miles above the mouth of the river. The initial project was completed by the Willamette Falls Canal and Locks Company with a partial State Subsidy at a cost of $450,000. Five locks-including a Canal Basin and Guard Lock at the upper end provide a total lift of 50.2 ft. carved from native rock and finished with masonry. The locks have concrete sills and are lined with timbers. (Marker Number M13.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1873.

Location. 45° 21.105′ N, 122° 37.574′ W. Marker is in West Linn, Oregon, in Clackamas County. It is on Northbound Rest Area (Interstate 205), on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: West Linn OR 97068, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Willamette Valley

and in Greater Portland Area.

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,

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: Willamette Falls (here, next to this marker); Dr. John McLoughlin 1784 - 1857 (a few steps from this marker); George Abernethy (a few

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steps from this marker); Canemah (approx. 0.4 miles away); Explosion of Steamer Gazelle (approx. half a mile away); Historic Canemah Cemetery (approx. half a mile away); Dr. John McLoughlin (approx. 0.6 miles away); Peter Skene Ogden House (approx. 0.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in West Linn.

Also see . . . Willamette Falls Locks - Oregon Travel Experience Audio Tour. An audio history hosted by the Oregon Travel Information Council. (Submitted on November 25, 2010, by PaulwC3 of Northern, Virginia.)

Photographed by Kevin W., June 14, 2008

2. Willamette Falls Locks Marker

Willamette Falls Locks image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Kevin W., June 14, 2008

3. Willamette Falls Locks

The Willamette Falls are to the left in the distance. The Locks are just to the right of center.

Credits. This page was last revised on April 11, 2018. It was originally submitted on June 29, 2008, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,624 times since then and 16 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 29, 2008, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia.