West Linn in Clackamas County, Oregon — The American West (Northwest)
Willamette Falls
Oregon History
Photographed By Kevin W., June 14, 2008
1. Willamette Falls Marker
Was early the site of an Indian salmon fishing village. The falls furnished the power for a lumber mill which began operation in 1842, a flour mill in 1844, a woolen mill in 1864 and the first paper mill in the Pacific Northwest in 1867. The first long distance commercial electric power transmission in the United States was from this area to the City of Portland in 1889.
Erected by Oregon Travel Experience. (Marker Number M14.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Native Americans. In addition, it is included in the Oregon Beaver Boards series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1842.
Location. 45° 21.105′ N, 122° 37.574′ W. Marker is in West Linn, Oregon, in Clackamas County. Marker 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.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Willamette Falls Locks (here, next to this marker); Dr. John McLoughlin 1784 - 1857 (a few steps from this marker); George Abernethy (a few steps from this marker); Canemah (approx. 0.4 miles away); Explosion of Steamer Gazelle (approx.
this page online
Regarding Willamette Falls. With a crest length of over 1/4 mile and a width of over 470 feet, it is by far the largest waterfall in the Northwest, a title which itself heralds attention. Regrettably the land on both sides of the river, immediately adjacent to the falls, is a prime industrial area, ruining the scenery around the falls. In the summer, most of the river gets diverted through the locks, which bypass the falls.
Also see . . .
1. Willamette Falls worth more than a quick highway stop. Oregon website entry (Submitted on June 30, 2008, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia.)
2. Willamette Falls. Wikipedia entry (Submitted on January 30, 2024, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Photographed By Kevin W., June 14, 2008
2. Willamette Falls Marker
Photographed By Kevin W., June 14, 2008
3. View of Willamette Falls from the rest area.
Photographed By Kevin W., June 14, 2008
4. Willamette Falls from the east side (Oregon City)
Postcard published by the Detroit Photographic Co., 1899
5. Willamette Falls, Ore.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 30, 2024. It was originally submitted on June 29, 2008, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,381 times since then and 15 times this year. Last updated on January 30, 2018, by Douglass Halvorsen of Klamath Falls, Oregon. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 29, 2008, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. 4. submitted on July 1, 2008, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. 5. submitted on February 5, 2018. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
