Lower Columbia

The Columbia River is one of the major North American rivers draining into the Pacific Ocean. Originating in northern Idaho and southeastern British Columbia, it travels some 2000 km to the ocean, draining much of the Pacific Northwest.

From the Bonneville Dam west to the Pacific Ocean, the Columbia River is free flowing-without dams. It joins with the Willamette River in Portland, then flows to meet the Pacific Ocean near Astoria, Oregon.

The Lower Columbia region was the final destination of Lewis and Clark’s epic expedition. They spent the winter of 1805 in this region and you can visit some of the areas where they camped along the river.