Columbia River: Quick Facts

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Last updated

Nov. 9, 2026

News •

WDFW wants lawmakers to make Columbia River Salmon and Steelhead Endorsement permanent • Nov. 6, 2026, 1:55 PM ET (The Spokane Spokesman-Review)

Photos

Columbia River Gorge

map of western North America

Green orchards and farmland line the Columbia River in Washington, with a bridge crossing the water and arid hills in the background. Snow-capped Mount Hood rises in the distance.

Grand Coulee Dam

Bonneville Dam fish ladder with a series of stepped, cascading pools bordered by railings, designed to help fish migrate upstream.

Lewis and Clark Expedition

The Astoria Bridge, a long steel truss structure, curves over the Columbia River, connecting the states of Oregon and Washington with forested hills in the background.

Bonneville Dam spans the Columbia River, with water rushing through its gates and forested hills in the background. The structure includes special fish ladders for salmon migration.

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water glass on white background. (drink; clear; clean water; liquid)

Water and its Varying Forms

Tower Bridge over the Thames River in London, England. Opened in 1894. Remains an Important Traffic Route with 40,000 Crossings Every Day.

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