The Gorge has two interpretive centers, or visitors centers, one at the eastern end in The Dalles, Oregon, and one at the western end in Stevenson, Washington. Both are very well done, featuring interesting displays and events. This is the west end one.

If you look carefully, you can see me taking the picture in the left window.

Outside around back you can tour this old train engine and caboose.

Several finely carved cedar poles grace the exterior of the building.

Celilo Falls was for centuries the foremost fishing spot on the Columbia. The fishermen would stand on these platforms above the raging rapids, dipping their nets in the water below. Alas, in the 1950s the The Dalles Dam was built, flooding the rapids and depriving the Indians of not only their main source of food but also an important part of their way of life.

Indian beadwork on display.

And, my favoarite, large prints of Carleton Watkins' Columbia Gorge late 19th Century photography.

©D.L. Mark 1999-2007