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Submission
This is the Washington side of the Bonneville dam and hydro power unit. This is relatively new compared to the Oregon side. Inside there are multiple levels to see. One of the buildings on first floor has educational content and generator viewing area. There is a theatre which play the history when it is open. The ground floor has access to fish ladders. All places have elevator access. There are tours at certain times a day and well worth it. It is about 45 minutes and they take you close to one of the generators to explain its working. Staff are generous and always ready with answers when needed.
Great fish viewing room, nice educational center, and I loved the fish ladders, which I never fully understood until this visit.
Great place to take a break and stretch the legs on a long bike ride. Bathrooms, parking, and awesome views of the dam. Easy off-on exit from HWY 14. Worth the stop especially when the spillway is open. Thunderous and impressive.
Cool place would 100% recommend. This place deserves more visitors!
When we arrived we felt like we were in the wrong place, only a security guard in sight. We went through the gate to the visitor center and had the best time. Jon, a very friendly tour guide, was just about to start his 15:30 tour and we were the only visitors. He told us all about the history and operations of the plant. We could see two of the turbines up close, even at different heights.
There's also a little side building with lots of info about the fish and fishing methods of the native americans. It includes underwater windows so you can see the fish swim through the ladder, we saw lots of salmon.
The Bonneville Lock and Dam visitor center is a wonderful way to see and learn more about the river, salmon and the dam. It's a large facility and there is a lot to see. It's very impressive and you can see the fish ladders and was the salmon navigate the ladders. Great way to spend several educational hours and stretch your legs. There is no cost for admission.
