The bar is where the river’s current dissipates into the Pacific Ocean, often as large standing waves. The waves are partially caused by the deposition of sediment as the river slows, as well as mixing with ocean waves. The waves, wind, and current are hazardous for vessels of all sizes.

The river also provides drinking water to numerous communities along its course, and irrigates 600,000 acres of farmland. Between the U.S. and Canada, the river’s 19 hydroelectric dams provide about half the region’s supply of electricity, in addition to providing flood control benefits.

Lawrence, and Mackenzie rivers. The Columbia is one of the world’s greatest sources of hydroelectric power and, with its tributaries, represents a third of the potential hydropower of the United States. In addition, its mouth provides the first deepwater harbour north of San Francisco.

In short, the Columbia River Basin is an essential reason for the Northwest being a dynamic and highly prosperous region within the nation and the world. Hydropower, flood control, irrigation, navigation and recreation are specific benefits that the uniqueness of the Basin and its river system provide.

Clatsop Spit

The river originates in Columbia Lake in British Columbia, 2,690 feet above sea level. The lower Columbia River flows 146 miles from Bonneville Dam to the Pacific Ocean.

The Columbia River is meeting the Pacific Ocean. The area where the salt water of the sea mixes with the fresh water of a river is called an ESTUARY. The Columbia River’s estuary starts just below Bonneville Dam, more than 140 miles from the ocean. The salmon pass between two large cities — Portland and Vancouver.

Pacific Ocean

4,000 feet

He completed the swim on Sunday. The Longview man who swam across the Columbia River on Sunday in Kalama says he finished the 2,500-foot crossing without trouble. Seals says he made it safely across to Sandy Island on the Oregon shore and hitched a ride back to the Kalama marina with a jet skier.

Q: Why is it so windy in the Columbia River Gorge? A: In short, there is a pressure differential caused by the colder moist air over Portland, OR and the hot, dry air over the desert to the east of the Cascade mountains. The cold air is rushing towards the hot air to equalize that pressure and therefore creating wind.

Large ocean going vessels can traverse the Columbia River all the way to Vancouver, Washington and smaller vessels can go another 200 or so miles, but must go through a series of locks.

There are four lanes in each direction, with emergency parking lanes and a 12-foot median that contains a nine-foot pedestrian/biking path, At its highest point, near the Washington shore, the bottom of the I-205 bridge is 144 feet above the Columbia’s low-water mark, leaving plenty of room for river traffic to pass …

14 feet

60 dams

Open for adult hatchery coho salmon Aug 1 – Dec 31. Minimum length for adult coho is 16 inches. Retention of jack salmon allowed Oct 1 – Dec 31. The Columbia River South Jetty is open to salmon angling seven days a week when the fall Buoy 10 or adjacent ocean salmon fishery is open.