McNary Dam offers Washington Fish View Room, NavLock tours during September

Published Aug. 24, 2012
UMATILLA, Ore. –The natural resources management staff at McNary Lock and Dam will offer tours of the Washington Fish View Room and the navigation lock on Saturdays and Sundays at 10 a.m., beginning Saturday, Sept. 1, through Sunday Sept. 30, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers officials at the dam announced today.

“The north shore tours of the navigation lock and the fish view room are pretty special because both are located in areas not ordinarily accessible to the public,” said Park Ranger Brandon Frazier. “The Washington Fish View Room design provides some of the best underwater views into the fish ladder.”

Visitors will be able to take a look inside the lock and learn a little more about the role the Corps plays in navigation and maybe be lucky enough to see a barge lock past the dam, Frazier added.

To take advantage of this unique opportunity, check in with the security guard at the Washington-side gate to McNary Dam not later than 10 a.m. A park ranger will begin the tour at the navigation lock visitor center.

Visitors age 18 and older will need to provide photo identification for security purposes. Visitors are not allowed to carry cameras, backpacks, cell phones, purses and large hand bags inside secure areas of the dam -- please leave them in the vehicle. Visitors should wear sturdy walking shoes and expect to walk several flights of stairs. A drinking fountain and restrooms are located in the navigation lock visitor center.

To get there by traveling on Highway 82, take exit 131 east and follow the road to the north entrance of the dam; located at Columbia River Mile 292, on the north riverbank. For more information about this event, call the McNary Natural Resources Management Office at 541-922-2268.

Contact
Public Affairs Office
509-527-7020
cenww-pa@usace.army.mil

Release no. 12-077