McNary Lock and Dam will offer tours of the Washington Fish Viewing Room and the navigation lock on Saturdays and Sundays during July and August, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers officials at the dam announced today.
Ranger-led tours begin at 10:30 a.m. and end at noon. Visitors should check in with the security guard at McNary Dam’s Washington-side gate between 10 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.to access the navigation lock parking lot where rangers will begin the tour. Late-comers will not be able to gain access to this area after 10:30 a.m.
“The north shore tours of the navigation lock and the fish viewing room are pretty special because both are located in areas not ordinarily accessible to the public,” Park Ranger Michael Lucey noted. “This year, we are having a record sockeye return and this is a great opportunity to get an up close view.”
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 and will be asked to leave them in their 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.
