Grand Coulee Dam: Visited Friday March 20, 2020

Grand Coulee dam is not impressive interms of height; but it makes up for it in width.  This dam is blocking the Columbia River and turning the flow of the river into hydroelectric power.  As such it is a massive structure of concrete and creates electricity for over 4 million homes.  Because of the virus scare I had the dam almost to myself.  However the Visitor Center was closed.

Visitor Center

The stats

above the dam

The dam also represents a massive water reclamation project with a series of canals and dams.  Just below the dam is Bank Lake which is also a dam.  Then there are a couple more reservoirs including Pot Hole Reservoir above Othello.  This series of dams and canals is what brought water to the Columbia Basin and prompted my family to move to Othello to raise potatoes.

The Columbia River

I crossed the river at least four times in my journeys.  The first was in Portland, just before the river turns north to follow the freeway before it turns again and enters the Pacifice.  Then three times traveling to and from Othello.  I almost crossed again at grand Coulee but turned around just before the bridge. 

Before Othello on the 90

At Hanford

Following the Columbia after crossing into Oregon

Shaniko School and Grainery

 How many schools have a sign warning of rattle snakes.  This school was just too cute to pass by without a picture.  And then this other building just up the road.  I assume it is some kind of old grainery.

A Windmill Garden: Electric CIty Washington

This is something you don't always, windmills for decorations.  Here are a few pictures that can't really do justice.  This are close to Grand Coulee Dam.

Hanford Reach National Monument and Nuclear Site

As a National Monument, this place is pretty lame.  It includes however the original nuclear reactor, as well as the Columbia River.  It is suppose to be a wildlife refuge.  That it must be because I didn't see many animals except birds.  It is very difficult to access with the Hanford Site being fenced off.  There are no good roads along the river to allow access.  Brochures talked of elk and osprey. 

This was declared a National Monument by President Clinton.  It is one of those sites that may be undeclared, or reduced.  Better make this a National Historical Site. One thing I didn't realize for sure was how close the nuclear reactors are to Othello.  As the bird flies the B Reactor is only about 20 miles from Othello.

Crooked River and Bridges

At Crooked River where the 92 crosses the canyon there is the old bridge, now just pedestrian, the new bridge and the railroad bridge.  It is a great rest area for a stretch.  But there are lots of sign warning of a 300 foot fall.  Especially watch your kids and pets.

old bridge

rail road bridge

new bridge

Columbia River Temple is Beautiful

Of course closed for Corona Virus concerns, still the gates were open and the Columbia River Temple is beautiful.  This is the temple that would have serviced our family when I was first born, if had been built then.  It is only 50 miles from Othello to the temple.  I got there just as the sun was on its downward descent.  These pictures are from Friday 3/20/2020.