The Columbia River is located in the Pacific Northwest, and is the largest hydroelectricity producing river in North America. Around the turn of the 20th century, efforts were made to harness the energy created by the rushing river by building dams and hydroelectric plants. Development of these expanded throughout the century, with the result that the water system produces millions of kilowatts every day. However, the full environmental impact of the dams is still being discovered. Native species, especially the wild salmon that used to thrive in the Columbia River and its tributaries, have declined in numbers dramatically.
Columbia River Ecology
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Fast Facts
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1243 miles long
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Begins in British Columbia, Canada, and runs through Washington and Oregon
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Over 400 dams in the river system; 14 main dams on the Columbia
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Empties to Pacific Ocean
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Drains a 259,000 sq. mi. area
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Fourth largest river in North America
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Dams negatively impact wild salmon populations
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The Lewis and Clark Expedition used parts of the river to travel to the Pacific Ocean
