Historic Hood River
Celilo, Then and Now
10-8-2019
Notes
Alan Winans shared his fine photographs of Celilo, then and now. I’ve never been quite clear how the falls related to the current state park site. This image shows that very clearly. Alan has dated the images 1956 and 2003.
Charlott
It is quite obvious that the upper photo of the falls in in the late summer or early fall. If you notice the water lines on the rocks within the falls area. Also I noticed the barge in the canal that is up against the wall. I am wonder if the water was so low in that area of the canal that the barge can’t move. There is a great void of water between the bottom and up to the concrete embankment, etc.
You can also see in the upper photo a small area for parking along Hwy 30, but that didn’t serve much of a purpose when the salmon were running. People were parked on both side of the road, both fisherman and lookers. There was also a great amount of foot traffic between the Wyam village under the rimrock and the falls.
Such a great loss due to progress…………………….
L.E.
What a treat to see the comparison of then and now. I wonder if any water is being held back during dam construction in the 1956 photo. The water seems higher than I expected.
Looks like quite a bit of fishing taking place and you can sure see how a canal helped river traffic.
Can also do some comparisons of the hills with this recent HHR photo. #2004
https://www.hoodriverhistorymuseum.org?showimage=2004
L.E.
Well, Charlott and I posted at the same time. We have a difference of opinion on the water level, but I am not knowledgeable about it. She is, so go with what she says.
Arlen Sheldrake
Yes, outstanding photos. and a very sad loss but "it is still there just waiting to return".
AlexM
I guess when you wrote "current state park site", you were actually referring to the Celilo BLM park.
ArthurB
Yes, it’s not a state park. Apparently it’s owned and operated by the US Army Corps of Engineers.
Kenn
The upper end of the canal in the first photo is now the boat launch site in the park..