2012 has been a year of transformation for Washington’s White Salmon River. The removal of the Condit Dam began last fall, and for the first time in 99 years, the White Salmon is flowing freely all the way to the Columbia River. All winter long crews from Pacific Corp have been removing the dam one piece at a time with complete removal slated for early September.
The Deconstructed Condit Dam
It’s been great to share the story of the dam removal with our rafting guests on the White Salmon this summer. The last mile of the trip used to be on a lake, but this season we’re boating through 99 years of sediment and brand new rapids that change daily. Although the signs of the historic lake remain, each day we’re on the river our excitement builds to raft beyond Northwestern Lake this fall.
The White Salmon River now replaces Northwestern Lake
If the Condit Dam is removed according to schedule and the rapids that appear below the former Northwestern Lake are navigable, we’ll be offering a handful of special trips through the former dam site and into the White Salmon Narrows this September and October. We’re all very excited to learn what’s out there and hope you can join us for the maiden voyage!
