Bradford Island Visitor Center — Attraction in Washougal

The Bradford Island Visitor Center is a fascinating stop that combines natural beauty with human ingenuity. Set against the scenic backdrop of the Columbia River Gorge, it offers a front-row seat to one of the Pacific Northwest’s true engineering marvels: the Bonneville Dam. The scale of the dam and the story behind its construction are impressive, and the visitor center does a great job of showcasing both the engineering achievement and the ongoing importance of the dam for energy and river management.

What makes this spot especially enjoyable is its unique atmosphere. Despite being tied to such a massive structure, the setting feels surprisingly peaceful and even a little secluded. The “remotesque” vibe gives you a sense of stepping away from the bustle of city life, making it a relaxing place to explore at your own pace.

The exhibits inside the visitor center provide great context about the dam’s history, its role in the region, and the wildlife that coexists with it. Highlights include fish-viewing windows, where visitors can watch salmon and other species navigating the fish ladder—a fascinating glimpse into the delicate balance between human infrastructure and the natural...

The last time I visited this site was probably 30 years ago and all I can say is it's got . better over the years. This is still a very impressive facility and the visitor center is well worth it to watch the fish come up the fish ladder. The facility itself is excellent, easy to access for any kind of person. A short walk takes you over to the power station where you can have a tour guide take you around or get good viewing of the generator gallery and the sense of power that these generators produce from hydropower. You won't be disappointed. As far as accessibility if you have a car it's no problem but anything other than a full size van they may or may not let in You've got a pretty narrow drive along the face of the power generating building. Just keep that in mind if you're just going to show up at the last minute. We spent an easy hour at the visitor center and the power station. Kids will have a field day watching for fish coming up the ladder or viewing in the underground viewing stations. And we're not talking baby perch! On Friday afternoon before memorial Day we pretty much had the place to ourself. Don't pass it up if you have a...

September 2025 - Our visit was one of delightment as we watched a variety of fish swim the 'fish ladders'. The visitor center has multiple floors of items to see, of which one can go to the roof and look down on the river and the fish ladders. There are elevators.

What most around us did not do is to take the walk following the 'fish tails' painted on the sidewalk (door by the lower floorway) out to the power generating plant. This plant converts the power of the water flowing in the Columbia River to electricity. The plant over the decades has been expanded several times as the need for clean green power has increased due to local populations.

Note, this is a security area, and you must declare as you enter, and in some instances open the trunk of your vehicle for government inspection. There is no fee...