And on up the River is Grand Coulee Dam
A visit to Grand Coulee Dam (off SR 55 in Eastern Washington) serves as both an awe inspiring example of man-made magnificence, and as a reminder that while I take electricity for granted, a lot goes on behind the scenes to make it happen.
Grand Coulee Dam is located on the mighty Columbia River, and, at a mile long is the largest concrete structure in the United States. Some claim the largest in the world. If you think the falls at Niagara are impressive, the fall over Grand Coulee is nearly twice Niagara’s height.
In addition to hydro-electric power, Grand Coulee Dam, part of the Columbia Basin Project, also provides water for irrigation and recreation. Behind the dam, and extending up to the Canadian Border, is Lake Roosevelt. Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area is popular for boating, swimming, water skiing, camping, fishing, and picnicking.
Grand Coulee is open for tours, including an impressive glass elevator ride. The visitor shows a film about the construction of the dam, so you get a sense of the greatness of this project. There are also lots of historical photos, scale models, and engineering information about how the turbine engines make the dam work. Security restrictions are in effect on the tours. You may take a camera, but no other packages, backpacks, purses, bags, etc.
One of the summer highlights is the nightly laser show projected on the wall of the dam. This has to be one of the best laser shows around, and includes a full size image of the Statue of Liberty. This free show last about 36 minutes, and the best viewing spots are said to be from the banks of Douglas Park and Crown Point (both below the visitor center).
Location: Grand Coulee, Washington, about 250 miles from Seattle, and about 45 miles from Spokane.
Date & Times: Tours are offered from 10 am - 5 pm, except in December and January, and last about an hour. The Visitor Center is open varying hours, depending on the season. For more information on tours and hours call: (509) 633-9265.
Dates & Times for Laser Show: Memorial Day weekend through September 30th. May - July, show at 10 pm, August show at 9:30 pm, September show at 9:30 pm.
Price: FREE
The trip to Grand Coulee is primarily highway driving, and although lengthy (4 1/2 - 5 hours) is an enjoyable weekend trip.
Photo credit: Panorama (wikimedia), dam (flickr)
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POSTED IN: Attractions, Family Fun, Must-See Sights, Scenic & Short Trips, Sports & Recreation, Tours - Guided or Self-Guided
Seattle1/5/09 5:53 PM PST°
2 opinions for And on up the River is Grand Coulee Dam
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Jul 15, 2007 at 3:28 am
[...] Lake Roosevelt, behind Grand Coulee Dam, in the winter [...]
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Apr 12, 2008 at 12:21 pm
[...] Jo Manzanares presents And on up the River is Grand Coulee Dam posted at The Seattle Traveler, saying, “plan a summer getaway weekend and visit the [...]
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