Columbia River
Latest Stories

Salmon Summit teaches kids about conservation, science
A recent salmon field trip has helped students become more curious about salmon.
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New Interstate 5 bridge will likely include light rail crossing of Columbia River at Oregon-Washington line
The decision to include light rail killed the previous version of the project nearly a decade ago, but the two states agree extension of MAX yellow line is the best option moving forward.

Public should limit consumption of sturgeon from lower Columbia River, officials urge
State health officials in Washington and Oregon are recommending the public limit their consumption of sturgeon caught from the lower Columbia River. Here's why.
Columbia River’s highly contaminated Bradford Island listed as a Superfund site
The Environmental Protection Agency has listed Columbia River's Bradford Island and surrounding waters as a Superfund site, bringing more federal funding and the highest cleanup standards to the area.

Permits required to drive along waterfall corridor of Columbia River Highway this spring
Oregon's Department of Transportation is imposing a permit for vehicles driven along the Historic Columbia River Highway from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. between Vista House and Ainsworth State Park. The goal is to reduce traffic and overcrowding at scenic areas.

Conservation group sues Army Corps over Columbia River pollution
A conservation group is suing the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, saying the agency is polluting the Columbia River with hot water, oil and toxic chemicals that are killing large numbers of endangered salmon.
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Restored wetland could become a place for tribes to harvest wapato
The largest wetland restoration project on the lower Columbia River is reconstructing 965 acres of floodplain habitat and re-establishing native plants like wapato, a prized Native American first food that tastes like potato.

Oregon to close some steelhead fisheries amid record-low returns
Closures of recreational steelhead fisheries on the Deschutes, Umatilla, John Day and Walla Walla rivers are intended to limit damage to historically small runs.

Record-low steelhead returns on Columbia River prompt call for fishing shutdown
The number of steelhead returning to the Columbia River this year is the lowest ever recorded. A group of conservation and fishing organizations say people should stop fishing for them this year.
Proposal to lay cables under Columbia met with skepticism
A proposal to lay cables beneath the Columbia River is met with skepticism from an Indigenous activist and the river’s advocates