Blalock Islands Viewpoint

If you are traveling on the Washington side of the Columbia River between Maryhill and Plymouth, this overlook gives a unique view of the Lewis and Clark Expedition’s camp the night of October 19, 1805. They set up on the opposite shore near Boardman, Oregon, and five members encamped on one of the several islands here:

“here we came too and camped, 19 of them on the Stard. Side & 5 on an Island in the middle of the river, about 100 Inds. come over Some brought wood and we gave Smoke to all which they were pleased at . . . . P. Crusat played on the Violin . . . .”
William Clark (Oct 19)

With the pooling of the water behind John Day Dam, only the tops of the islands are above the waterline and the rapids have vanished. At the viewpoint, there is a wide, graveled parking area with an interpretive sign explaining the area’s wildlife. The Umatilla Wildlife Refuge is across the river.