Celilo Falls, Native American fishing area at Columbia River, Oregon, United States
The fishing grounds consisted of three sections: Horseshoe Falls, a deep eddy called Cul-de-Sac, and the primary river channel through basalt narrows.
Archaeological evidence shows that indigenous communities maintained continuous settlements at Celilo Falls for approximately 15,000 years until The Dalles Dam construction in 1957.
The site, known as Wyam in native languages, served as a central trading post where up to 5,000 people gathered for commerce, ceremonies, and salmon fishing.
Traditional fishing methods involved platforms extending over the water, with safety ropes securing fishers who caught hundreds of salmon during peak migration seasons.
During spring flooding periods, the water volume flowing through Celilo Falls exceeded the current flow rate of Niagara Falls.
Location: Oregon
Part of: Columbia River
GPS coordinates: 45.64945,-120.97792
Latest update: May 27, 2025 06:50
Maryhill Stonehenge
14.3 km
Pacific DC Intertie
12.3 km
The Dalles Dam
12.7 km
Maryhill Museum of Art
9.3 km
Celilo Converter Station
12.2 km
Sam Hill Memorial Bridge
11.4 km
The Dalles Bridge
13.3 km
The Dalles Mint
16.5 km
Maryhill State Park
12.3 km
Deschutes River State Recreation Area
5.6 km
Oregon Trunk Rail Bridge
323 m
Columbia Hills Historical State Park
9.7 km
Charles E. Nelson House
12.5 km
Granada Theater
16.8 km
Dr. J. A. Reuter House
17 km
Indian Shaker Church and Gulick Homestead
13 km
The Dalles Civic Auditorium
16.8 km
First Day Advent Christian Church
13.5 km
The Dalles Carnegie Library
16.9 km
Joseph D. and Margaret Kelly House
16.6 km
U.S. Post Office
16.9 km
Edward French House
17.1 km
John and Murta Van Dellen House
17.1 km
John L. Thompson House
17 km
Sharp Family Residential Ensemble
16.7 km
Fulton–Taylor House
17 km
National Neon Sign Museum
16.9 km
Sunshine Mill
16.2 kmReviews
Visited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes