Priest Rapids

Priest Rapids is a section of the Columbia River where the waterway narrows and drops through seven separate cataracts spaced over roughly 14 kilometers, creating a series of powerful white-water features.

The name dates to 1811, when fur trader Alexander Ross encountered a Wanapum shaman called Haquilaugh and named the rapids in reference to this meeting.

This location served as a vital fishing center for the Wanapum people, who relied on the river's resources for sustenance over many generations.

A dam built in the 1950s now controls the water flow through this section, harnessing the river's power for electricity generation.

Before the dam was built, the water dropped roughly 20 feet in a concentrated section, making this one of the most dramatic descents along the entire Columbia River.

Location: Washington

GPS coordinates: 46.75470,-119.97200

Latest update: December 12, 2025 17:41