Lake Sacajawea, lake in Franklin County, Washington, United States of America
Lake Sacajawea is a large human-made reservoir created by the Ice Harbor Dam on the Snake River, stretching upstream to the Lower Monumental Dam. The concrete structure includes a navigation lock that allows boats and barges to pass between different water levels.
The reservoir was created in the 1960s when the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers built the Ice Harbor Dam. This development was part of a larger hydroelectric project that shaped power generation and water management for the region.
The lake bears the name of Sacajawea, a Shoshone woman whose presence connects visitors to early American exploration. Her story remains part of the local identity and how people relate to this place today.
The lake sits in an open, flat landscape typical of eastern Washington's dry climate and is accessible for outdoor activities. Visitors can walk along shoreline paths, fish, or boat on the water, with conditions varying by season.
The navigation lock built into the Ice Harbor Dam is an engineering feature that allows boats and barges to move between water levels on opposite sides of the structure. This system keeps river transport active and connects the reservoir to a broader network of waterways.
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