Boundary Dam, hydroelectric dam in Washington State, United States
Boundary Dam is a concrete dam crossing the Pend Oreille River in Washington State, stretching about 740 feet (226 meters) across. It houses a hydroelectric power station with multiple turbines and includes spillway gates to control the river's flow.
The facility was completed in 1967 and began operating with four turbines to supply power to Seattle. Two more turbines were added in the 1980s, and the dam is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The dam sits in a remote part of Pend Oreille County and draws visitors who are curious about how large-scale power generation works in a natural river setting. For the surrounding communities, it has long been part of daily life as a reliable source of electricity for the Pacific Northwest.
Paths near the dam allow you to view the structure and the river from several angles, and informational signs explain how the facility works. Guided tours are occasionally available, so it is worth checking in advance if you want a closer look inside.
Power generation began on September 1, 1967, a full month before the official opening ceremony was held. Before construction started, the project faced strong opposition from local miners and rival utility companies who tried to block it.
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