9:40 a.m.
As with the other dams along the Columbia, the Visitor Center was closed. But we were able to explore the dam from the shore. We crossed the river over the interesting Highway 142 bridge to the Washington side to a small parking area. From there we walked out along the bridge to observe the lock system. We were fortunate to be there when a barge approached from down stream. We were able to watch the entire process, and were amazed at how rapidly the barge enters, is lifted to the level of the reservoir on the back side of the dam, and then set free. It might have taken 45 minutes, tops. Once the barge had entered the lock, we drove to a higher observation point, a bit closer to the lock, and watched the tug and barge exit on the upstream side.