The Columbia River: Its History, Its Myths, Its Scenery, Its Commerce

The narrative follows the Columbia’s sweeping course from the icy reaches of the north to the sun‑kissed valleys of the Pacific Northwest, weaving together rich descriptions of waterfalls, towering volcanic peaks and the rugged canyons that have long defined the landscape. Alongside vivid scenery, the author shares the stories of the peoples who first lived beside its banks—Native legends that speak of spirits and heroic deeds—and the early explorers whose daring voyages opened the river to trade and settlement.

Interlaced with personal observations gathered from cabin fires, hunter’s camps and steamboat pilot houses, the book offers a lively portrait of the river’s role in shaping a frontier economy. Illustrated with photographs and historic prints, the work brings to life the bustling ports, the first steamers that turned the tide of commerce, and the pioneering families whose lives were forever linked to the waterway’s steady flow.