The Waterways of the Pacific Northwest

Set against the restless rivers that carve through the Cascades and the Coast Range, this narrative follows the first intrepid explorers who dared to probe the Pacific Northwest’s watery highways. Starting with Mackenzie’s 1793 discovery of the Columbia’s upper reaches and moving through the Lewis and Clark expedition, the account traces how the Columbia and Fraser rivers became natural corridors for traders, missionaries, and early pioneers. The author weaves together the challenges of rugged terrain, fierce currents, and the relentless drive to connect east and west.

Beyond the daring voyages, the book examines how these waterways shaped the region’s fledgling settlements. From the modest saw‑mills and grist‑mills that first harnessed river power to the early trading posts along Puget Sound, each venture reveals a pattern of ambition tempered by hardship. Readers gain a clear picture of how rivers and coastal inlets guided the flow of people, goods, and ideas long before the iron rails stitched the Northwest together.