Snake River Kayak Portage Series - Ice Harbor Dam

[@aj6673]

Nice to see you posting again looking forward to more

[@columbiariverpaddlers9887]

Yes, its been awhile, what would you like to see or have me cover? My videos are pretty dry and unprofessional but I can get them done fast. I plan to put more of an effort into producing the videos this year. Thanks john

[@kevincasey2947]

I'm following this one for sure! I scouted this exact trip for quite some time. I utilized internet maps and barge boat web cam video footage, and v-blogs from other people who attempted it. The thing that was the most troubling to me was the reported horrific Army Corps of Engineers lock tenders' attitudes towards trespassing kayakers.

[@columbiariverpaddlers9887]

Yes, the corp can be difficult and unhelpful but it depends on who you get. Once in a while you can get help but they make it clear its not their job, they just run the dams, but can provide some helpful contacts for paddlers to call. I'm hoping more paddlers will force them to provide a solution in the future. thanks john

[@kevincasey2947]

@@columbiariverpaddlers9887 I understand about the dam operators. What about the lock tenders? What was your experience with them and going through the locks?

[@columbiariverpaddlers9887]

@@kevincasey2947 Everyone followed the rules whether in BC or US so it did not matter who you talked to. There is only one dam on the main stem of the Columbia that allows kayakers to go through unassisted and that's Keenlyside in British COlumbia operated by BC Hydro. You paddle up to the lock, pick up the phone, talk to the operator and wait your turn. He was very nice and even wished me luck with a goodbye wave. THe army corp is different. You do not talk to any lock tenders. THe only help I received in transitioning the 4 lowest dams on the Columbia was that they gave me the phone number of the park and recreation that operated the campground at Cascade Dam and they gave me a power boat assist to get through the dam. I hope that someday this will change with the Corp. John