• About the Museum
  • The Legend & The Museum
  • Museum Info
  • Driving Directions
  • Museum Store
  • Museum Rental & After Hours
  • Museum Affiliations
  • Featured Article
  • Museum Friends
  • Press Releases
  • Newsletter Signup
• Collections and Exhibits
  • Exhibit Summary
  • Short Term Art Gallery
  • Clahclehlah and the Corridor of Commerce
  • First People
  • Turning Point
  • Military Presence
  • Early Changes
  • Transportation
  • Grand Gallery and Harvesting Resources
  • Natural History of the Gorge
  • Harsh Demands
  • Community Gallery
  • Spiritual Quest Gallery
  • Don Brown Rosary Collection
  • Second Floor Theatre
  • Outdoor Exhibits
• Kids' Corner
  • Fun Things for Kids
  • Photo Gallery
• For Teachers
  • Welcome Teachers!
  • School Group Orientation
  • Field Trip Guidelines
  • Request Information
  • Field Trip Confirmation Form
• Get Involved
  • Join the Museum
  • World Forestry Center Reciprocal Membership
  • How to Volunteer
• Events
  • Museum Events
  • Event Photo Galleries
  • Events Around Our Area

Hours of Operation

Open Daily: 10:00am - 5:00pm
Closed: New Year's Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day

Call Us: (800) 991-2338
             (509) 427-8211

Questions?: email us

Address Information

Columbia Gorge Interpretive Center Museum
990 SW Rock Creek Drive
P.O. Box 396
Stevenson, WA 98648
Driving Directions

Military Presence

In the early 1850's, three forts or blockhouses were located within a seven mile radius along the north bank of the Columbia River in Skamania County. At first, the purpose was to keep the supply lines open between Fort Vancouver, Fort Walla Walla and Fort Dalles. When the Oregon Trail migration began, these structures were used as a safe haven for the exhausted pioneer. Travelers on the Trail used this water route, portaging around the Cascade Rapids, until the Barlow Trail was built. The history of these blockhouses is portrayed with military artifacts and handmade models.