River Past, River Future
These photographs of a free-flowing lower Snake River were taken prior to construction of the lower Snake dams. Many of these date from the 1930s to as late as the 1970s just before the construction of Lower Granite Dam.
These photos suggest the possibilities of a river that, while now submerged under four reservoirs, is not lost to us forever. The Snake River of Washington’s recent past can be the Snake River of our future, and a source of opportunities for all of Washington.
For more information on visions for the future, check out Water Views - an architectural project from students at Washington State University and the University of Idaho.
In addition to still photos, you can view a free flowing Snake River by clicking here to see vintage footage of steelhead fishing on the lower Snake River before the construction of Lower Granite Dam. John Pirkkala who worked with Northwest Steelheaders in resisting the construction of Lower Granite Dam in the 1970s. The film provides a rare, retro look into an age past and a possible future.
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The Working Snake River Project would like to thank the following organizations and individuals for allowing us the use of their collections and photos:
Nez Perce County Historical Society, Lewiston, ID
University of Idaho Libraries, Moscow, Idaho, Kyle Laughlin Collection
Washington State University Library, Manuscripts, Archives and Special Collections, Pullman, WA.
Washington State University, Museum of Anthropology, Pullman, WA
Brock Evans, John Pirkkala, and Paul G. Quinnett
