The Henry M. Jackson Hydroelectric Project in Sultan features a powerhouse nearly eight miles from its dam and reservoir. Four turbine generator units produce 112 megawatts of electricity, enough power for 28,000 homes. Their water supply is from nearby Spadea Lake that also has picnic sites. Families are welcome, however children must be 5th grade or older to take the tour. Handicap accessible. Schedule an appointment four weeks in advance; call Michelle Robbins at 425-783-8668.
At Ice Harbor Lock & Dam and Visitor Center, electricity is generated while boat and barge traffic pass through the second largest navigational lock in the world. Watch the many species of fish from the viewing room and tour the powerhouse. Explore exhibits, including local American Indian artifacts and fish ladders. Located just outside Pasco on Highway 12, on the Snake River and Lake Sacajawea. The dam is open all year and offers free admission. Visitor Center open April -September. Call 509-547-7781.
Feel the power of mammoth generators at the Skagit Hydroelectric Project while walking through an operating hydroelectric plant. Fully guided tours, interactive exhibits, and a video, “History of the Skagit,” educate visitors about electricity. Against the backdrop of the North Cascades, an antique Incline Railway, one of the last of its kind in the world, transports visitors 560 feet up the side of Sourdough Mountain. Four-hour or 90-minute tours are offered mid-June through August. Located in Diablo, 70 miles east of I-5 exit #232. Call 206-684-3030 for information or visit Seattle City Light’s Web site www.ci.seattle.wa.us/light/tours.
Grand Coulee Dam is one of the world’s largest producers of hydroelectric power and one of the largest concrete structures in the world (just short of a mile). The 3rd power house tour is open daily, on the hour, starting at 10 a.m. Last tour is at 5 p.m. The Visitor Center is open from February-November, 7 days a week. Extended hours offered Memorial Day until the end of September. Grand Coulee is located 85 miles northeast of Spokane. For information and tours, contact the Visitors Center at 509-633-9265.
Operated by the US Army Corps of Engineers, Chief Joseph Dam has the nation's longest straight-line powerhouse. It's nearly a half mile long. In addition to public tours, Rufus Woods Lake offers many recreation opportunities, including viewpoints with exhibits, picnic areas, trails, beach volleyball court, campgrounds, and free public boat launch. The 51-mile-long lake is a heaven for fishing and wildlife watchers. Located near Bridgeport on Highway 17. For more information call 509-686-5501 or visit the web site at www.nws.usace.army.mil.