Bob's Beach Live Cam

History

Bob’s Beach in Stevenson, Washington, is a gem nestled in the heart of the Columbia River Gorge, a region with a storied past that intertwines indigenous heritage, exploration, and modern recreation. For centuries, the native Chinookan people called this area home, relying on the Columbia River for its abundant resources. The riverbanks, including what is now Bob’s Beach, served as vital hubs for fishing, trading, and cultural gatherings. Salmon runs were especially significant, with indigenous communities using ingenious fishing techniques to harvest this staple of their diet and culture.

The arrival of European explorers in the late 18th and early 19th centuries brought profound changes to the area. Bob’s Beach and the surrounding region played a role in the journey of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, which navigated the Columbia River in 1805. The explorers noted the area's striking natural beauty and its strategic importance for trade and transportation. As settlers moved westward, Stevenson and its nearby attractions began to emerge as crucial points of connection along the Columbia River, particularly with the advent of steamboats and railroads in the 19th century.