The Lewis River Hydroelectric Projects - PacifiCorp

Lewis River Interpretive & Education Plan
Lewis River Valley pioneers, and may even have memories of the
valley before the dams were built. At times, such as on busy summer
weekends, they may feel overwhelmed by crowds of “outsiders”
arriving to recreate in what they consider their home.
• Return Visitors—These visitors, while they do not live along the
river, return year after year to “favorite” sites to recreate. They may
be very familiar with the sites, and may have a choice campsite that
they reserve in advance each year for a special retreat. Return visitors
include individuals, families, and even large groups.
• New Visitors—These visitors have never visited the Lewis River before.
They may have stumbled upon the recreation sites on their way to
or from Mt. St. Helens, or they may have discovered the sites on the
Internet or by word of mouth. They may not spend much time at the
sites on their first visit, but may well return for longer visits in the
future.
Within these general categories of visitors there are special interest groups:
• Boaters—Power boats are the most common watercraft on the
reservoirs, although sailboats, canoes, and kayaks are also used. Some
boaters focus on water play (waterskiing, jet-skiing, speed boats, etc.)
while others troll the lake for kokanee, trout, and other game fish.
Regardless of their purpose on the lake, boaters require information
on launch ramp and dock locations and protocols, restrooms, lake
features, boating rules, and water safety.
• Campers—The four large campgrounds along the Lewis (Cresap Bay,
Beaver Bay, Cougar Park, and Swift Forest) attract campers interested
in hiking, fishing the creeks and lake shore, swimming, and socializing.
These visitors require information on campsite and restroom locations,
rules and regulations, lake access, and trail access.
• Hikers—Visitors who enjoy hiking require information on trail
locations and rules.
• School Groups—On occasion school groups stop at Merwin Park.
There is a Native American lodge nearby that offers workshops on
native crafts and there are three active hatcheries.
• Day Use—in addition to fisherman and boaters, who are in many cases
day use visitors, some folks may just like to stop for a picnic or swim.
Sea Reach Ltd • 146 NE yamhill Street • Sheridan, OR draft 3 • November 2008 • page 3