Wells Island

USA / Oregon / Hood River /
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Wells Island is located on the Oregon side of the Columbia River at River Mile (RM) 167.5, just northwest of the city of Hood River. Wells Island is approximately 1/2 mile long and 1/4 mile wide and is a result of the filling of the Bonneville Reservoir, the pool behind the Bonneville Dam.

"... The island is covered with willow and cottonwood trees and meadows, where cattle formerly grazed in the summer. It is one of the best bird habitats in the Bonneville Pool portion of the Columbia Gorge. Many Canada geese nest, brood and graze on it, and it supports an active heron rookery at its western end. There are also other bird species, including several bald eagles, which use it regularly ..." [Friends of the Columbia River Gorge Website, 2006]

The first name for the island was "Morrison Island", named after the owner of the property when the island developed. In March 1940 it was purchased by Dr. Stanley Wells. The name "Wells Island" was made official by the U.S. Board of Geographic Names in 1986. It is owned by the Port of Hood River. Nice views of Wells Island can be had from the Columbia Gorge Hotel, and from the Washington side of the Columbia River along the Cook-Underwood Road.
Nearby cities:
Coordinates:   45°43'5"N   121°32'4"W

Comments

  • It is actually owned by the U.S. Governement, Forest Service, not the Port of Hood River.
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This article was last modified 18 years ago