Everything about The Columbia Bar totally explained
The
Columbia Bar is a
bar at the mouth of the
Columbia River between the
U.S. states of
Oregon and
Washington. The river's current often dissipates into the
Pacific Ocean as large, standing waves, partially caused by the deposition of sediment as the river slows. These standing waves are usually mixed with ocean waves and wreak havoc with vessels of all sizes. The Columbia current varies from 4 to 7
knots westward and therefore into the predominantly westerly winds and ocean swells, creating significant surface conditions.
Unlike other major rivers, the current is focused "like a firehose" without the benefit of a
river delta.
Conditions can change from calm and serene to life-threatening breaking waves in as little as five minutes due to changes of direction of wind and ocean swell. Since 1792, approximately 2,000 large ships have sunk in and around the Columbia Bar.
The nearby
United States Coast Guard station at
Cape Disappointment, Washington is renowned for operating in some of the roughest sea conditions in the world and is also home to the National Motor Lifeboat School. It is the only school for rough weather and surf rescue operation in the United States and is respected internationally as a center of excellence for heavy boat operations.
Approximately 16
bar pilots, earning about $180,000/year, guide ships across the bar, often approaching the ships by helicopter. They generally consider "the bar" to be the area between the north and south
jetties and Sand Island.
The Columbia Bar is part of a set of major marine coastal hazards along the
Pacific Northwest coast, including
Cape Flattery at the northwest tip of the Olympic Peninsula and
Cape Scott, which is at the north tip of
Vancouver Island. Historically this region's nickname to mariners was the
Graveyard of the Pacific, and the region is studded with thousands of shipwrecks. The "Graveyard" also includes the rocky, rugged shoreline of the west coast of
Vancouver Island, the shores of the
Olympic Peninsula, and the
Strait of Juan de Fuca.
As a practical tip, small craft are advised to cross the bar during times of incoming flood tide, staying toward the outside of the navigational channel to avoid the frequent large ships which move at 20 to 30 knots.
Viewing
The most accessible place to watch ships cross the bar and feel the salty spray is at the South Jetty viewing platform at
Fort Stevens State Park located in
Hammond, Oregon. For a more dramatic view, hike the steep 0.75 mile trail to the
Cape Disappointment Lighthouse at the Cape Disappointment State Park located in
Ilwaco, Washington.
Further Information
Get more info on 'Columbia Bar'.
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