Hood River Real Estate Update

In 1850 Hamilton Island which Lewis & Clark originally named "Strawberry Island", became the site of the first portage railroad and settlement of the Cascades. A severe flood in 1894 swept away the settlement. In 1933 the community of North Bonneville developed as a construction town next to the massive Bonneville Lock, Dam, and powerhouse project. The town of North Bonneville was incorporated in 1935.

In 1971, the Columbia's north shore where North Bonneville was located was selected by federal agencies as the site for the second Powerhouse.  With the prospect of being displaced the townspeople were determined to relocate their community. Efforts were made by citizens' groups and planning assistance from state sources finally led to agreements with the U.S.

Army Corps of Engineers for the design and construction of a new town. The chosen town site was prepared for the initial community of 600 people as the old town was devoured by the enormous excavation for the new powerhouse.

In March 1978 the transfer to the new town site was made, although much work still remained to be done.  

It was a seven-year effort to relocate the residents and businesses of the town. The $35 million relocation project included raising the new town site above the 100-year flood plain, construction of streets, utilities, lighting, sewage system, water supply and sewage treatment plant, flood protection, parks, a central business district and all public buildings.  Residents and business were furnished temporary housing until they could build their own permanent homes and facilities. The new town was built to accommodate 1500 residents. A celebration of the successful relocation was held July 29, 1978.

Today the city of North Bonneville is a quiet community with plenty of green spaces, parks, walking trails and a golf course. It is surrounded by the beautiful gorge mountains in both Oregon and Washington, near Beacon Rock State Park, and about 45 minutes from Vancouver and Portland.

The Bonneville Hot Springs Resort nearby offers lodging,dining, Hot Mineral Spring baths, massages & body treatments.