How Pioneers Crossed the Columbia River

By Watercraft

• Canoes: Hollowed logs or bark; ideal for calm waters.
• Flatboats: Rectangular, flat-bottomed; moved goods and people in shallow water.
• Rafts: Lashed logs when boats unavailable.

Forts & Trading Posts

• Fort Vancouver (1824): Hudson's Bay Co. hub for crossing.
• Astoria (1811): John Jacob Astor's post; early settlement.

Native American Assistance

• Guides (Chinook, Nez Perce, etc.).
• Canoe sales/trades.

Later Infrastructure

• Bridge of the Gods (1914): Suspension bridge WA–OR.
• Longview Bridge (1930): First WA road bridge.
• Ferries: Steamboat and cable ferries for wagons/livestock.

Railways and bridges eventually made crossings routine.