The confluence of the Wenatchee and Columbia Rivers is recognized by Native Americans as a site of historic use and high value. For several thousand years before white settlers moved into the area, P’sqousa/Wenatchi people used the area for commerce and as a place for regional council gatherings.

Today, the area is part of Confluence State Park and is managed as a developed RV park and the Horan Natural Area. With construction of Rock Island Dam, the Columbia River rose and inundated much of the delta at the mouth of the Wenatchee River. Today, the area is a small portion of the historic delta.

History of the Delta Area

This paper contains a history of the use of the delta area and shows, through aerial photos, the sequential loss of the delta area as the Columbia River rose behind Rock Island Dam. Information about local bridge and pioneer establishment is also included. The paper concludes with recommendations for restoring water, native vegetation, native presence, and culture to the area.

Restoration Activities

The Chelan Public Utility District is considering many restoration activities in the area as part of the federal relicensing of Rock Island Dam. 

Paper

Read the complete The Wenatchee River Delta – A Brief History of the Land