Down the Columbia Trivia Quiz Questions and Answers

What treacherous rapid did the author describe as the “most dangerous rapid on the river”?

  • Surprise Rapids
  • Death Rapids
  • Kinbasket Rapids
  • The Dalles

Correct Answer: Surprise Rapids

Correct Answer Explanation: The author describes Surprise Rapids as the most dangerous rapid on the river and recounts the story of Walter Steinhoff, a man who was lost there.

What was the name of the man who was lost in Surprise Rapids?

  • Walter Steinhoff
  • Jim Buckman
  • David Thompson
  • Alexander Ross

Correct Answer: Walter Steinhoff

Correct Answer Explanation: The author recounts the story of Walter Steinhoff, who was lost in Surprise Rapids, highlighting the dangers of navigating the Columbia River.

Which of the following is NOT a rapid on the Columbia River?

  • Surprise Rapids
  • Death Rapids
  • Niagara Falls
  • Kinbasket Rapids

Correct Answer: Niagara Falls

Correct Answer Explanation: Niagara Falls is a famous rapid located on the Niagara River, not the Columbia.

What is the approximate length of the Columbia River?

  • 600 miles
  • 1,240 miles
  • 2,000 miles
  • 500 miles

Correct Answer: 1,240 miles

Correct Answer Explanation: The author’s journey covered the entire length of the river, establishing the Columbia River’s approximate length as 1,240 miles.

What is the approximate drop in elevation from the source of the Columbia River to its mouth?

  • 500 feet
  • 1,640 feet
  • 2,500 feet
  • 1,000 feet

Correct Answer: 1,640 feet

Correct Answer Explanation: The author notes the significant drop in elevation, contributing to the river’s swift currents and challenging rapids.

What is the name of the unique formation of upended trees along the river that the author describes?

  • Snag Town
  • The Dalles
  • The Grand Coulee
  • The Celilo Canal

Correct Answer: Snag Town

Correct Answer Explanation: The author describes “Snag Town,” a unique formation of upended trees along the river, showcasing the strange and diverse landscapes of the Columbia Basin.

What is the approximate length of the Big Bend of the Columbia River in Canada?

  • 50 miles
  • 150 miles
  • 250 miles
  • 100 miles

Correct Answer: 150 miles

Correct Answer Explanation: The author emphasizes the length and difficulty of this stretch of the river, where he and his crew faced treacherous rapids.

What is the name of the ancient channel of the Columbia River that the author discusses as a potential source for irrigation and hydroelectric power?

  • The Dalles
  • The Grand Coulee
  • The Celilo Canal
  • Snag Town

Correct Answer: The Grand Coulee

Correct Answer Explanation: The author discusses the potential for using The Grand Coulee, an ancient channel of the Columbia River, for irrigation and hydroelectric power, highlighting its economic significance.

What is the approximate discharge of the Columbia River at its mouth?

  • 50,000 cubic feet per second
  • 100,000 cubic feet per second
  • 200,000 cubic feet per second
  • 1,000,000 cubic feet per second

Correct Answer: 100,000 cubic feet per second

Correct Answer Explanation: The author highlights the sheer volume of water flowing in the river, contributing to its power and influence.

What is the length of the Celilo Canal?

  • 5 miles
  • 8.5 miles
  • 10 miles
  • 15 miles

Correct Answer: 8.5 miles

Correct Answer Explanation: The author notes the Celilo Canal is 8.5 miles long and has a total lift of 80 feet, reflecting the engineering effort involved in creating the canal.

What is the approximate size of the Columbia River Basin?

  • 100,000 square miles
  • 260,000 square miles
  • 500,000 square miles
  • 1,000,000 square miles

Correct Answer: 260,000 square miles

Correct Answer Explanation: The author notes that the Columbia River Basin encompasses approximately 260,000 square miles, highlighting the vast area drained by the river and its influence on the regional environment.

What is the name of the trading post that the author visits along the river?

  • Boat Encampment
  • Fort George (Astoria)
  • Both A and B
  • Neither A nor B

Correct Answer: Both A and B

Correct Answer Explanation: The author visits both Boat Encampment and Fort George (Astoria), noting the historical significance and the changes that have occurred over time.

What is the name of the explorer who is known for his journey along the Columbia River?

  • Lewis and Clark
  • David Thompson
  • Alexander Ross
  • All of the above

Correct Answer: All of the above

Correct Answer Explanation: The author recounts the stories of Lewis and Clark, David Thompson, and Alexander Ross, who each navigated the river for various purposes.

What is the name of the character who the author describes as a “powder monkey”?

  • Walter Steinhoff
  • Jim Buckman
  • David Thompson
  • Alexander Ross

Correct Answer: Jim Buckman

Correct Answer Explanation: The author describes the encounter with “powder monkey” Jim Buckman, providing a glimpse into the skills and personalities of those who work on the river.

What is the name of the character who the author describes as being known for his drinking habits?

  • Walter Steinhoff
  • Jim Buckman
  • Wild Bill
  • Alexander Ross

Correct Answer: Wild Bill

Correct Answer Explanation: The author describes the encounter with “Wild Bill,” a character known for his drinking habits, providing a glimpse into the unique personalities of those who live along the river.

What is the name of the historic event that the author describes as a disastrous explosion of dynamite?

  • The explosion at the Dalles
  • The explosion at the Lake of the Hanging Glaciers
  • The explosion at Kinbasket Rapids
  • The explosion at Surprise Rapids

Correct Answer: The explosion at the Lake of the Hanging Glaciers

Correct Answer Explanation: The author describes the disastrous explosion of dynamite at the Lake of the Hanging Glaciers, showcasing the unpredictable nature of the river and its environment.

What is the name of the place where the author describes a road bridge carried by the river and deposited across another stream?

  • The Dalles
  • The Grand Coulee
  • The Celilo Canal
  • Snag Town

Correct Answer: The Dalles

Correct Answer Explanation: The author details the discovery of an abandoned road bridge, carried by the river and deposited across another stream, illustrating the power of the Columbia River and its impact on the landscape.

What is the name of the place where the author describes seven men lost?

  • The Dalles
  • The Grand Coulee
  • The Celilo Canal
  • Snag Town

Correct Answer: The Dalles

Correct Answer Explanation: The author recounts the story of the seven men lost at the Dalles des Morts, highlighting the dangers of navigating the Columbia River and its historical significance.

What is the name of the rapid that the author describes as being particularly challenging in cold and challenging conditions?

  • Surprise Rapids
  • Death Rapids
  • Kinbasket Rapids
  • The Dalles

Correct Answer: Kinbasket Rapids

Correct Answer Explanation: The author details the experience of lining down Kinbasket Rapids, illustrating the challenges of navigating the river in cold and challenging conditions.

What is the name of the large raft that the author describes as being built and navigated through Hell Gate and Box Canyon?

  • The Grand Coulee
  • The Celilo Canal
  • Snag Town
  • The Big Raft

Correct Answer: The Big Raft

Correct Answer Explanation: The author details the construction and navigation of a large raft through Hell Gate and Box Canyon, showcasing the skills and challenges of navigating the river using unconventional means.

What is the name of the method of navigating a rapid by using a rope to guide the boat?

  • Portaging
  • Lining
  • Canoeing
  • Skiffing

Correct Answer: Lining

Correct Answer Explanation: The author details the experience of lining down Surprise Rapids, illustrating the challenging and demanding nature of navigating the river.

What is the name of the method of moving a boat or cargo overland around a rapid or other obstacle?

  • Lining
  • Portaging
  • Canoeing
  • Skiffing

Correct Answer: Portaging

Correct Answer Explanation: The author uses this method of navigation to maneuver around many of the rapids on the river.

What is the name of a large, flat-bottomed boat used for transporting goods by voyageurs?

  • Canoe
  • Skiff
  • Batteau
  • Voyageur

Correct Answer: Batteau

Correct Answer Explanation: The author utilizes this form of watercraft in his journey down the Columbia.

What is the name of a light, narrow boat propelled by paddles?

  • Batteau
  • Canoe
  • Skiff
  • Voyageur

Correct Answer: Canoe

Correct Answer Explanation: The author describes the use of this watercraft in his journey down the Columbia.

What is the name of a small, open boat often used for fishing or rowing?

  • Canoe
  • Skiff
  • Batteau
  • Voyageur

Correct Answer: Skiff

Correct Answer Explanation: This watercraft is described as a common form of transportation by the author.

What is the name of a French-Canadian fur trader who transported goods along waterways?

  • Voyageur
  • Batteau
  • Canoe
  • Skiff

Correct Answer: Voyageur

Correct Answer Explanation: This individual was historically involved in the fur trade and had a heavy influence on the history of the Columbia River.

What type of electricity is generated by using the power of falling water?

  • Solar Power
  • Wind Power
  • Hydroelectric Power
  • Geothermal Power

Correct Answer: Hydroelectric Power

Correct Answer Explanation: The author discusses plans for the construction of dams at various points along the river, highlighting the potential for both energy production and environmental impacts.

What is the process of supplying water to land to promote plant growth?

  • Irrigation
  • Hydroelectric Power
  • Portaging
  • Lining

Correct Answer: Irrigation

Correct Answer Explanation: The author discusses the impact of irrigation projects on the region’s agricultural development and the potential for further expansion.

What is the name of the apple producing region along the river?

  • The Grand Coulee
  • The Celilo Canal
  • The Dalles
  • The Big Bend

Correct Answer: The Dalles

Correct Answer Explanation: The author discusses the importance of agriculture, particularly apple production, along the river, as well as the potential for future industrial development.

What is the name of the river where Niagara Falls is located?

  • The Columbia River
  • The Mississippi River
  • The Niagara River
  • The Missouri River

Correct Answer: The Niagara River

Correct Answer Explanation: Niagara Falls is located on the Niagara River, not the Columbia River.

What is the main type of fish that the author encounters in the Columbia River?

  • Salmon
  • Tuna
  • Bass
  • Trout

Correct Answer: Salmon

Correct Answer Explanation: The author highlights the importance of the river’s fisheries and the potential impacts of development projects.

What type of animal does the author mention as being common in the Columbia River Basin?

  • Mountain Lions
  • Bears
  • Deer
  • All of the above

Correct Answer: All of the above

Correct Answer Explanation: The author encounters these species throughout his journey, highlighting the rich biodiversity of the region.

What is the name of the mountain range where the Columbia River originates?

  • The Rocky Mountains
  • The Appalachian Mountains
  • The Sierra Nevada Mountains
  • The Cascade Mountains

Correct Answer: The Rocky Mountains

Correct Answer Explanation: The author begins his journey in the Canadian Selkirk Mountains, a range within the Rocky Mountains.

What is the name of the ocean into which the Columbia River flows?

  • The Atlantic Ocean
  • The Pacific Ocean
  • The Indian Ocean
  • The Arctic Ocean

Correct Answer: The Pacific Ocean

Correct Answer Explanation: The author’s journey ends at the Pacific Ocean.

What is the name of the book that the author wrote about his journey down the Columbia River?

  • Down the Columbia
  • The Columbia River
  • The Big Bend
  • A Voyage from Glacier to Sea

Correct Answer: Down the Columbia

Correct Answer Explanation: The author published his account of his journey under the title “Down the Columbia” in 1921.

What is the year in which the author’s journey takes place?

  • 1901
  • 1911
  • 1921
  • 1931

Correct Answer: 1921

Correct Answer Explanation: The author’s journey took place in 1921, a time of significant change and development in the Columbia Basin.

What type of environment does the author describe as being prevalent in the Columbia Basin?

  • Forest
  • Plains
  • Mountains
  • All of the above

Correct Answer: All of the above

Correct Answer Explanation: The author provides vivid descriptions of the mountains, glaciers, forests, and plains that line the river, showcasing the natural beauty and environmental complexities of the region.

What type of geographic feature does the author describe as being present at the source of the Columbia River?

  • Glaciers
  • Volcanoes
  • Canyons
  • Rivers

Correct Answer: Glaciers

Correct Answer Explanation: The author begins his journey at the glacial sources of the Columbia River, emphasizing its origin in the Canadian Selkirk Mountains.

What type of economic activity does the author describe as being significant along the Columbia River?

  • Agriculture
  • Forestry
  • Hydroelectric Power
  • All of the above

Correct Answer: All of the above

Correct Answer Explanation: The author discusses the evolving economic landscape of the region, highlighting the impact of human activity on the river.

What is the name of the region where the author describes the Columbia River as being particularly wild and challenging?

  • The Big Bend
  • The Dalles
  • The Grand Coulee
  • The Celilo Canal

Correct Answer: The Big Bend

Correct Answer Explanation: The author highlights the dangers and beauty of the Columbia River, particularly emphasizing the daunting Big Bend region of Canada.

What is the name of the lake that the author describes as being located within the Big Bend region?

  • Lake of the Hanging Glaciers
  • Kinbasket Lake
  • Lake Chelan
  • Lake Pend Oreille

Correct Answer: Kinbasket Lake

Correct Answer Explanation: The author describes this lake as a beautiful natural wonder and a critical part of the Columbia River.

What is the name of the region where the author describes the Columbia River as being particularly beautiful?

  • The Big Bend
  • The Dalles
  • The Grand Coulee
  • The Celilo Canal

Correct Answer: The Dalles

Correct Answer Explanation: The author describes this region as being particularly stunning, featuring towering cliffs and rapids.

What is the name of the river that the author describes as being a major source of irrigation for the arid lands of eastern Washington?

  • The Columbia River
  • The Snake River
  • The Yakima River
  • The Spokane River

Correct Answer: The Columbia River

Correct Answer Explanation: The author highlights this important role of the river in supporting the region’s agricultural needs.

What is the name of the author of the book “Down the Columbia”?

  • Lewis R. Freeman
  • David Thompson
  • Alexander Ross
  • Lewis and Clark

Correct Answer: Lewis R. Freeman

Correct Answer Explanation: The author’s personal journey reflects the enduring allure of this remarkable waterway.

What is the name of the person who is considered to be the “father of the Columbia River”?

  • David Thompson
  • Alexander Ross
  • Lewis and Clark
  • Lewis R. Freeman

Correct Answer: David Thompson

Correct Answer Explanation: David Thompson is credited with being the first explorer to chart the entire course of the Columbia River.

What is the name of the first trading post established on the Columbia River?

  • Fort George (Astoria)
  • Boat Encampment
  • Fort Vancouver
  • Fort Clatsop

Correct Answer: Fort George (Astoria)

Correct Answer Explanation: Fort George (Astoria) was established in 1811 and served as a major center for fur trade.

What is the name of the Indigenous group that historically inhabited the Columbia River?

  • Chinook
  • Nez Perce
  • Salish
  • All of the above

Correct Answer: All of the above

Correct Answer Explanation: These groups had a significant impact on the history and culture of the Columbia River Basin.

What is the name of the largest dam on the Columbia River?

  • Grand Coulee Dam
  • Bonneville Dam
  • Chief Joseph Dam
  • The Dalles Dam

Correct Answer: Grand Coulee Dam

Correct Answer Explanation: The Grand Coulee Dam is one of the largest dams in the world and a major source of hydroelectric power.

What is the name of the region where the Columbia River flows through a series of canyons?

  • The Big Bend
  • The Dalles
  • The Grand Coulee
  • The Celilo Canal

Correct Answer: The Dalles

Correct Answer Explanation: The Dalles region features a series of dramatic canyons carved by the river over millennia.

What is the name of the river that joins the Columbia River near the city of Portland?

  • The Willamette River
  • The Snake River
  • The Yakima River
  • The Spokane River

Correct Answer: The Willamette River

Correct Answer Explanation: The Willamette River flows through the city of Portland and joins the Columbia River, creating a significant waterway.

What is the name of the river that flows through the state of Idaho and joins the Columbia River?

  • The Willamette River
  • The Snake River
  • The Yakima River
  • The Spokane River

Correct Answer: The Snake River

Correct Answer Explanation: The Snake River is a major tributary of the Columbia River, flowing through Idaho and joining it at the border of Oregon and Washington.

What is the name of the river that flows through the state of Washington and joins the Columbia River?

  • The Willamette River
  • The Snake River
  • The Yakima River
  • The Spokane River

Correct Answer: The Yakima River

Correct Answer Explanation: The Yakima River is a major tributary of the Columbia River, flowing through Washington and joining it near the city of Richland.

What is the name of the river that flows through the city of Spokane, Washington?

  • The Willamette River
  • The Snake River
  • The Yakima River
  • The Spokane River

Correct Answer: The Spokane River

Correct Answer Explanation: The Spokane River flows through the city of Spokane and joins the Columbia River near the town of Kettle Falls.

What is the name of the first European explorer to reach the Columbia River?

  • Captain Robert Gray
  • David Thompson
  • Alexander Ross
  • Lewis and Clark

Correct Answer: Captain Robert Gray

Correct Answer Explanation: Captain Robert Gray was a British explorer who claimed the Columbia River for Great Britain in 1792.

What is the name of the first permanent settlement on the Columbia River?

  • Astoria
  • Fort Vancouver
  • Fort Clatsop
  • Boat Encampment

Correct Answer: Astoria

Correct Answer Explanation: Astoria was founded by John Jacob Astor in 1811 and became a major center for fur trade.

What is the name of the major port city located at the mouth of the Columbia River?

  • Portland
  • Seattle
  • Astoria
  • Vancouver

Correct Answer: Astoria

Correct Answer Explanation: Astoria is located at the mouth of the Columbia River and has a rich history as a port city.

What is the name of the national park that is located on the Columbia River Gorge?

  • Crater Lake National Park
  • Olympic National Park
  • Mount Rainier National Park
  • Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area

Correct Answer: Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area

Correct Answer Explanation: The Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area is a protected area that features dramatic waterfalls, hiking trails, and scenic views of the Columbia River Gorge.

What is the name of the bridge that spans the Columbia River between Washington and Oregon?

  • The Astoria Bridge
  • The Bonneville Bridge
  • The Interstate 5 Bridge
  • The I-84 Bridge

Correct Answer: The Interstate 5 Bridge

Correct Answer Explanation: The Interstate 5 Bridge is a major transportation route that connects the states of Washington and Oregon across the Columbia River.

What is the name of the ferry that crosses the Columbia River between Washington and Oregon?

  • The Astoria Ferry
  • The Bonneville Ferry
  • The Interstate 5 Ferry
  • The I-84 Ferry

Correct Answer: The I-84 Ferry

Correct Answer Explanation: The I-84 Ferry is a major transportation route that connects the states of Washington and Oregon across the Columbia River.

What is the name of the hydroelectric dam that is located on the Columbia River near the city of Vancouver, Washington?

  • Bonneville Dam
  • The Dalles Dam
  • Grand Coulee Dam
  • Chief Joseph Dam

Correct Answer: Bonneville Dam

Correct Answer Explanation: Bonneville Dam is a major hydroelectric dam on the Columbia River and is a significant source of power for the Pacific Northwest.

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Jessmyn Solana

Jessmyn Solana is the Digital Marketing Manager of Interact, a place for creating beautiful and engaging quizzes that generate email leads. She is a marketing enthusiast and storyteller. Outside of Interact Jessmyn loves exploring new places, eating all the local foods, and spending time with her favorite people (especially her dog).

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