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Discover the Boundary Hydroelectric Project nestled in the foothills of the Selkirk Mountains and situated along the banks of the scenic Pend Oreille (pronounced "pond-ah-ray") River. See mammoth turbines and electrical generating facilities produce clean, renewable energy. Tour our Visitors Gallery located deep inside a massive limestone cavern. Enjoy expansive views at the Vista House and observation deck.
Free guided group tours are available Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day by reservation only. Contact 509 446-3083 for information and reservations.
Boundary Project Visitor Gallery Hours:
Thursday through Monday
10 am - 11:30 am, 2:30 pm - 4 pm.
Guided group tours conducted noon - 2 pm.
Reservations required. Call 509 446-3083.
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| Security Note: With heightened security concerns, access may be limited. Photo ID is required for all adults and some areas of the project are restricted. For additional information, please send email to Janice Boman at janice.boman@seattle.gov or call 509 446-3083. |
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Getting There
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Boundary Dam is located 107 miles north of Spokane in Pend Oreille County in the far northeast corner of Washington state.
To reach the dam, boat ramp and picnic areas:
go north from Metaline on State Highway 31, trun on County Road 62, drive for 11.5 miles and turn right on to the access road.
To reach the Boundary Vista House
on the brow of the east canyon wall, go north from Metaline on State Highway 31 for 12 miles and turn left on the access road at Crescent Lake. The Vista House is located two miles up this road.
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Dam Facts
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Height and thickness:
Boundary is a thin-arch dam 740 feet long, rising 340 feet from its bedrock. Although 32 feet thick at its base, the dam is only eight feet thick at its crest.
Cost to build:
$94 million in 1967
Horsepower of turbines:
Smaller units up to 208,000
Larger units up to 268,000
Length of reservoir:
17.5 miles, extending through mountain forests and the towns of Metaline Falls and Metaline to the base of Box Canyon Dam.
Generating capacity:
1,024 megawatts at peak, enough energy to light an entire city the size of Seattle. In most years, Boundary provides 50 percent or more of the electricity used by Seattle City Light's customers.
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