Willis W. Vail, Photographer - Fine Art Prints of Historical Photos

A self-portrait of photographer Willis Vail and his sister Evangeline, docked at Wizard Island. You can see the string he's using to trip the shutter. Learn More

Ole's Cave is the second longest lava cave in the Mt. St. Helens area, second only to the better known Ape Cave. It was discovered in 1894 by Ole Peterson, who farmed in the area. Learn More

This photo was taken in what we now know as Petroglyph Canyon, located in south central Washington State near Columbia Hills State Park. Learn More

This rare, and detailed, early view of a village on the Washington side of The Dalles is printed from an original glass negative created by amateur photographer Willis Vail. Learn More

Lake Merrill is now known as a regional fly-fishing lake, with limited campsites managed by the Washington Department of Natural Resources. Learn More

This striking view was taken just above water level by railroad worker Willis Vail, who must have reached his vantage point by boat. Learn More

Part of James J. Hill's Spokane, Portland & Seattle Railway, completed in 1908 from Spokane to Portland, this view shows the two-track trestle entering the town of Lyle from the east. Learn More

This photo of the partially submerged "Dalles City" was taken on February 8, 1906, the day the sternwheeler hit a rock in the Columbia River and sank. Learn More