The project is on the Columbia River in north central Washington state about seven miles (11 km) upstream from the city of Wenatchee.

[2] A first-of-its-kind juvenile fish bypass system was completed in 2003 to help young salmon and steelhead on their way to the ocean.

The Rocky Reach dam is near the Lincoln Rock State Park a short distance upriver.

The Rocky Reach Dam was featured on an episode of Discovery Channel's Dirty Jobs, hosted by Mike Rowe.

Repayment of bonds was through revenues from long-term sales contracts between Chelan County Public Utility District and local industrial and distribution customers.

The turbines are adjustable-blade Kaplan type to allow for efficient production of energy at varying water levels.