A black and white view of a steam paddlewheel ship identified as the stern wheeler "Albany" is seen near the shore of the Columbia River at the Big Eddy upstream from the Dalles. Smoke rises from the ship's smokestack, and the paddlewheel is raising a cloud of spray. On the side of the ship is a ladder descending from the upper deck. At the prow several figures are visible; they seem to be communicating with people on the shore. Oddly-shaped low hills rise in the background, half-covered with trees.