The Watcher is a figure painted from natural pigments such as iron oxide (ochre), and chalk. It was painted by Native Americans who lived and fished for salmon along the Columbia River Gorge in northern Oregon, southern Washington. This particular area has a large number of painted and pecked rock art, indicating the area was considered a place of power. A major fishing area was located just upstream from this area, which is now no longer usable for fishing after a major dam was constructed. Image copyright Cher Peterson. All rights reserved.