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Historic Columbia River Highway Facts
America's first Scenic Highway.
73 miles constructed
in 9 years (1913-22).
In the 1940-50's several section were closed or obliterated to build I-84.
Today 50 miles remain drivable.
11 miles have been converted to trail use only.
12 miles await reconnection as a trail.
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WELCOME TO THE KING OF ROADS
Imagine crafting a national treasure on a landscape so revered that each viewpoint is protected, the design and material in complete harmony with the natural elements, and the creation so good that people come from all over the world to marvel at its perfection.
This is the Historic Columbia River Highway--The King of Roads--a road through the spectacular Columbia River Gorge. Whether you are seeing it for the first time or you know every inch by heart, each time you experience the Historic Highway, you begin the journey anew.
"On starting the surveys, our first business was to find the beauty spots, or those points where the most beautiful things along the line might be seen in the best advantage, and if possible to locate the road in such a way as to reach them."
Samuel C. Lancaster
HCRH Engineer
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 Restore
Get Involved
Join us at the next quarterly Historic Columbia River Highway Advisory Committee meeting on Dec. 10, 2009 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Fairview Community Center at 300 Harrison Street, Fairview, OR 97024.
Highlights of the meeting will include:
--An update on the design of the trail connection between John B. Yeon State Trailhead at Warrendale and Moffett Creek.
--An overview of the Hood River Interchange Area Management Plan and its potential impact on the Historic Highway in Hood River.
--Planned improvements to the Latourell Wayside.
--A presentation on a Cultural Landscape Inventory recently completed on the abandoned sections of the Highway between Wyeth and Hood River.
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 Remember
Oral History Project Reconnects People with Places along the Highway
Last spring ODOT staff undertook an Oral History Project to capture stories of people from the areas surrounding Cascade Locks and Hood River. As part of the project, 19 people were interviewed who had either lived in the area, built sections of the Historic Highway or Interstate or helped to preserve the Historic Highway.
"There were little businesses all along the old highway; mostly little taverns, restaurants. You couldn't go five miles without finding a gas station or restaurant." Jean McLean, Port of Cascade Locks Commissioner.
Check out the complete Oral History report to learn about the people and places along the Historic Highway.
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Reconnect
The Missing Link
Design work for the State Trail segment between John B. Yeon State Park at Warrendale and Moffett Creek is underway and ODOT is currently seeking federal funding for its construction. When the trail is complete, cyclists or hikers will no longer need to use the shoulder of Interstate 84 to access the Gorge between Troutdale and Cascade Locks. This 1.25 mile connection parallels I-84 and US Forest Service Trail #400. At Moffett Creek, the trail will go under the interstate bridges linking onto the existing trail alignment at the Historic Moffett Creek Bridge.
Celebrate
New Trail Connection at Viento State Park
On Aug.15, 2009 we celebrated the new State Trail section between Starvation Creek and Viento State Park. The event drew over 100 people including participants from the Historic Columbia River Highway Oral History Project. Thank you to everyone who attended and we look forward to seeing you at the next celebration! For additional photos of the event check out the Friends Web site
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Reconnect 
Become a Friend of the Highway
The Friends of the Historic Columbia River Highway were incorporated in 2006 to support the restoration and reconnection of the Historic Highway through the Columbia River Gorge. They are beginning to plan the fourth annual Gorge Ride to be held June 12, 2010. This is a major fundraiser for the Historic Highway. Look for the Friends' information displays at the Vista House, McMenamins Edgefield summer concerts and various public gatherings throughout the Gorge. Check out the Friends Web site to learn more or to become a member.
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Your Thoughts
Tell us what you think of this update. What would you like to see in future issues?
Email Kristen
Share this newsletter with your friends and colleagues by clicking on the Forward email link below. |
Contact Info
Kristen Stallman, Historic Columbia River Highway Coordinator
ODOT Region 1
503-731-4957 |
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Photos
1. Mitchell Point, 2. Mitchell Point Tunnel (no longer exists) 3. Photo provided by Ray and Patricia Galligan 4. John Yeon State Park to Moffett Creek Trail 5. Viento Trail Ribbon Cutting--left to right--Hannah Kullberg, Jeanette Kloos, Bill Pattison, Jim Parr, Kevin Price, Gary Brannan and Sara Morrissey. All photos are from ODOT files except #3.
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