river view     
June 2014 In This Issue:
Get Involved
Ride The Gorge
Meet Marc Berry from Mosier
Congestion on the Historic Highway
New Parking Lot Gate at Multnomah Falls
Gorge Hubs: Building Momentum
The Historic Columbia River Highway News
  
Horsetail Falls
Horsetail Falls
  
Your source for updates and information regarding efforts to remember, restore and reconnect the Historic Columbia River Highway and State Trail--a world class adventure from Portland to The Dalles. 
  
 
Historic Highway Advisory Committee
To Meet in Cascade LocksGetInvolved

 

The Historic Columbia River Highway Advisory Committee will meet on Tuesday, June 10th from 10 am - 3 pm at the Community Center in the Cascade Locks Marine Park.

 

For more information on the Advisory Committee, contact  Kristen Stallman 

To view the meeting agenda and read past meeting minutes please click here

 

Remember, Restore, Reconnect and

RIDE THE GORGERidetheGorge

Gorge Ride Logo  

If you love the Historic Highway, the Gorge Ride is an event you must not miss. Online registration is now open through June 9th for this year's Gorge Ride at www.gorgeride.eventbritre.com

 

This ride, in its 8th year, is scheduled for June 14, 2014. The scenic and spectacular 38.5 mile route will travel from the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center to the Senator Mark O. Hatfield West Trailhead and return to the Discovery Center. Cyclists will be treated to panoramic vistas as they travel on the Historic Highway past historic rock walls and the iconic white guardrail. Come ride with the Friends of the Historic Highway and support its reconnection as the "King of Trails". 

 

All proceeds benefit the Friends of the Historic Columbia River Highway and efforts to restore and reconnect the HCRH.  Questions? Contact info@hcrh.org.

 

Getting Ready--Trail Construction

Starts Next Spring  Trailconstruction

 

The next section of Historic Highway State Trail goes to construction next spring. Engineering plans are being finalized for the 1.2 mile trail between Lindsey Creek and Starvation Creek Trailhead. The new trail takes off where the existing trail terminates adjacent to the Starvation Creek Trailhead. Planners are working on the permit applications to Hood River County and the US Forest Service, Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area.

 

Proposed Rest & Pause area at

Hole-In-The-Wall Falls

Today, pavement from the old highway peaks through the duff near Cabin Creek.The new trail will feature an accessible overlook at Hole in the Wall Falls, a new concrete bridge over Warren Creek, removal of ivy and blackberry, new plantings, Wonder Creek picnic area and an overlook to Lindsey Creek Falls.  
 
Meet Marc Berry: Avid Cyclist and Historic Highway Advisory Committee Member

 

After eight very productive years on the Historic Columbia River Highway Advisory Committee, Marc Berry's term as the Governor's representative from Wasco County is coming to an end. Marc's passion and enthusiasm for the Historic Highway is contagious. As the former Mayor of Mosier and an avid cyclist he brings valuable insight to the committee. Marc was recruited to join the Historic Highway Advisory Committee by his friend and long-time Advisory Committee member Carolyn Wood of The Dalles shortly after he completed his term as Mayor.

 

When we say "avid" cyclist we mean "avid" cyclist. Marc has ridden his bike around the United States, literally. As his retirement present to himself Marc rode his bicycle from Everett, Washington to Gloucester, Massachusetts in nine weeks. He followed that up with several trips to complete the loop over the next nine years; riding the Maine Coast all the way down to St. Augustine, Florida then westward to San Diego, then north again back to Everett. He brings this passion for cycling to his work on the Historic Highway Advisory Committee.

 

When he isn't riding, Marc is often on assignment for the Red Cross. He volunteers his time helping those in need following natural disasters. He most recently on assignment in Oso, Washington and last year he was in New Jersey following Hurricane Sandy. Marc often shares photos from his trips reminding us all to be prepared.  

 

With all that travel Marc loves returning home to Mosier. He enjoys small town living, appreciates the town's rich history and will often boast that the sun always seems to be shining in Mosier.  

 

Shellrock Mountain is Marc's State Trail priority project. Marc sees great promise with recent funding from the Oregon Transportation Commission for the Shellrock Mountain Crossing project. He is not easily intimidated on his bike but the narrow 4' shoulders around Shellrock makes riding through the Gorge a harrowing experience even for the most skilled rider. Though his official term is over, Marc promises to continue to participate and advocate for the complete reconnection of the Historic Highway. He will be staying on the Committee until the Governor appoints his replacement and he will likely assume an emeritus position. Marc, thank you for your service.

    

A Look at Congestion Issues Along the

Historic Highway

With the sun comes the crowds. It is a beautiful Sunday with sunny skies and temperatures in the 90s. You grab a towel, your swimsuit and a few friends and pile into the car to head to Oneonta Gorge. As you travel down I-84 you sing along with the radio and let the warm breeze into the car. "What a great idea!" you all exclaim as you head east. However, as you pull off the interstate you realize everyone in Portland had the same idea as you and cars line both sides of the Historic Highway, often making parking a nightmare.

  

   

In response to this congestion, the Paul S. Sarbanes Transit in Parks Technical Assistance Center (TRIPTAC) recently prepared a preliminary study that looks at tourism related congestion along the historic highway in Multnomah County. This study looked at existing conditions and issues along the corridor. It also provided some examples or case studies of how other agencies are dealing with crowding around the US. The study outlines some potential solutions and next steps. This is where the real work begins. This study is just the first step in a multi-step process. Funding has not been identified for any future work at this time.

Multnomah Falls Gate Activated to Increase Safety for I-84 Driversmultgate

 

During the summer, the parking lot at Multnomah Falls exceeds its capacity several times a year especially on weekends. Cars waiting for parking spaces sometimes back up onto the eastbound I-84 travel lanes, creating a safety hazard. 

 

ODOT has activated a new gate at the exit from eastbound Interstate 84 to Multnomah Falls that will close automatically when the parking lot is full, as measured by automatic traffic counters and will re-open once the capacity declines significantly.

 

When the gate is closed, visitors will need to stay on I-84 and return to Multnomah Falls when the lot has re-opened. Visitor counts are highest in the middle of the day while counts are less in the early morning or late afternoon.

 

One could use the small parking lot on the Historic Columbia River Highway but it is often full on busy days.

 

 

Two large message boards will notify eastbound motorists when it is closed, one at Benson State Park west of Multnomah Falls and the other before the exit to the falls.  You can also check before you start your trip to the Falls www.TripCheck.com.

 

Gorge Hubs: Building Momentumhubupdate

 

Gorge Hubs are rest and information stations located along the Historic Highway. They also provide an opportunity for the communities to capitalize on the economic benefits of recreational tourism by welcoming bicyclists, hikers, families, and other tourists.

 

The Gorge Hub project is moving forward by a partnership of communities along the Historic Highway including Wood Village, Troutdale, Cascade Locks, Hood River, Mosier, and The Dalles with help from Travel Oregon, State Parks and ODOT. 

 

The project is seeking funding from two grant opportunities. The first is funding from the ODOT and the Oregon Department Land Conservation and Development. This funding would be used to identify hub locations in

Gorge communities, hold community design workshops to develop Gorge Hub concepts and plans, and develop structural plans for each facility.

  

Gorge Hub Working Group representing Cascade Locks, Mosier, Hood River, Wood Village, West Gorge Chamber, Travel Oregon & ODOT

The team is also seeking Travel Oregon funding to develop a series of maps, information templates and wayfinding signage for the Gorge Hubs that would be consistent with the Historic Highway Wayfinding Plan. This grant would be used to develop and print the signage, information and mapping that would be located on the physical Hubs.

  

The goal is to create a network of Hubs that create a cohesive and unified experience for the visitors along the Historic Highway.

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Contact  
Kristen Stallman, Historic Columbia River Highway Coordinator
Oregon Department of Transportation, Region 1