Notes
I had a little fun with Photoshop here. I've merged an Alva Day image from the 1920s with an image I took a few weeks ago (actually someone running by on the trail snapped the shutter). This section of the highway between Mosier and Hood River was reopened in 2000 after a major project to reconstruct the twin tunnels, and it sees heavy non-motorized use. The day I shot this I saw bikers, hikers, runners, in-line skaters, and one guy on cross country ski trainers.
This is all prelude to the exciting news that tomorrow is the official dedication for a major new section of this State Trail. The trail section between Warrendale and Cascade Locks will allow you to ride, hike, or run all the way from Troutdale to Cascade Locks without going on I-84. Between Troutdale and Warrendale you share the historic highway with automobiles, and then from Warrendale to Cascade Locks only non-motorized use is allowed.
You'll be allowed to preview this trail segment this weekend, then it will close again to allow construction to be completed. If you miss it this weekend, you'll need to wait until the end of October when construction is expected to be complete. Here's a description of this week's festivities.
There are about 10 miles left to be reconstructed between Cascade Locks and Hood River to fully reconnect the original route of the highway from Troutdale to the Dalles. ODOT and the Friends of the Historic Columbia River Highway are working to see this project fully funded and completed. This section includes some of the most challenging terrain in the Gorge, including Mitchell Point, Shellrock Mountain, and Ruthton Point.
Category: [default]
Tags: 1920s 2010s Alva_Day automobile bicycle Columbia_River_Highway Fun_Friday
Comments
Well, that was certainly something different to see on Fun Friday.
Creative idea.
l.e. on 13th September 2013 @ 8:04am
love, love, love this image. Thanks Arthur for the fun and interesting look at one of my favorite places.
connie on 13th September 2013 @ 8:49am
Love the box on the running board. Is that a canteen over the rear wheel?
longshot on 13th September 2013 @ 8:58am
Can I assume the bicycle rider's name is Arthur? Nice idea for a picture.
Buzz on 13th September 2013 @ 9:21am
Neat picture, Arthur! Cascade Locks is having a celebration all weekend for the opening - http://www.cascadelocks.net/highwayrevived.php
Carly on 13th September 2013 @ 10:02am
I will swear Arthur made the front page photo in today's Oregonian....sure looks like "The Mayor" to me.
dsc on 13th September 2013 @ 3:15pm
Yes, it's true. The Oregonian and HHR in one day, both stories about the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail.
Arthur on 13th September 2013 @ 3:34pm
Congratulations Arthur!!
The Oregonian photo is really good....and in living color too!
dsc on 13th September 2013 @ 3:49pm
great photo....brings back memories of the traffic signals for one-way traffic through the Moiser tunnels.....brother John was always sad that his employer, ODOT, chose to destroy the Mitchell Point tunnels.
arlen sheldrake on 14th September 2013 @ 12:17pm
What was the reason for destroying those tunnels, only to be rebuilt?
nels on 15th September 2013 @ 11:05am
Nels, my brother's opinion was that it was just an easier freeway design at a time when historic preservation was not high or even on ODOT's priority list..
it would have been a bit of a challenge with the RR and river right there but he always maintained that it could have been done. I need to see what they are now planning for a "replacement"..
arlen sheldrake on 16th September 2013 @ 6:18am
The good news today is that the planning, routing and financing is under way for extending the Trail from the proposed parking area at Wyeth to Mitchell Point is underway with the target date of completion in 2016, the 100th anniversary of the Historic Columbia River Highway from Troutdale to the Dalles. The Mitchell Point to Hood River is still in the planning stage.
More updates to come.
Bill Pattison, Historic Columbia River Highway Advisory Committee Vice Chair
Bill P. on 28th September 2013 @ 11:54pm
Do you see the man standing on the rock face directly above the cars light on the driver's side? He is there to catch the view to the west over the trees. These trees are scheduled to be removed to open the view sheds in the Gorge in the near future. After all what good is the scenic view if you can't see it.
Bill P.
Bill P. on 1st October 2013 @ 2:21pm
Good news about opening up the view sheds. Editing these two photos together it was very clear how much maple and shrubs have closed in on the highway. Strategic removal is a great idea-- happy to share the "before" and "after" photos if anyone has any doubt.
Arthur on 1st October 2013 @ 5:57pm