Scenic River Highway Expanded in Oregon

Two sections of a scenic road along the Oregon side of the Columbia River have reopened after five decades--this time only to pedestrians and bicyclists.

The Historic Columbia River Highway, renowned for its many roadside waterfalls and overlooks, originally ran for about 75 miles along the southern side of the river gorge between The Dalles and Troutdale, east of Portland. Opened in 1922, it was among the nation’s first scenic highways.

But some stretches were later paved over or fell into disrepair, and the two-lane road was bypassed when the four-lane U.S. Highway 84 opened alongside it in 1969. Even with the newly opened sections, the historic road doesn’t go the distance.

Still, the restored sections offer fresh looks at works of humankind and nature. Along the 4.5-mile stretch between the towns of Hood River and Mosier, visitors can traverse the Mosier Twin Tunnels, circa 1920, which were unearthed and reopened after being filled with rock since the 1950s. There’s also a new visitors station at the trail head.

Although the Hood River-to-Mosier stretch--the last to be restored--opened to traffic about a month ago, the highway dedication ceremony is this month. Festivities July 22 and 23 will include an antique car parade and guided hikes. For information, call (800) 551-6949.