Where motorists on old U.S. Highway 30 once crept around curves high along the cliffs of the Columbia River Gorge, hikers, bicyclists and users of other muscle-driven forms of transportation leisurely enjoy the view from the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail. The trail, two disconnected paved ribbons along abandoned stretches of the historic highway, give you more than 10 miles of sightseeing thrills.
Between Hood River and Mosier, the five mile Twin Tunnels segment passes through two climate zones. Starting at the east Mark O. Hatfield Trailhead near Mosier, the trail leads through semi-arid terrain dotted with ponderosa pine for about a mile until you reach the Twin Tunnels. Spectacular geologic formations tell the story of the gorge's creation.
After passing through the tunnels, you'll emerge into a forest of fir trees and other common western Oregon plants. Viewpoints along the 3.5 mile segment from the tunnels to the west Mark O. Hatfield Trailhead overlook the river.
Both trailheads for the Twin Tunnels segment require a day use pass ($3 per vehicle per day, or $25 for an annual pass). A yellow self-service machine dispenses daily passes at each trailhead. There's a visitor center at the west trailhead with brochures and other information.
The other open, paved section of the trail parallels Interstate 84 between Cascade Locks and Bonneville Dam (the trail actually extends from Moffett Creek to Cascade Locks). Lush and green, this segment gets twice as much rainfall as the Twin Tunnels area. Ferns, moss-covered rocks and delicate, shaded wildflowers flank the 2.5 mile section from Cascade Locks to the Eagle Creek Fish Hatchery. The trail then continues for another mile west to the Tooth Rock Trailhead, with views of Bonneville Dam along the way. Several U.S. Forest Service trails intersect this segment of the trail.
All segments of the trail are rated moderate to difficult for people with disabilities.
Highway history
The Historic Columbia River Highway was designed by Samuel Lancaster and constructed between 1913 to 1922. Its purpose was not merely to provide an east-west transportation route through the Columbia River Gorge, but to take full advantage of every natural aspect, scenic feature, waterfall, viewpoint and panorama. When bridges or tunnels were designed, they stood by themselves as artistic compliments to the landscape. The Columbia River Highway served millions of travelers and became one of the grandest highways in the nation.
When transportation needs required faster and larger roads, sections of the old highway were bypassed. By 1960, a new interstate highway had replaced nearly all of the older road. The four-mile stretch of old highway between Hood River and Mosier, including the Mosier Twin Tunnels, was closed, filled with rock and abandoned.
In the 1980's, new interest in the old scenic highway began to resurface. Lost sections of highway were identified, unearthed and studied for potential renovation. Some portions of the original route were covered by I-84 when it was built.
An ambitious restoration began with the removal of rock from the Mosier Twin Tunnels. Restoration took several months. When workers were done, several surprises were unearthed, such as graffiti dating back to 1921 (when drivers were snowbound for several days).
 (the trail map; requires Acrobat)
Vital stats
$3 daily fee for the Mosier Twin Tunnels segment, or buy a 12-month permit for $25, or a 24-month permit for $40. These 1- and 2-year permits are good at all state park day-use areas. For information, call 1-800-551-6949.
Park rates (subject to rate changes; winter, emergency or other closures)
May 1 to September 30
Daily day use: $3
Yearly day use: $25
| | October 1 to April 30 (Discovery Season)
Daily day use: $3
Yearly day use: $25
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Services
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Picnicking |
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Wildlife watching |
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Bird watching |
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Terrestrial mammal watching |
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Native plant |
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Walking trail |
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Hiking trail |
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Bicycle trail |
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Forest |
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Rock formations |
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Mountains |
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Canyons |
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Historic resources |
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Historic sites |
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Historic trails |
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Historic signs |
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Interpretive signs |
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Nature/Visitor center |
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ADA restroom |
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ADA trails |
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Year-round |
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Restrooms |
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