1.0 hr
Overview
When the original Columbia River Highway was built through this area in 1921, it was necessary to build two tunnels to get through a high rock point. These tunnels, with their windows affording views over the river, were a highlight of any road trip to the Gorge: they were inspired by the design of the Axenstrasse, on Lake Lucerne in Switzerland. However, the tunnels and the nearby cliffs were always a trouble spot on the CRH. Rockfalls were common and accidents happened all too frequently. In 1954, a new road was opened near water level and the tunnels were abandoned. They were soon filled with rock rubble and forgotten. A trip to the west portal in the early 90s found the road near the tunnels completely buried in fallen rock with trees growing in the roadway. Only a quarter of a damaged tunnel portal was visible. In 1995, work was begun to reopen the tunnels for tourist use. This involved the removal of the rubble, and rebuilding and resurfacing the road. Today, the old highway is known as the Historic Columbia River Highway Trail, often abbreviated HCRHT. It has been completely restored with a new surface, new or rebuilt walls and completely cleared tunnels. The 4 1/4 mile trail was opened to tourist use in 2000. From the parking lot, head up the paved track into woods of Douglas-fir and big-leaf maple with some oaks. The road drops and is lined by maples on the river side. Pass a trickling waterfall on a shady face. There’s a picnic table here. The road drops along a walled section that gives views of the river. The road continues to drop and reenters woods with some views. Then the path rises past an prominent outcrop on the left, with a large pond in an old quarry area. A gravel path leads left at the top of the rise. Walk up and get great views looking east across meadows with blooming serviceberry bushes. This area is fenced. From the fence, you can also look out over the pond in the old quarry. The road drops from this point and then rises again. There’s a viewpoint of Eighteenmile Island, and then
Trail Stats
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304 m
161 m
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Photos
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600px-MosierTwinTunnelsMap
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