Historic Columbia River Highway
Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail, OR

This Millennium Legacy Trail is based on sections of the Highway that were abandoned with construction of Bonneville Dam in 1936 and the later (1950s) construction of the "water grade route" now known as Interstate 84.

The first section, between Tanner Creek and Eagle Creek, was restored and re-opened in 1996. This included restoration of the Toothrock Viaduct, the Eagle Creek Viaduct, a new bridge over the Toothrock Tunnel, and a new stairway.

The Eagle Creek to Cascade Locks section was restored in 1998. This section included restoration of the Ruckel Creek Bridge, construction of several rockery walls and construction of a new undercrossing of Interstate 84. It also included construction of trailheads at Eagle Creek and under the Bridge of the Gods in Cascade Locks.

The Hood River to Mosier section has been under restoration since 1995. The Mosier Twin Tunnels were opened in 1996. Trailheads were constructed at both ends. The Senator Mark O. Hatfield West Trailhead was constructed in an old gravel pit, restoring it with native vegetation.

The Twin Tunnels Visitor Station opened on Memorial Day weekend in 2000. The Rockfall Catchment was complete in June 2000. This structure extends 700-feet west of the west portal of the Mosier Twin Tunnels. It is required to make the area safe from falling rock. The area is open to hikers and bikers. It is a challenging 4.6-mile route for wheelchair users. Antique cars will be allowed 2-5 times a year under special permit. The Dedication occurred in July 2000, with a run/walk in the morning.

The Moffett Creek to Tanner Creek section was completed in 2000, lengthening the western section of the HCRH State Trail to 5.2 miles. This section restored the Moffett Creek Bridge, the longest, three-hinged, concrete flat arch bridge in the country when it was completed in 1915.

In November 2001 the Starvation Creek to Viento section was upgraded to be ADA accessible at the Starvation Creek end. This includes improving accessibility to view the Starvation Creek waterfall. This one-mile section connects two Oregon State Parks. Camping is available at Viento.

Design and construction has been under the direction of the Oregon Department of Transportation. The HCRH State Trail will be operated and maintained by Oregon Parks and Recreation Department. Other partners include the HCRH Advisory Committee, Federal Highway Administration, Friends of the Columbia Gorge, Columbia River Gorge Commission and the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, USDA Forest Service.