The Columbia River Highway was built in Oregon along the Columbia River between 1913 and 1922. When the Multnomah County portion was first paved in 1916, it was the first major paved highway in the Pacific Northwest. Once completed, it ran from Astoria to The Dalles, a total of 196 miles. It was one of the routes in the National Auto Trail system.
I-84 and other developments have resulted in the abandonment of major sections of this original highway. In the interest of tourism and historical preservation, seventy-four miles of the original, from Troutdale to The Dalles have been established as the Historic Columbia River Highway (HCRH). Forty miles are open to motor vehicles:
- The 24 westernmost miles starting in Troutdale, which provide access to dozens of hiking trails as well as numerous waterfalls such as Multnomah Falls.
- The 16 easternmost miles ending in The Dalles.
The remaining portions of the HCRH designated for non-motorized use are now known as the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail. These are being developed as tax dollars become available.
The Columbia River Highway is the nation's oldest scenic highway. In 1984 it was recognized as a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark by the American Society of Civil Engineers.
See also
Sources
