Historic Columbia River Gorge Highway OR

Traveling along the Historic Columbia River Highway offers an unparalleled journey through both automotive history and spectacular natural beauty. Conceived by visionary entrepreneur Sam Hill and engineered by Samuel Lancaster, the construction of the 75-mile highway began in 1913, opening in 1916 as America’s first scenic highway.

Traveling westward through the upper Columbia River Gorge reveals one of the most dramatic environmental transitions in North America. The landscape transforms rapidly from a sun-bleached, arid plateau into a lush, dense temperate rainforest—a striking visual shift driven entirely by the region’s unique geography. Those who begin their journey in The Dalles are greeted by an open, high-desert landscape. Here, the gorge walls are wide, terraced, and composed of exposed, golden-brown basalt flows. Vegetation is sparse, dominated by sagebrush, bunchgrass, and low-growing shrubs, with almost no natural tree cover. The transformation begins around Rowena Crest and becomes fully realized by the time travelers reach Hood River, a span of just 20 miles.

The roadway has undergone dramatic changes over time, reflecting evolving attitudes toward tourism and transportation infrastructure. During the mid-20th century, parts of the original route were bypassed, abandoned, or destroyed to clear space for the faster, modern Interstate 84 at water level. However, recognizing its irreplaceable cultural value, the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area Act of 1986 initiated a major restoration effort to reconnect the old highway. Today, the route is split into two distinct entities: a drivable, two-lane scenic byway for vehicles, and a car-free, paved multi-use path known as the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail, which has become a paradise for hikers and cyclists.

The western driving stretch is legendary for its "Waterfall Corridor," a five-mile span featuring one of the highest concentrations of cascading waterfalls in North America. Special places to stop include Latourell Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and the iconic 620-foot-tall Multnomah Falls, where visitors can stand on Benson Bridge to feel the cool mountain mist. Further east, unique points of interest await at places like Rowena Crest, famous for its dramatic horseshoe-shaped "Rowena Loops" that twist down the cliffside, and the newly rebuilt Mitchell Point Tunnel, featuring five hand-chiseled arched windows looking over the river. The route transitions beautifully from lush, moss-covered rainforests in the west to a semi-arid, wildflower-rich plateau at its eastern terminus in The Dalles.

For today’s travelers, the highway is well-equipped with amenities that enrich the sightseeing experience. Historic lodges and viewpoints line the highway, starting with the Portland Women’s Forum State Scenic Viewpoint, which frames the classic image of the canyon. The crown jewel of rest stops is the octagonal, 1918 Vista House at Crown Point, perched 733 feet above the water; its multi-level interior features a comprehensive visitor center, historic exhibits, a gift shop, and a café serving regional treats. With ample parking, trailheads, interpretation plaques, and accessible restrooms scattered along the route, a journey on this National Historic Landmark remains an unmissable Pacific Northwest adventure.

Fun Facts

Famously dubbed the "King of Roads" and "A Poem in Stone," it was specifically designed to showcase the region's dramatic landscapes rather than act as a mere transport route. Italian stonemasons were brought in to hand-craft exquisite stone retaining walls, guardrails, and graceful arched bridges that blend seamlessly into the volcanic geology of the Columbia River Gorge.

Attraction Advice

The Historic Columbia River Highway is a public state highway and is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, weather-permitting. There are no fees to access the highway, but Multnomah Falls requires a parking permit during the summer months. Most of the highway and its trails are pet-friendly, but pets must be kept on a leash of no more than six feet.