A different kind of hike. Today was the official dedication of the new Mitchell Point Tunnel, part of the Historic Columbia River Highway restoration. To make it more interesting I decided I would hike part of the finished and still in progress sections of the highway to the tunnel. I started at Starvation Creek State park to avoid the crowds at Viento State Park the official parking spot. I was surprise to run into Ted from the Rambles who had the same idea. Ted brought his bike and hoofed it over to Mitchell Point. The dedication had some nice trapping with dignitaries like congressman Peter DeFazio who helped get federal funding for the project. After the waiting and speeches we all gathered to enter the tunnel after the ribbon was cut. The most interesting part was feeling the change of mood as this mass moved into the tunnel from daylight and into total darkness a sense of panic. We all just stumbled along until we go light from the first window. After going through and back on the tunnel it was time to hike back to my car. Total walking distances out and back 10.5 miles.
I began my hike at Starvation Creek Park
A nice place to picnic by Starvation Creek
You have a view of Starvation Creek Waterfall
Why it's called Starvation Creek
Ted passes me on his bike while we travel park of the original road
A section of original road that took a lot of modifications to make safe
The barrier works
Arriving at Viento State Park
Viento was the official place to park but had very little of it.
Unfortunately the bathrooms were closed for the season
Starting on new section of trail for me
First look at Mitchell Point.
A piece of the old road not used
There are makers tell you when you are on the route.
Emerging from a wooded section
Now a long section by the noisy freeway
Getting closer to Mitchell Point
They went to great lengths to make the trail safe.
End of the new trail section. From here bikers walk.
Found this old chimney in the woods by an abandoned part of the old road
You had to walk a short rough section by the freeway
This section just waiting for funding to complete
Fall leaves on a section of the original road
Along the original road no protection from rock fall
We had to hike a short section on the Wygant Trail
A little creek we had to cross on the trail
Original section of road that has been cleaned and ready for use
They are still working on the approaches to the tunnel
Lots of stone work still to do
Arriving at Mitchell Point
Old model T and venders tents
Several organizations involved on the highway had tents here
Most popular tent had coffee and cookies and smiles
A new picnic table by the rockface of Mitchell Pt. Mt.
Mitchell Point Mt.
View of Columbia River from one of the view spots
People gathering at a view spot
The starting line for the crowed to go through the Tunnel
Still lots of work to be done on the approaches
Merlyn trying to find where the hot coffee is
The new parking lot is at the base of towering cliffs
Time for speeches
A pretty good crowd showed up considering the weather
