Historic Columbia River Highway - Mosier to The Dalles, Oregon

Info:

Dubbed the "King of Roads," the Historic Columbia River Highway was the nation's first scenic highway.

This is how the Friends of the Historic Columbia River Highway describe the road: "Imagine crafting a national treasure on a landscape so revered that each viewpoint is protected, the design and materials in complete harmony with the natural elements, and the creation so good that people come from all over the world to marvel at its perfection.  This is the Historic Columbia River Highway – the King of Roads – a pathway along the spectacular Columbia River Gorge."

The Historic Highway was built between 1913 and 1922. This 9-mile scenic route parallels I-84 and climbs the Rowena Plateau to Rowena via the Rowena Crest Overlook. The highway does run all the way from Mosier to The Dalles. The most scenic viewpoints with views of the Columbia River can be found on the section between Mosier and Rowena. Be sure and hike the Tom McCall Nature Preserve while you are there. There is currently no gas available in Mosier or Rowena, so plan accordingly. RVs are permitted, but the road is narrow and curvy in spots, so use caution and watch for cyclists who frequent this stretch of highway.

History of the Highway:

Learn more about the history of the highway and how it was built here: http://hcrh.org/history.html

Restoration of the Highway as a State Trail:

Learn more about the efforts to restore the highway as a continuous state trail by 2016: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gJnsCM-SVS4

Amenities:

• Biking

• Lodging

• Camping

• Windsurfing

• Fishing

• Hiking

• Sailing

• Views

• Picknicking

Driving Directions:

I-84. Take exit 69 at Mosier and go east.  The highway can also be accessed from I-84 at Rowena or The Dalles.