Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail

This is a jolly little ramble on paved surfaces. Made me wish it went all the way to Astoria, like Highway 30 used to do. The views are stunners, and there are plenty of ‘em too! Lots of basalt rocks near the roadside. Stop and get your days weight work in by lifting a few, or better still walk the trail carrying them along. Both of the previous reviews are spot on, detailed, well documented.
Reinforcing an earlier review: stay on the right side of the road as bikers ROAR down the hills.
Highway 30 has sentimental value for me as I grew up 100 yards from the road. My dad’s meat market was on it (Sandy Blvd.), and I grew up looking out our home’s front window at the road from 1950 through 2010. I know several folks who migrated from the Midwest on 30, including my dad, in 1926. As HWY 30 wound through Troutdale there was a small road off to the side where … romance!

Both east and west trails are great for bikes.
These are somewhat easy bike and hike trails that are fun, relaxing and cool in the summer heat. Both have their hills to climb and to ride down.
The westren side near Bonneville Dam is a nice trail that is way to close 84. The trail will pull you right along side the freeway at times then out into the woods. The noise of the freeway can still be heard while in the woods but it is much quieter.
The westren trail will also so lead you to the Bridge Of The Gods in Cascade Locks. This is a good resting point or go into town for some refreshments or food. You also have an option to cross the bridge and ride into Stevenson, Wa. But you will be riding on the side of highway 14. Not fun for a family with small kids…
The Eastern trail starts in Mosier and works it way west. The trail is tough geting up to the tunnels but once past it gets easer. Some days there it can get very windy there. My girlfriend was riding downhill when the wind push her backwards up the hill. Along this trail are some wonderful views of the gorge. The trail ends 5 miles later near hood river. This part has nice park facilities to relax before the trip back. It also has park volunteers at the display room.
The ride back is easier if the wind is blowing to he east. Many downhill stretches that are a lot of fun. At one part I got the bike up to 30 miles an hour. WooHoo!!!
Be very carful of others on the trail please. Always remember that hikers always have the right of way. The Bicyclist (the expensive gear and skin tight cloths) are rude on these trails. They are so absorb in themselves that they just want you to get out of their way… Say hello anyway and tell them to have a nice day…

If you’d like to take a quick and easy hike in the Columbia River Gorge, this one is a great choice! Well, actually there are two choices. The Western section of the trail, which is closest to Portland (about 40 miles away) and the Eastern section which is between Hood River and Mosier, Oregon. Mosier is about 70 miles East of Portland.
Back around the 1920’s the historic Columbia River Highway was built along the Columbia River Gorge. Then came modern times (the mid 60’s) and Interstate Hiway 84 was built. Parts of Old Hiway 30 were then abandoned and forgotten.
Then, in the 1980 – 1990’s, parts of the old highway were uncovered and turned into a spectacular paved Gorge trail designed for hiking and biking. This is a perfect spot for a quick, casual hike. Since the wide trail is paved, you don’t even need boots, but I would take some water, your camera, and a jacket if it is cold or rainy.
THE WESTERN SECTION OF THE TRAIL
The trail section nearest Portland starts near Bonneville Dam, which is about 40 miles East of Portland on I-​84. It’s just past Multnomah Falls. Take exit #40 which will be signed «Bonneville Dam.»
At the end of the freeway ramp turn right at the stop sign, then immediately turn left at the fork. The road takes you up the hill and in about 2 minutes you’re at Tooth Rock Trailhead and a small parking lot. Walk towards the freeway and you’ll find the paved trail. Go right, walking away from Portland!
The trail takes you into forest with many ferns and moss, it’s beautiful. You’ll go over the freeway tunnel. Continue about 2 miles along the old hiway, go down a 60 step stairway and you’ll arrive at the Eagle Creek area. You’ll see some fantastic stonework from the past, check the photos! Of course the views along the trail are killer!
At that point you can continue on to Cascade Locks or turn back! We explored the Eagle Creek area and headed back. There is also another segment of the trail just east of Hood River, which I’ll tell you about below. You can get maps and more information at the website which is listed above!
THE EASTERN SECTION OF THE TRAIL
The Eastern section of the trail is between Mosier and Hood River, Oregon. It is roughly about 5 miles long.
I recommend you start at the Mark O. Hatfield Trailhead East, near Mosier, Oregon. It’s about 70 miles East of Portland on I-​84. Take exit #69, then watch for the signs that lead you to the trailhead parking area. After parking, hike a short distance back down the road you drove in on, to the actual trail entrance, about 1 or 2 minutes away. You’ll see the signs. Be sure to check the maps on the official website, listed above. Print a copy to take along on your hike!
The twin tunnels are about one mile up the trail (heading West). The wide easy to hike paved surface will take you by spectacular Gorge views and beautiful forests!
As you enter the first tunnel, watch on the right for a hand written message carved in the stone wall near the entrance, commemorating travelers stuck in the snow back in 1921!
The trail continues on to Mark O. Hatfield Trailhead West, near Hood River. We hiked about half a mile past the tunnels and turned back, which gave us a great 3 – 4 mile round-​trip hike.
When leaving your car unattended in the Gorge, it’s important to lock up. Avoid leaving valuables in your car.
Don’t forget to check the photos!