Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail

Since the 1987, the Oregon Department of Transportation has been charged with working with Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, the State Historic Preservation Office and Travel Oregon to preserve, enhance and reconnect the Historic Columbia River Highway.

Much work has been accomplished since that date; 69 of the original 73 miles of the Historic Columbia River Highway are now open to travel either by motor vehicle (Historic Highway or connecting county roads) or by foot and bicycle (State Trail). Only 4 miles are needed to complete the connection.

Watch six, short videos to learn more about reconnecting the Historic Highway as a State Trail.

Trail Segments

Click on each of the segment areas below to learn more about projects and segment features! View a printable version of the segments.

Between John B. Yeon State Park and Cascade Locks (Interstate 84 exit 44) the State Trail includes great views of the Columbia River and several waterfalls. The "Bonneville Segment" of the State Trail is a car-free stretch of the Historic Highway located within the Waterfall Zone, which also includes segments that allow cars.

This stretch of the Historic Highway State Trail:

Can be accessed by people hiking, biking, or using wheelchairs.
Has parking (check to see if fees/permits are required) at:

John B. Yeon State Park
Elowah Falls Trailhead
Toothrock Trailhead
Eagle Creek Recreation Area (Cascade Fish Hatchery)
Under the Bridge of the Gods in Cascade Locks

This segment includes the last 4 miles that need to be reconnected. As of September 2023, people hiking, biking and rolling can enjoy eight miles of car-free trail heading east from Wyeth Trailhead (Exit 51) on the below trail segments.

Wyeth to Lindsey Creek

The 3-mile State Trail segment connects the new Wyeth Trailhead (I-84 near milepost 51) to Lindsey Creek. Continue east on three additional miles of trail to Viento State Park. This segment was a major undertaking including a trail around Shellrock Mountain on top of the existing bin wall, a 500’ Summit Creek Viaduct (bridge over land), and the Lindsey Creek Bench Cut.

Lindsey Creek to Viento State Park

This segment of the Historic Highway State Trail:

Provides an almost 3-mile long, car-free setting for people to hike, bike, or use mobility devices.
Offers wheelchair accessibility to the west and east of Starvation Creek trailhead: east a 1/2 mile to Starvation Creek Falls and west to Hole-in-the-Wall Falls overlook.
Has parking at Starvation Creek trailhead.

Mitchell Point Segment - current work

Mitchell Point is a formidable mountain that requires a new tunnel to connect the western segments of State Trail to Hood River and The Dalles. The Mitchell Point Segment contains three trail segments:

Viento State Park to Mitchell Point --

2 miles of trail from Viento State Park east opened in September 2023.
This segment of trail does not yet connect to the Mitchell Point Tunnel. Construction on the last .7 miles (three-quarters of a mile) connecting to Mitchell Point is anticipated as soon as 2026.

Mitchell Point Tunnel --

1.5 miles of State Trail, including the 655-foot long Mitchell Point Tunnel opened in March 2025.
Work included upgrading the trailhead and picnic areas, creating “rest and pause” areas with views up and down the Columbia River Gorge, and replanting an abandoned quarry to the east of the Tunnel.
The tunnel has five adits, or windows that bring light and fresh air into the tunnel, reminiscent of the historic tunnel in the same location.

Mitchell Point Tunnel to I-84 --

We are currently designing 0.25 miles of additional trail heading eastward from Mitchell Point Tunnel on Mitchell Point Drive which will create a separated bicycle and pedestrian undercrossing beneath I-84.
Construction and design funding is identified and design will be complete in May 2026, with construction is anticipated to start in late 2026.

I-84 to Hood River -- Design underway.

Located between the Senator Mark O. Hatfield West and East Trailheads (between Hood River and Mosier) this segment includes over four miles of State Trail.

This segment of the Historic Highway:

Allows people to hike, bike, and use wheelchairs on a car-free trail.
Has parking and a Visitor Station at the Senator Mark O. Hatfield West Trailhead near Hood River. Oregon Parks and Recreation Department require a $3.00 day-use fee.
Has parking at the Senator Mark O. Hatfield East Trailhead (Mosier). ADA parking available at the gate.Oregon Parks and Recreation Department require a $3.00 day-use fee.

Ongoing Projects

Sixty-eight of the original 73 miles of the Historic Columbia River Highway are now open to travel either by motor vehicle (Historic Highway or connecting county roads) or by foot and bicycle (State Trail). Only 5 miles are needed to complete the connection. Below is more information about these ongoing projects that will complete these last 5 miles.

Viento State Park to Mitchell Point Gap

We are preparing to pave the 0.7 mile gap linking Viento State Park to Mitchell Point on the state trail. The ADA accessible trail will be open to people walking, biking, and rolling. Schedule: Construction is anticipated to begin as soon as fall 2025 and continue until 2026.

Mitchell Point to I-84 Undercrossing

We are currently designing 0.25 miles of additional trail heading eastward from Mitchell Point Tunnel on Mitchell Point Drive and create a separated bicycle and pedestrian undercrossing beneath I-84. Construction funding is identified and construction is anticipated to start in late 2026.

Completed Projects

Visit Oregon Parks and Recreation's website to learn about already completed State Trail segments.