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Your source for updates and information regarding efforts to remember, restore and reconnect the Historic Columbia River Highway and State Trail - a world class adventure from Portland to The Dalles.
Historic Columbia River Highway News - July 2016
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The Historic Highway was rededicated on June 7, 2016
On June 7, visitors experienced the Historic Columbia River Highway as it was meant to be. Antique cars paraded down the highway transporting attendees back 100 years, when the highway was originally dedicated.
On the morning of June 7, honored guests, elected officials and historical reenactors arrived for the Historic Columbia River The antique cars filled the parking lot at Multnomah Falls. Highway's 100th birthday at Glenn Otto Park in Troutdale. The antique cars hummed as they pulled in to pick up attendees.
After getting settled in their vehicles, the parade continued on to the Vista House, where participants were greeted with a formal ceremony of bag pipers, the raising of the U.S. flag and two blasts from a Howitzer by members of the Army. In addition, a classic biplane flew over the site.
The cars returned to the highway that was made for them. At Multnomah Falls, the site of the original dedication ceremony, the cars filled the parking lot, attracting hundreds of Multnomah Falls visitors who stopped to ask questions and take photos. A merry band of bicyclists rode from Corbett past Vista House, and arrived A blessing by the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs at Multnomah Falls before the started the ceremony. cars.
Royal Rosarians ushered travelers from their vehicles to the event area to mingle before the ceremony commenced, stopping to take photos with The Road Trip of Historic Proportions.
A Native American blessing by Jefferson Greene of the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs started the ceremony, The Royal Rosarians were a festive part of the followed by a performance of celebrations. the national anthem by the Daughters of the American Revolution. Sam Hill, HCRH visionary played by actor Tom Burns, acted as a host for the ceremony. Former Governors Ted Kulongoski and Barbara Roberts spoke and read a letter from President Obama, then finally a flag unfurled to the sound of trumpets blasting. The ceremony concluded with song, "Roll on Columbia" played on piano by Thomas Lauderdale, of Pink Martini.
A cake was cut for the public, many of whom were able to witness the rededication ceremony from places on the path to the falls. Groups stopped to take photos with the Road Trip of Historic Proportions and expressed excitement about stumbling upon such a historic event. The United States Postal Service offered special edition cancellations commemorating the 100th anniversary.
Later in the afternoon, a statue created by local sculptor Rip Caswell was unveiled and dedicated to Hill and Sam Lancaster at Visionary Park in Troutdale.
Events throughout the summer will continue to celebrate the beautiful Historic Columbia River Highway.
The flag was unfurled at the end of the ceremony over the bridge at Multnomah Falls.
Let's celebrate the Centennial!
We're gearing up for an exciting summer (and fall) of events for the Centennial. Check out these July and August 2016 events.
July 23 - Troutdale SummerFest pancake breakfast at 8 a.m., parade starts at 11 a.m. July 23 - Friends of the Historic The Multnomah Falls Lodge is sporting a Columbia River highway Antique Car banner to celebrate 100 years of the Tour (Troutdale to Gorge Discovery Center) Historic Highway. July 23 - Mosier Parade August 6 - 2016 Soulful Giving Blanket Concert: East County's Ultimate Food, Wine & Music Event starting at 11:30 a.m. (Troutdale, OR) August 7 - Bridge of the Gods Half Marathon and 10K (Cascade Locks, OR) August 20 - In a Landscape multi-media piano project at 7 p.m. (Vista House, OR) August 24 - In a Landscape multi-media piano project at 1 p.m. (Oneonta Tunnel, OR) August 27 - Portland Women's Forum State Scenic Viewpoint Celebration
I-84 construction in full swing this summer and fall
Construction is now underway on I-84, including nighttime paving that started the first week of June from Troutdale-Multnomah Falls, Cascade Locks-Hood River, and Mosier-The Dalles.
Visit www.I84Construction.org to learn more and www.TripCheck.com for real- time traffic conditions.
Under Construction! Paving Sandy River to Multnomah Falls: June - Oct. 2016*; crews are paving the highway and some ramps, requiring nighttime lane and ramp closures
Work Finished! Tanner Creek Bridge Repair at Bonneville Dam: The bridge repair work is now complete
Under Construction! Paving Cascade Locks to Hood River: June - Sep. 2016*; crews are paving the highway and some ramps, requiring nighttime lane and ramp closures
Under Construction! Extending the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail: Feb. - July 2016* construction work will require daytime shoulder closures; Sep. 24, 2016 trail opening*
Hood River Rockfall Repair: Sep. 2016 - May 2017*
Under Construction! Mosier to The Dalles Paving & Median Barrier Replacement: June - Sep. 2016*; requiring lane closures
Work Almost Finished! Paving and Bridge Construction in The Dalles: Feb. 2015 - June 2016*
* Schedule is subject to change due to weather and site conditions
History - The Lindsey Inn
Back in the day, the Lindsey Inn sat along the Columbia River Highway, the railroad line and the banks of the Lindsey Creek and the Columbia River, fifty-six miles east of Portland and twelve miles west of Hood River. The wood smoke wafting from the fireplace chimneys on fall days drew visitors into an inviting Vintage picture of the Lindsey Inn. space where they could dine on country dinners of trout, salmon, game, or fried chicken, topped off with ice cream for dessert. These meals must have just hit the spot for motorists on long trips or for those on Sunday drives from Portland or Hood River or The Dalles.
Today the old inn is gone, replaced by Interstate 84 but 1.2-miles of the Historic Highway State Trail are being built this summer between Starvation Creek Trailhead and Lindsey Creek, going right place the site of the Lindsey Inn. The design of this new trail was inspired by the graceful and elegant design of America's first scenic highway with stone walls, a new bridge over Warren Creek, overlooks and picnic areas. The new State Trail will be dedicated on September 24, 2016; more information in future emails.
The next segment of the State Trail construction will start in winter 2017 and will extend the from Lindsey Creek 3.3 miles west to Wyeth. Once completed, this 5-mile total trail segment will provide an excellent way to experience the Gorge at a much slower pace.
Hiking the Historic Highway The Starvation Creek Trailhead (named for stranded railroad passengers who got stuck in in snow) is the perfect location for a picnic by a waterfall and a short hike chock full of history. You can access several epic Gorge trails (including Mt.Defiance and the Starvation Creek Ridge Trails) along this 1.2-mile trail which provides easy access to Cabin Creek Falls and Hole-in-the-Wall Falls.
The State Trail will be under construction through August 31, 2016 and will require weekday closure (Monday 6 a.m. to Friday at 6 p.m.) of trails 413 (Mt Defiance Trail), 414 (Starvation Ridge Trail) and 414A (Starvation Ridge cutoff Trail).
Directions to Starvation Creek Trailhead:
Traveling east on I-84, take Exit #55 (Starvation Creek State Park and Rest Area - eastbound exit only). Traveling west on I-84, you'll continue past Exit #55 to Exit #51/Wyeth and come back east. The Starvation Ridge and Mt. Defiance trails begin at the west end of the parking lot by walking alongside the freeway. Starvation Creek Falls is east of the restrooms.
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Share this newsletter with your friends and colleagues by clicking on the "Forward this email" link below. Read more about the Historic Columbia River Highway, on ODOT's website. We encourage you to share your stories and pictures of the Historic Highway using hashtag #Route30 or #HistoricColumbiaRiverHighway on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Kristen Stallman | Oregon Department of Transportation 503-731-4957 | [email protected]
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