Historic Hood River
White River Bridge
8-9-2013
Notes
How many times do you think this bridge has been rebuilt since this picture was taken in 1925? This bridge was a critical link in the Mt. Hood Loop Highway, which is so often overshadowed by its contemporary, the Columbia River Highway.
Last year this bridge was raised and widened, though I suspect it won’t be the last time. Here’s a recent view.
charlott
I wouldn’t even venture a guess how many bridges have spanned the White River. Wonder what the longevity of this particular one was. The decking looks like railroad ties…..
The vehicle looks like some sort of bus, maybe an early version of a touring vehicle.
nels
The severity and height of the side cut on the far side is pretty dramatic. And if you look at the age of the remaining trees it gives you an idea of when it was previously so extreme . White River certainly keeps us in our place with it’s dynamic sculpturing.
I particularly like the shot of the recent bridge packed full of huge boulders.
longshot
Weren’t there some White Touring cars in the valley being used as a bus service to between Parkdale and Hood River for a while? I wonder if this is one that might have been taken for an women’s day out excursion to see the (potentially new) White River bridge.
Interesting seeing the vertical plank solid decking. Looks like at least 2×8’s if not 2×10’s.
spinsur
I thought that cab style was indicative of Ford Model ‘C’ trucks? I too like the verticals for decking. Lots of strength.
longshot
I have no idea on the brand, model, year, etc on the truck. I was just guessing it might be a White because I had heard there had been at least one in use in the valley.
l.e.
Looks like this bridge might be west of the new one?
I wonder if there were two sections to the bridge and the pile of rock on the right had side is a center support.
I’m guessing the lady on the right is Alva Day’s wife Io and the second one from the left is his daughter. She has a certain way of holding her head.
charlott
Yes, that definitely looks like the woman in the Lost Lake pictures.
Jill Stanford
I was just there at White River (on Saturday, September 20th 2014)
. Looks just the same except the bridge is better! And so was our vehicle. Travelled on to Cody Orchards and brought back pears. Marvelous day – so beautiful.
Jeffrey Bryant
The White River bridge was washed out and then replaced in 1924. On October 9, 1924 a group from Hood River made the loop.
https://oregonnews.uoregon.edu/lccn/sn97071110/1924-10-16/ed-1/seq-1/
Jeffrey Bryant
Crews rush work on Loop Repair after damage to White River bridge.
https://oregonnews.uoregon.edu/lccn/sn97071110/1926-10-21/ed-1/seq-3/