Historic Hood River
Dry Canyon Creek Bridge
Notes
This Donnerberg & Slocum image of the Columbia River Highway bridge over Dry Creek Canyon (near Rowena Dell/Crest) reminds us the Highway wasn’t just between Hood River and Troutdale. The connection between Hood River and the Dalles was not complete until 1922, so we have a few more years to plan how to celebrate its centennial.
I suspect this image was taken right after the construction of the bridge. The car’s plates are from the 1920s, and there is a pile of what could be concrete forms at the SW end of the bridge. The rock debris from excavation for the bridge footings hasn’t yet weathered.
Nowadays this bridge gets almost as much bicycle traffic as automobile traffic. It serves as an important connection for cyclists from Hood River who wish to access the wonderful hilly loops beyond the Dalles.
Tags: 1920s, automobile, bridge, Columbia River Highway, Donnerberg, Dry Canyon Creek Bridge, Rowena Dell
Buzz
Neat looking old bridge. To me, more aesthetically pleasing than spans we erect today with our computer driven architecture.
L.E.
Beautiful bridge and I don’t remember crossing it. Guess I need to take a drive.
Now days we zip across those creek beds and don’t even notice them.
At one time they would have been an impediment to travel.
spinsur
Another of the McCollough bridges: http://columbiariverhighway.com/dry-canyon-creek-bridge/
Longshot
Head out to see this bridge on a late winter’s day when there is a strong west wind blowing and you may get to see the reversing falls to the left side of the area shown in this photo. One of the great delights of the gorge.
Kenn
This is at the top of the Rowena loops and at the Tom McCall wildflower preserve, a great place to visit for spring wildflowers (and rattle snakes and poison oak)
LMH
Remember biology class field trip with Miss Joseph to collect wildflowers. It was one of those raw, unpleasant, spring days that only could be found at Rowena. No rattlesnakes out that day.
Charlott
Spring is a wonderful time to take a trip. Start at Mosier and go up when the blue bells are in full bloom….I always attempt to try and guage when they are blooming and take a jaunt up that way.
Bill P
Do you all remember this area formerly named Hog Canyon and how it got its name?
Bill P.
L.E.
No Bill P. I don’t remember this canyon formerly named Hog Canyon.
I would love to hear the story of how it got that name!
I enjoy reading your. "I was there" comments on these photos.
Evelyn
I just photographed this bridge from both sides….after several times of crossing it through the years and not realizing how beautiful it is!