Historic Hood River
Cape Horn, 1896
10-7-2025
Notes
This view of Cape Horn on the Columbia is copyright 1896 by B. W. Kilburn. It’s a nice companion to this view form the other side. You can understand how Cape Horn was a formidable obstacle to both the north shore railroad and highway. The railroad now tunnels through this rock, while the highway winds its way up over the top with considerable effort. There’s a good view of the construction of the railroad tunnel in this post.
L. E.
It amazes me that they even considered putting a tunnel through these rocks.
Thorn
I’d say the Cape Horn viewpoint is the second best in the west Gorge after Portland Women’s Forum. But even from I-84, those cliffs, and layers of lava, always draw attention, especially when the long streaming waterfalls flow or a mile-long train is passing through that half-mile-long tunnel. The real allure is boating up to the base–thanks for that google photo of the kayaker. Pretty cool those folks around the corner could paddle the point any time to see it. And I imagine how wicked the wind and waves must get, probably much like the real Cape Horn.
ArthurB
Thanks, Thorn, I never realized why it was called “Cape Horn”. Makes sense.
Thorn
I’m not sure I’m correct, but thank you Arthur, very nice to contribute and be appreciated. Love this site, and I thank you and all the followers right back every day.