Historic Hood River
Gorge Panorama, Then and Now

Notes
A few weeks ago we got to see this wonderful Reeves panoramic view circa 1904. I was looking forward to a chance to try to find the spot, but Nate Putnam beat me to it (on a spectacular day no less). He’s given me permission to share his image, which I have aligned with the historic view. They really line up well, with the exception of a little warping of the left 25%. I’m not sure if Reeves camera/tripod wasn’t perfectly level for the whole shot, or if the modern software stitching the image slid it up slightly.
Nate reported the vantage point as being above the Lutheran church and west of Dry Creek. He says there is a small bench there, and a tree with a swing. I suspect people have been enjoying the view from that spot for a while.
I’m trying to find a way to share this with you at higher resolution. There’s lots to explore. I was surprised to see the 1904 image includes Mt. Hood, just barely visible.
Tags: Bingen, Columbia River, Hood River, panorama, Reeves, White Salmon
Stever
Nice shot ! The aged fruit tree will be white in color with spring blossoms soon ! The tree is behind the photographer.
L.E.
Thanks to Historic Hood River giving us a fantastic view of 117 years difference.
What an amazing area we live in. I will be looking up on the hillside for a patch of white blossoms.
Thanks to all, for making this possible.
Ralph Brown
For a complete analysis of the landscape 1904 with cutout side by side comparisons to the 2021 picture, plus some history of the White Salmon Area, please take a look at Chapter 3a of the Facebook Group “The Early Years of White Salmon and Surrounding Areas” In 1904, the town sites of White Salmon and Bingen did not exist. The above pictures in 1904 was all referred to as White Salmon.