Historic Hood River
Mitchell Point Tunnel Perspective
6-24-2019
Notes
This unusual perspective view of the Mitchell Point Tunnel on the Columbia River Highway gives a good understanding of how fragile a shell of rock was used to create the feature.
The History Museum of Hood River County
Bringing the Rich History of Hood River County to Life
Charlott
I recall that tunnel vividly. Loved looking out those "port holes" while we whizzed by to or from Portland. Such a shame that this iconic thing was lost.
I would venture a guess that periodically a rock would come crashing down onto the railroad track….
I hope and would think that in this day and age it would have been preserved.
Arlen Sheldrake
what is that old but true saying…..something about if we forget our past we are doomed to repeat……I take that to mean that I need to tell my grandchildren about this loss and remind them that their deceased uncle, brother John W.,, retired ODOT, always said that it could have been saved if we had wanted to.
and this posting will help keep that memory alive. thanks Arthur…"¦"¦.
nels
Along with the former HR Bridge that would have been a wonderful
hike/bike continuation of the trail coming up from Portland.
ODOT nixed that idea too.
DAVID JOHNSON
This is scheduled to be rebuilt starting next year.
Kenn
In later years there were traffic lights to allow one way traffic, some wires remain at the east end.
Jeffrey W Bryant
https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn97071110/1915-05-20/ed-1/seq-4/
Hood River Glacier item discussing progress of the tunnel.
Jeffrey W Bryant
Columbia Highway Dedicated, July 6, 1915
https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn97071110/1915-07-08/ed-1/seq-1/
The train of eight automobiles had left Portland before 6 o’clock Tuesday morning. It was exactly 2:48 in the afternoon when the first car reached the west limits of the city.
Jeffrey W Bryant
The Hood River Glacier, August 26, 1915, page 1
Viaduct nears completion.
https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn97071110/1915-08-26/ed-1/seq-1/
Jeffrey W Bryant
Mitchells Point tunnel opened.
https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn97071110/1915-09-09/ed-1/seq-1/