Historic Hood River
Mushroom Rock
3-30-2015
Notes
Here’s Ella May Davidson’s view of “Mushroom Rock,” where instead of a full tunnel bore they just undercut the cliff side to leave room for the roadway. It doesn’t look like the paving crews got this far yet.
This is fine example of an area which needs some vegetation clearing to fully enjoy highway features and vistas. I’ve passed by this point many times without even noticing the basalt formation. If you want to check it out yourself, it’s just east of Shepperd’s Dell.
Kenn
Nice stonework on the wall and a novel guard rail, a great picture.
Ralph
If you zoom in there appears to be UFO or possibly a blimp in the distant sky
located in the center of the picture just above the far rock wall. Any idea what it could be?
Buzz
Those oldtimers built some amazing things. I wonder how many men died building that old highway through the gorge?
L.E.
Last year, we drove the Chuckanut Scenic Drive near Bellingham. I didn’t think it was very scenic because trees and brush had grown enough to block the scenic views.
Trees are nice, but sometimes they get in the way.
Hill and Lancaster first proposed building the road along the north bank but Washington didn’t want to spend the money. I think the Oregon bank is much more scenic and impressive with waterfalls and rock outcroppings.
However, Shellrock Mtn. must have been a worry.
Bill Pattison
The Historic Columbia River Highway Advisory Committee to ODOT and Oregon Parks and Rec. have started opening "view sheds" along the 73 mile restoration project. Examples of the work are at Women’s Forum and the approach to Vista House east bound. If you have a view that has been hidden by vegetation that you especially want opened please contact me.
Bill P.
nels
Ralph that might be part of the left overs of Arthur cleaning up the old photo, but maybe not.