Historic Hood River
Pillars of Hercules, 1902
3-7-2018
Notes
I always try to pick out the Pillars of Hercules when I drive I-84 east. They look so insignificant now. The railroad no longer goes between them, and they are no longer close to the river. You can see from this 1902 A.J. Fletcher photos why they didn’t route the early railroad to the north of the Pillars.
Every photographer uses the same vantage point when photographing the Pillars. Does anyone know if it is still accessible?
Buzz
Is that tree still growing on top of the pillar on the left?
L.E.
I bet Kenn will know where the photo is taken from.
Spring flood time?
Anybody know the geology of the steeples of rocks in this area? Rooster Rock has supposedly slid down from the bluff. Are these remnants of the Missoula Flood washing away dirt?
And, does anyone know what community or farm is up ahead?
Kyle
That lone tree up there is incredible.
L.E.
Columbia River Images has a 1919 postcard that says the tree is about 40 feet tall and about 100 years old.
Arthur
I’m always driving when I pass this point on I-84, but last time I looked I didn’t see any sign of a tree atop the pillar. And the pillars look like their about 50% smaller than this photo.
nels
Lovely composition.
L.E.
I think the tree is gone.
https://www.summitpost.org/pillars-of-hercules/177110
Longshot
If you assume the poles along the track are about 25′ high, that would make the tree about 15′ tall.
The town in the background would be Bridal Veil, OR
Longshot
Just to the river side of the ties is a path, likely worn down by pedestrians and horsemen.
Kenn
This location is between two high points, this photo taken from the one west and Bridal Veil point to the east. I believe the point on the west is private property on the old dairy farm where the barn remains.
Town of Bridal Veil is apparent as is Angels Rest.
An interesting feature at the base of Bridal Veil Point is a blasting tunnel. The RR would blast out a small tunnel with laterals to put powder in blowing rock out into the river. Apparently this one was not needed or was merely too deep.
Kenn
Six wires on the line pole, until their recent removal there were up to six cross arms with thirty six. insulators.
There appears to be a cavity at the base of the pillar, it invites investigation (trespassing).