Historic Hood River
Tooth Rock at Base of Wauna Mountain
12-28-2021
Notes
This fine Weister Co. postcard shows the Columbia River Highway when it passed next to Tooth Rock before descending to Eagle Creek. This was one of the first sections of the original highway to be relocated as this congested piece of real estate needed to accommodate not only the highway but the railroad and then the dam. Today the state trail makes use of this previously abandoned section of roadway before descending the infamous Eagle Creek Stairs down to the fish hatchery.
L.E.
I did not realize the Columbia was that narrow right there.
Would this be about where the wooden rail way on the Washington side began?
ArthurB
I believe you’re correct, LE. The portage railroad was by Ft. Lugenbeel and Bradford’s store. There’s a famous Carleton Watkins photo of the railroad. The east end was roughly across the river from this spot.
nels
Can you use the stairs at this time?
Kenn
Ft Lugenbeel location is to the left of this photo with
Bradfords store below. I believe the fort was built to prevent another attack from Chief Kamiaikin.
Kyle
I know this spot well, we’ve biked this section (and climbed those dreaded stairs, with loaded bikes) many times. It’s one of the best views on the whole route, and that’s saying a lot.
Nels, stairs are surely still in use. I think we used them summer of 2021.