#historic columbia river highway

[rabbitcruiser]

Robert Gray commands the first expedition to sail into the Columbia River on May 11, 1792.

[urbanadventureleague]

A Midweek Gorge Ride, with a Brompton twist: 14-15 June 2023

The loaded Brompton at Crown Point, 14 June 2023. Olympus XA/Bergger Pancro 400 The Midweek Gorge Ride is one of my favorite regularly occurring rides. It was started by my friend Kiran in 2005 and I took it over a few years later. Originally it went only to Crown Point then turned around, eventually I extended it to Multnomah Falls and then added the camping at Ainsworth component. Every year…

[travelella]

Rowena Crest Viewpoint, Historic Columbia River Highway, Mosier, Oregon, USA

Eric Muhr

[garyquayphotography]

“Along the Toothrock Trail, Columbia Gorge, October 2022.”

©2022 Gary L. Quay

I accidentally exposed this film like it was Rollei RPX 25, so I wasn't sure how it would work out, but it seems to be just fine.

This is along the Toothrock Trail, which is part of the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail, near the Bonneville Dam. This section of the old road was bypassed in favor of a tunnel in the 1930's, and was left to go back to nature until the state brought it back to life as part of a hiking/biking trail that will go from Troutdale to The Dalles. Parts of it that were kept as roads when the old highway was vivisected to build I-84 in the 1960's are still open for cars. This section was one that was almost destroyed. There is a portion of the 1856 old portage road that went around Cascade Locks that still exists near this spot, but it was closed off after the Eagle Creek Fire in 2017. I tried to access it the day I took this picture, but the path was choked with weeds. I hope it can be saved.

The burn marks you see on the trees are leftover from the 2017 fire.

Camera: Hasselbld 500CM

Lens: 80mm Zeiss Planar

Film: Kodak TMax 400 developed by Blue Moon Camera and Machine in Saint Johns Oregon.

[360nw]

Chanticleer Point View - February 2016

Chanticleer Point is a geographical landmark on the Oregon side of the Columbia River Gorge. It is the first notable overlook encountered traveling east on the Historic Columbia River Highway. It is a typical location from which to take photos of the gorge featuring Crown Point prominently. It overlooks Rooster Rock State Park.

The overlook is part of the Oregon state park system and its official name is the Portland Women's Forum State Scenic Viewpoint. A plaque placed at the site describes the Forum's support of this landmark. Wikipedia

[wisco-warrior]

➤ Multnomah Falls is a waterfall located on Multnomah Creek in the Columbia River Gorge, east of Troutdale, between Corbett and Dodson, Oregon, United States. The waterfall is accessible from the Historic Columbia River Highway and Interstate 84. Spanning two tiers on basalt cliffs, it is the tallest waterfall in the state of Oregon at 620 ft (189 m) in height. The Multnomah Creek Bridge, built in 1914, crosses below the falls, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Doug Shearer Photography

[caseyneill]

The new album 'Sending Up Flares' was released by Fluff & Gravy Records last Fall and the response has been fantastic. There were joyous shows opening and singing with The Indigo Girls, a West Coast band run, a UK tour with Jerry Joseph, & solo performances in the NE and NW of the USA. The album is still fresh and there's much more ahead. Starting with these TOURDATES! xoxo, CN

April 19th - PORTLAND, OR - THE MINUS 5 rides again. A Birthday party for XRAY.fm at Polaris Hall. Scott McCaughey leads the charge with Peter Buck, Jim Talstra, Paul Pulvirenti, and Casey Neill. On sale CASEY NEILL SHOWS May 2nd - EUGENE, OR @ The Hybid tickets on sale May 9th - NOVATO, CA @ Hopmonk Tavern opening for Thunderstorm Artis. KC Turner presents. On sale now. June 12th - SEATTLE, WA @ TRACTOR TAVERN (full band!) with Downpilot. On sale now June 13th - HOOD RIVER, OR @ The Ruins (full band!) Our annual throwdown in the Columbia River Gorge. One of our favorite venues in the NW. June 26th - NEW YORK, NY @ 11th Street Bar This historical Lower East Side local has long been my home away from home. Special guests, friendly ghosts, and lovely atmosphere. June 29th - BLUE HILL, MAINE at Barn Castle Making this benefit for WERU radio annual at this cool rustic downeast venue. On sale here July 4 - 7 - SUFFOLK, UK at MAVERICK FESTIVAL w/ Sadies, Walter Salas-Humara and much more... Info and tickets July 11 - LONDON, UK @ Green Note 7pm doors, 8:30pm music Tickets on sale A solo show in London!

Some 'Sending Up Flares' reviews - - Americana Highways - "Slip on the headphones, drive to the starlit Mojave in your mind, and look upon the warm desert sands" _ Alternate Root - "atmospheric and alluring all in equal measure, and, as a result, becomes consistently compelling" - AmericanaUK - Track profile 'How Beautiful Am I?' "Oh wow – now this is something really special. Frankly I could, and probably will, listen to this all day. A grey January Monday morning just got a whole lot better.

[anniekoh]

The Portland Bridge Book by Sharon Wood Wortman with Ed Wortman

Third edition of The Portland Bridge Book is like an old faithful bridge that's been restored by a dedicated crew of specialists to increase its carrying capacity for the public's enjoyment. Over a span of 225 pages (50 percent larger than the second edition and more than twice the size of the first edition), this edition delivers: Profiles 15 highway bridges and four railroad bridges across the Willamette and Columbia rivers in the metro area. Each structure's general history, technical details, source of its name, and more are explained in accessible language. 150 historic and large format contemporary photographs, many published for the first time. Annotated drawings by Joseph Boquiren showing Portland's movable bridges in operation. How & Why Bridges Are Built, written by Fremont Bridge field engineer Ed Wortman. Expanded and localized glossary of bridge termsPortland transportation history timeline, truss patterns, bridge poetry, lyrics.

Images 1 & 2 from the Portland Bridge Book. Image 3 is the cover of the book.

Snippets

Multnomah County owns four of the five large movable bridges: Hawthorne, Morrison, Burnside, and Broadway bridges, as well as Sellwood and Sauvie Island bridges. Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) owns state and interstate highway structures, i.e. Ross Island, Marquam, Fremont, St. Johns, Oregon City, and Abernethy bridges, and across the Columbia River, Glenn Jackson Bridge and in a joint agreement with WA state, the Interstate Bridge.

Other notable bridges in Portland Oregon that do not cross the river.

Balch Gulch Bridge on Thurman Street in Northwest Portland, built for the 1905 Lewis and Clark Exposition. One of about 150 highway and pedestrian bridges owned and maintained by the City of Portland, this unusual hanging deck truss is the oldest highway deck truss bridge in Oregon. Vista Avenue Viaduct, a 248-foot open-spandrel reinforced concrete highway arch located 128 feet above SW Jefferson St on the way to US Highway 26 in Portland's West Hills.

Tilikum Crossing: Portland's Bridges and a New Icon by Donald MacDonald & Ira Nadel (2020)

Portland, Oregon's innovative and distinctive landmark, Tilikum Crossing Bridge of the People, is the first major bridge in the U.S, carrying trains, busses, streetcars, bicycles, and pedestrians- but no private automobiles. When regional transportation agency TriMet began planning for the first bridge to be constructed across the Willamette River since 1973, the goal was to build a something symbolic, which would represent the progressive nature of the Twenty-First Century. Part of that progressiveness was engaging in a public process that involved neighborhood associations, small businesses, environmentalists, biologists, bicycling enthusiasts, designers, engineers, and the City Council. The result of this collaboration was an entirely unique bridge that increased the transportation capacity of the city while allowing Portlanders to experience their urban home in an entirely new way—car-free. In this book, the award winning architect of Tilikum Crossing, Donald MacDonald, and co-author Ira Nadel, tell the story of Portland through its bridges. Written in a friendly voice, readers will learn how Portland came to be known as "The City of Bridges" and the home to this new icon in the city's landscape. MacDonald uses 98 of his own drawings to illustrate the history of Portland river crossings and to show the process of building a Twenty-First Century landmark

Image 4 is the Tilikum Crossing book cover. Image 5 is a photo of the bridge itself.

Short video: Aerial footage of some of the bridges in Portland, Oregon. Relaxing views of the Broadway, Fremont and Steel bridges. Apr 26, 2021

[coochiequeens]

Ladies in Oregon Be careful

EDT / Updated June 5, 2023, 2:37 PM EDT

By Deon J. Hampton

Six women have been found dead in less than three months in secluded, wooded areas in the Portland, Oregon, region, but law enforcement authorities said they have not found any evidence that the cases are linked.

The women's bodies were found within 100 miles of one another, the Portland Police Bureau said in a news release over the weekend. Police have not determined whether they were all homicide victims, but they were all under age 40. 

Although news of the deaths was widely circulated on social media, the Portland Police Bureau said there was no reason to believe the deaths were connected.

“These discussions have led to some anxiety and fear in our community, and we want to provide reassurance that the speculation is not supported by the facts available at this point,” the department said in the statement.

The body of Kristin Smith, 22, was discovered on Feb. 19 in southeast Portland. Police said her cause of death has not been determined.

JoAnna Speaks, 32, was found dead on April 8 inside a barn at an abandoned property in Ridgefield, Washington, about 22 miles north of Portland, authorities said. She died of blunt-force trauma to her neck and head, according to the Clark County Medical Examiner. 

Charity Lynn Perry, 24, was found in a culvert by the East Historic Columbia River Highway in Multnomah County on April 24, said Deputy John Plock, a spokesman for the sheriff's office.

The same day, an unidentified woman was found dead inside a tent in Portland, police said, adding she may have been Indigenous, and there were no signs of foul play.

Bridget Webster, 31, was discovered on a rural road in Polk County on April 30, and Ashley Real, 22, was found in a wooded area on May 7. 

“It’s just so heartbreaking, and it’s really hard to put into words,” Robyn Speaks, JoAnna Speaks' sister, told NBC affiliate KGW of Portland. “It’s kind of hitting us more that it’s real, and we keep seeing on the news all these new girls.”

JoAnna Speak's stepsister Ariel Hamby said in an interview with “NBC Nightly News” that she was horrified and heartbroken.

“She was an amazing sister and wonderful daughter and a fantastic mother,” Hamby said. “This isn’t just about my sister anymore even if it’s not one person doing this."

Webster's stepgrandfather, who would provide only his first name, Tom, because he said he has been inundated with phone calls about the women, said he raised Webster "until she left when she was a freshman in high school."

“She was a good girl until I lost contact with her years ago,” Tom said, adding that he changed her diapers and taught her how to play basketball.

Multiple police and sheriff's departments are investigating the cases, and the Portland Police Bureau said it was also working with the county and state medical examiner's offices. 

“One of the main things that they are going to be looking at is the manner of death and the weapon," Bryanna Fox, a former FBI special agent, told “NBC Nightly News.” "If that’s consistent across all of these victims, then that will be a huge point.”

[anonsally]

Days 2-3 of Portland vacation

In which we eat yummy things and hike and see exciting birds!

On Day 2, Friend needed a day to recover her spoons, so Wife and I took the bus to Mt Tabor, a smallish park not too far from where we’re staying, and did a short but pleasant walk, with some steep inclines. We enjoyed the smells of the trees--I especially love the scent of Douglas fir, but we also got to smell some elderflowers. When we were ready to head home for lunch, we checked the transit app and saw that we had about 15 minutes before the next bus, so Wife sat and faffed around on her phone while I spent a few minutes birdwatching. I got a good look at a Northern Flicker, and also saw a smallish brown bird that may have been a fledgling calling for food, but I didn’t see the parent and couldn’t identify it. (I wasn’t close enough for Merlin’s sound app to identify it either.)

We took the bus home and ate. Wife wanted to go swimming in the afternoon [though in the end that didn’t work out], so I took the bus into town to visit Powell’s City of Books. I enjoyed browsing around but in the end only bought one book: a pretty Word Cloud Classics edition of Persuasion. I don’t entirely agree with the selection of quotes they included in the embossed cover design (how did they leave out “You pierce my soul” and “I am half agony, half hope”?!), but I still couldn’t resist it.

Then Wife and I met for dinner at a Latin American fusion restaurant/bar called Mestizo and drank cocktails with a delicious meal, including fried banana-flower tacos in tortillas made from 3 different colors of corn (white, yellow, and blue). 

In the evening, we watched Fire Island. That was enjoyable, and I thought they did a really good job of adapting the story of P&P to the new setting. 

Today, Friend picked us up around 11:20 or so and we went to buy doughnuts--first, to Mikiko for gluten-free mochi doughnuts, and then we tried to go to Coco but they had sold out of the raised doughnuts (and I don’t like cake doughnuts), so we went to Doe Doughnuts instead. I ate a sort of doughnut sandwich--a traditional (though actually vegan) “raised” doughnut sliced in half, with whipped cream and sliced peaches inside. It was exquisite. Though I’ve just realised that I have no idea what the whipped “cream” was made out of, since that was a vegan doughnut shop! 

Then we drove out of the city to the Columbia river gorge, where we took a 2.5-hour, 6-mile hike on the Historic Highway Trail in eastern Hood River County. It’s a paved path, so we saw some cyclists, but it wasn’t too busy. It was a spectacularly beautiful day. We ate our lunch before starting, and then hiked along the trail above the river. There were beautiful views, both on the drive there and once we were hiking, plus nice trees (including more Douglas firs), interesting rock formations, and some excellent birds! The first bird I spotted was a black-headed grosbeak, which is new to my life list. There were lots of robins and juncos, but we also saw 2 ospreys circling. And I heard a bird that Merlin sound app identified as an orange-crowned warbler. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to locate it visually, but the song was a long trill, descending at the end. @lies, should I report it? And finally, near the end of the hike I spotted a raptor at the top of a tree above a nest. I looked in the binoculars and discovered it was a bald eagle! and another one was soaring around the nest too, and then we saw another just as we were getting back to the parking lot. That was exciting (new to my eBird life list and possibly my life list at all), and even Wife (with her lack of patience for birdwatching) was thrilled to have seen them. I’m not sure if I should report the nest as it’s not 100% clear if it was in use. The other thing is, this was not primarily a birdwatching walk. Should I report the list as “Incidental”?

We rested for a little while at the shady picnic table where we’d parked and ate another doughnut (mine was a salted vanilla glazed raised doughnut. It was tasty, but I don’t understand the current vogue for salting one’s sweet treats.). refilled our bottles, and then drove back home by way of the grocery store.

From the freeway, I spotted a raptor sitting in a nest at the top of a tree, but of course I couldn’t identify it as we drove past. I also couldn’t tell if it was a parent incubating eggs or a nestling waiting to be fed.

[petercookportlandtoalaska]

Friday, May 24, Watson Lake, Yukon to Swift River BC to Teslin, Yukon to Whitehorse, Yukon, 437 kms.

We wake up to the sound of rain. It's a sound we will be getting used to. Breakfast in the hotel to stay dry and then out in the rain to start packing our bikes. The temperature is low 40°s and will stay there most of the day, not breaking through 50° until the mid afternoon.

As the trip progresses, we have been bunching up less, and each finding our own riding zones. I leave early as I want to check out Watson Lakes' famous Sign Post Forest, one of the most famous of the landmarks along the Alaska Highway. It was started by a homesick GI in 1942. He was assigned light duty while recovering from an injury and erected the signpost for his hometown: Danville, Ill. 2835 miles. Visitors may add their own signs to the more than 100,000 already present.

From there, we press on westward, past the Cassiar Hwy, occasionally crossing back into BC, like at our first rest stop at Swift River, and then back into the Yukon like for our lunch stop in Teslin.

It has been raining all day and hovering in the 40°s so the beef stew special at the Yukon Motel and Restaurant in Teslin really hits the spot.

As we ride through the Yukon, we gradually move from the Canadian Rockies, which stretch from New Mexico to Northern Alberta and BC, and into the Yukon Ranges which run through the south eastern part of Alaska and most of the Yukon - smaller and not necessarily snow covered but still an impressive backdrop.

Finally, around 2:30 and an hour out of Whitehorse, the rain stops, and we break into the 50°s.

Whitehorse is the capital of Yukon, and the largest city in Northern Canada. It was incorporated in 1950 and is located at kilometre 1426 (Historic Mile 918) on the Alaska Highway in southern Yukon. Whitehorse's downtown and Riverdale areas occupy both shores of the Yukon River, which rises in British Columbia and meets the Bering Sea in Alaska. The city was named after the White Horse Rapids for their resemblance to the mane of a white horse near Miles Canyon before the river was dammed.

Interestingly enough, the population of Whitehorse is circa 30,000. The population of the entire Yukon is cica 45,000.

A walk around town brings you face to face with its prospecting history via the Whitepass and Yukon narrow gauge railway and monuments to the Bard of the North, Robert Service.

Tomorrow, we do Skagway and visit upon more of the Yukon's gold rush past.

[rabbitcruiser]

Robert Gray commanded the first expedition to sail into the Columbia River on May 11, 1792.

[urbanadventureleague]

The first bike camping of the season has happened: Ainsworth State Park, 27-28 April 2023

The Bantam at Crown Point, 27 April 2023. Olympus XA/Kodak Ektar 100 You may remember my post from a couple weeks ago, when I was yet again positively itching to get out on the bike and camp. That post happened during our positively wet stretch of weather–we’re double the average for rain in April. At that time there didn’t seem to be an end in sight to wet weather besides a day here, a day…

[paintedhillsvacationcottage]

11 Best Places To Visit In Summer in Oregon, USA

Oregon, with its diverse landscapes ranging from rugged coastlines to lush forests and majestic mountains, offers a plethora of exciting destinations to explore during the summer months. Whether you're seeking outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or simply a relaxing getaway, Oregon has something for everyone. Here are the top 11 places to visit in Oregon during the summer:

Located near the charming town of Mitchell, the Painted Hills offer a mesmerizing display of vibrant colors and unique geological formations. Explore the network of hiking trails that wind through this ancient landscape, marveling at the kaleidoscope of hues that adorn the hillsides. Be sure to visit the John Day Fossil Beds Visitor Center to learn about the rich natural history of the region and gain insights into the forces that shaped the Painted Hills over millions of years. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, a photography buff, or simply seeking tranquility amidst stunning scenery, the Painted Hills in Mitchell are not to be missed.

Cannon Beach: Known for its iconic Haystack Rock and stunning sunsets, Cannon Beach is a must-visit destination on the Oregon Coast. Spend your days strolling along the sandy shores, exploring tide pools, and browsing the charming shops and art galleries in town.

Crater Lake National Park: Experience the breathtaking beauty of Crater Lake, the deepest lake in the United States. Take a scenic drive along Rim Drive, hike the trails around the rim, or enjoy a boat tour to Wizard Island for unparalleled views of this natural wonder.

Portland: Embrace the vibrant culture and eclectic atmosphere of Oregon's largest city. Explore the city's hip neighborhoods, indulge in farm-to-table dining, and discover world-class breweries and coffee shops. Don't miss iconic attractions like the International Rose Test Garden and Powell's City of Books.

Bend: Nestled in the heart of Central Oregon, Bend offers endless outdoor adventures for summer enthusiasts. From hiking and mountain biking to kayaking and paddle boarding on the Deschutes River, there's no shortage of ways to enjoy the great outdoors in Bend.

Columbia River Gorge: Explore the stunning beauty of the Columbia River Gorge, home to countless waterfalls, scenic viewpoints, and hiking trails. Visit iconic attractions like Multnomah Falls, Hood River, and the historic Columbia River Highway for an unforgettable summer adventure.

Eugene: Experience the laid-back vibe of Eugene, a vibrant college town surrounded by lush forests and rolling hills. Explore the city's eclectic dining scene, attend a local festival or farmers' market, and immerse yourself in the arts and culture of this charming community.

Oregon Coast Aquarium: Dive into the wonders of the ocean at the Oregon Coast Aquarium in Newport. Explore interactive exhibits showcasing marine life from the Pacific Northwest, including sea otters, seals, and sharks. Don't miss the chance to touch a sea star or watch feeding sessions with the resident animals.

Mount Hood: Escape the summer heat with a trip to Mount Hood, Oregon's tallest peak and a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Enjoy hiking, mountain biking, and scenic drives in the summer months, or head to Timberline Lodge for skiing and snowboarding year-round.

Silver Falls State Park: Discover the "crown jewel" of the Oregon State Park system at Silver Falls State Park, home to 10 stunning waterfalls along the Trail of Ten Falls. Hike through lush forests, picnic by sparkling streams, and cool off with a refreshing swim beneath the cascading waters.

Bend Ale Trail: Embark on a craft beer adventure along the Bend Ale Trail, featuring over 20 breweries and taprooms in and around the city of Bend. Sample a wide variety of locally brewed beers, from hoppy IPAs to rich stouts, and experience the vibrant beer culture of Central Oregon.

From the rugged coastline to the majestic mountains, Oregon offers endless opportunities for summer exploration and adventure. Whether you're seeking scenic beauty, outdoor recreation, or cultural experiences, these 11 destinations are sure to make your summer in Oregon unforgettable.

[garyquayphotography]

Grass, Wyeth, Oregon

©2022 Gary L. Quay

On a spare moment at the Wyeth entrance to the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail, I decided to see what I could do with the grass next to the parking lot.

Camera: Nikon D810

Lens: Vintage 85mm Nikkor