Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail

Park Overview

Visitors can enjoy stunning views of the Columbia River Gorge from the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail. The trail comprises three disconnected paved paths along stretches of historic Highway 30 — which predated I-84 as the only road connecting Portland and The Dalles. Together the segments provide a combined 12-plus miles of thrilling scenery and spectacular geologic formations. Plan your trip with these trail maps. 

Bonneville Segment: John B. Yeon to Cascade Locks

The west end of the trail extends from the Elowah Falls trailhead at John B. Yeon State Scenic Corridor to Cascade Locks, and passes great views of the Columbia River and several waterfalls. This stretch of the Historic Highway State Trail is universally accessible. It can be accessed at the following trailheads, listed here from west to east:

• Toothrock Trailhead
• Eagle Creek Day-use Area (Note: this site is managed by the U.S. Forest Service and parking here requires their Northwest Forest Pass)
• Bridge of the Gods Trailhead in Cascade Locks 

Mitchell Point Segment: Wyeth to Viento

The nearly 6-mile segment connects Wyeth Trailhead (I-84 near milepost 51) to Viento State Park. The trail offers amazing views of the Gorge and travels around Shellrock Mountain on the 500’ Summit Creek Viaduct — a bridge over land. Some sections are alongside I-84. This section also passes four waterfalls: Starvation Creek, Cabin Creek, Hole-in-the-Wall, and Lancaster falls. 

This section can also be accessed from Starvation Creek State Park. The trailhead offers an accessible parking space, restroom, and waterfall view. 

Twin Tunnels Segment: Hood River to Mosier

Further east, this universally accessible 4.5-mile segment connects Hood River and Mosier, with trailheads and parking at either end. This popular section features views of the river below and a walk or ride through the carefully restored Mosier Twin Tunnels. The two tunnels were filled with rock when I-84 opened, but fortunately survived.

From an accessible parking area at the Mark O. Hatfield West Trailhead (pictured in the Accessibility tab below) the trail travels over rolling hills shaded by a forest of fir trees, passing several viewpoints on the way to the tunnel. As you emerge on the east end of the tunnel, notice the change in landscape: the final mile winds through semi-arid terrain dotted with ponderosa pines to its end at Mark O. Hatfield East Trailhead.

Know Before You Go

• Dogs are allowed on the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail, but must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet at all times.
• E-bikes are allowed on the state trail. The following devices are not allowed: electric scooters, mountain boards, electric unicycles, and other similar devices. For more information, please call Viento State Park at 541-374-8811.