|
Free Traveling Guides » States » Oregon » Greater Oregon
Historic Columbia River Highway
This highway was constructed along the Columbia River in Oregon during the years 1913 to 1922. When the Multnomah County region was first developed in 1916, it was the first big highway made in the Pacific Northwest. When it was completed, it ran from The Dalles to Astoria, a total of 196 miles (315 km) distance. It used to be an important route in the All-American Road and the National Auto Trail system.
This unique highway was encouraged by attorney and entrepreneur, Sam Hill and Samuel Lancaster, so that it could be built to match the quality of the great scenic highways of Europe. Right from the beginning, this highway was not imagined for traveling. Full efforts were made to make it elegant and beautiful.
The unique T model of this highway lets one enjoy the beauty of the sideways.
When the US highway system was officially announced, this highway became a segment of the U.S. Route 30. Ever since then, modern highway Interstate 84 has been constructed parallel to the highway. It replaces the main travel route and results in the loss of original segments of the road.
Today, this modern Columbia River Highway, also called Highway 2, uses I-84 to the east of Boardman. It used the U.S. Route 730 to the Washington state line as well. Modern highways, along with highway I-84, and many other developments become the reason for the major part of the original highway being neglected.
In order to attract the tourists, 74 miles (119km) of the original road is called the ‘Columbia River Highway’. 40 miles (64km) of the entire highway is open to all motor vehicles.
The Columbia River Highway is considered to be the oldest scenic highway of the country. In 1984, it was famous as a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark. It is a beautiful example of modern development.
|
