July 18, 2020

This is a photo of the old wooden milepost that used to be (and maybe still is) on the improved US 30 segment east of Cascade Locks. I say maybe, because it was six years ago...

April 30, 2022

As seen above, the post was still there as of Kirk and I's March 5, 2022 field trip. Still have yet to learn anything about it, but some theories have been thrown about in the Past and Present Group.

For those unfamiliar with the Oregon Highway Commission mileposts, CLICK HERE for some background information

Past and Present Views Along the Columbia River Highway

Kirk J. Poole, March 6, 2022:

Who erected this? This is in Cascade Locks by the semi-run down 'Something Wind' Motel.

This number is 'new' miles from Portland, not 1924 miles from Portland (We know that the Cascade Locks Exit is Exit 44. The old mileage would've been something like 'Mile 50-52'?)

So, who's responsible for this 'thing'? Looks like it's been here since the mid-90's?

Jonathan Ledbetter, March 6, 2022:

I had a theory that this might be a pre-1961 wooden milepost, but 1) this would be the only such wooden milepost I've ever seen, and 2) wood rots, especially in a climate as wet at the Columbia River Gorge. Other than that, I have no idea.

Kirk J. Poole, March 6, 2022:

There's 2 wooden posts. I saw another yesterday but didn't shoot it. Aaron might have shot it. So, now I've seen 2 of them. I doubt heavily that this would pre-date 1969 (when the last, 2-mile stretch was built behind Cascade Locks)... which also coincides with the work on the giant Eagle Creek skyway viaduct, which opened in 1969, Those were the last 2 tiny stretches that were completed, in spite of ODOT saying the freeway was completed to Hood River by 1962.

Anyway, my whole point was, along with your mentioning how wood rots, is that no wood from 1961, or so, would be visible today. It would have blackened, termited out and been gone by 1980 at least.

A. F. Litt, April 30, 2022:

A second wooden post, on Wa Na Pa? Heck, maybe. I might have been bouncing between two for years not realizing it while focusing more on Forest Lane and the original Route 2 configuration.

All the photos I have at the moment are of this one, "43." Could have others buried in my archives.

Jamen Lee, March 10, 2022:

Interesting - if it was mid-late 90s that would coincide with when the legislation was passed which required ODOT to start the “HCRH State Trail” project. This included WaNaPa Street - the nearby cemetery is technically also a trailhead for the bike trail & there were some improvements done to it around that time, I think?

The person you should ask would be Mayor Tom, the sternwheeler captain! Or Jess Groves at Port of Cascade Locks. Those guys would probably recall who/when the mileposts were installed, if it was more recent…

Kirk J. Poole, March 11, 2022:

Jamen, I was thinking the mid-late '90's from when that staircase near Tooth Rock was built and also the Ruthton Point alcove and marker built. If the '90s, now the wood condition looks consistent. As a child, I still remember all the big, wooden CCC and WPA National Forest signs rotting away on the side of the old road. Makes sense to me...

Past and Present Views Along the Columbia River Highway: https://www.facebook.com/groups/483015922488601/posts/1140465213410332 (Accessed: April 30, 2022)

Links

List of Surviving Concrete Mileposts (Beaver State Roads Wiki)

This is a list of the locations of all known surviving concrete OSHD mileposts that have been documented since 1980.

http://wiki.beaverstateroads.net/wiki/List_of_Surviving_Concrete_Mileposts

Mileposts (Beaver State Roads Wiki)

Mileposts, also called mile markers, denote the distance between two termini on a highway or road. On state highways and county and local roads, the design and materials used for mile markers has changed drastically throughout the years.

http://wiki.beaverstateroads.net/wiki/Mileposts

CLICK HERE to continue exploring the highway