ODOT Plans
Mitchell Point East to Ruthton Point
HCRH State Trail
Segments 9 & 10
For more information on the Columbia River Highway features discussed in the State Trail Plans:
The Historic Columbia River Highway: Mile Post 2016 Reconnection Projects (March 2009)
Segment 9 - Mitchell Point East to Baumann Property
Upon exiting the proposed Mitchell Point Tunnel the trail will access an open grassy area, a perfect place for a picnic at this former quarry. Limited improvements are required for this alignment (Photo 9A). The trail then follows along a paved portion of the old highway, currently used as a frontage road with few residential properties (Photo 9B).
Trail Segment Highlights:
• Little improvement required. Trail users and motorist would share a slow speed, low traffic frontage road which provides access to a few residential properties.
• Trail south of Interstate 84.
ODOT: 2009 Plan - Segment 9 - Mitchell Point East to Baumann Property
The Historic Columbia River Highway: Mile Post 2016 Reconnection Projects (March 2009)
Segment 10 - Baumann Property to Ruthton Point
The existing road crosses under Interstate 84 to the north side of Interstate 84 (Photo 10A). Here the Columbia River Environmental Foundation, a 501c(3) organization, recently purchased a parcel known locally as the Baumann Property. The Columbia River Environmental Foundation is working towards the eventual transfer of the Baumann property to Oregon Parks and Recreation Department or some other public entity. From this property, trail users may access the Columbia River or continue east towards Hood River. This site will also be a popular destination for sail boarders and other non-motorized river users.
At the east end of the Baumann Property the trail requires an extensive wall system to traverse the steep slopes adjacent to Interstate 84’s north shoulder (Photo 10C). After consulting with geotechnical experts it appears a soil nail retaining wall is the preferred construction type.
Trail Segment Highlights:
• Baumann Property will provide access to the Columbia River. The only other Columbia River access along the Historic Highway State Trail is at Viento State Park.
• Beautiful river views
• Great destination opportunity with development of the Baumann Property as a park.
ODOT: 2009 Plan - Segment 10 - Baumann Property to Ruthton Point
The Historic Columbia River Highway: State Trail Plan - Mitchell Point East to Ruthton Point (Winter 2010)
Mitchell Point East Trailhead Description:
• Old gravel/rock quarry
• No existing trailhead development
• Remnants of HCRH at historic tunnel location
• Drivable section of the HCRH ends at this site
• Invasive species and remnant ornamental landscape plantings
Trailhead Amenities:
• New tunnel through Mitchell Point
• Provide bike and hike trip staging area
• New overlooks with interpretive signage
• Improve trail access trough the site
• Provide trail information, directional signage
The Historic Columbia River Highway: State Trail Plan - Wyeth to Hood River, Winter 2010 (11, 38 - 41)
The Historic Columbia River Highway: State Trail Plan - Mitchell Point East to Ruthton Point (Winter 2010)
G - Mitchell Point East to Ruthton Point
LENGTH: 1.7 miles
2014 COST: $3.2 million
Trail Segment Highlights
• New viewpoint at Mitchell Point East and restoration of the roadway
• Quarry floor restoration on the east side of Mitchell Point
• Cars and trail users share the Mitchell Point Road, a quaint low traffic road which follows the original alignment of the Historic Highway
• A great section of the original Highway with historic walls and with great views at Ruthton Point
Length of Trail Section:
1.7 miles
Level of difficulty:
Easy to Moderate
slopes not exceeding 5%
Description:
• Section 457+00 – 466+00: The Trail follows the original Historic Highway alignment through the existing quarry area. The quarry will be restored as part of the trail project. Overlooks north of the new tunnel entrance will provide a vantage point to view the original location of the Mitchell Point Tunnel. A vehicular turnaround will be located at the eastern end of the quarry site and will provide an end to the drivable section of Historic Highway that extends east of this site.
• Section 466+00 – 515+00: The Trail continues on the existing drivable section of Historic Highway and then follows the existing frontage road alongside I-84. The road/trail serves several private residences including a historic home dating to 1908. An east bound entrance ramp to I-84 is located along this section.
• Section 515+00 – 546+00: An existing narrow tunnel crossing underneath I-84 provides access north of the freeway. Due to the narrow width, the tunnel will need to be signalized to provide safe passage for vehicles, bikes and pedestrians. Beyond the tunnel crossing, the proposed trail alignment runs along the north side of I-84, straddling the ODOT right of way and neighboring private property. The Trail then heads uphill and runs adjacent to I-84. The Trail requires retaining walls to navigate between the highway and an extremely steep slope. The section of trail ends at the existing section of Historic Highway at Ruthton Point.
Trail Segment Highlights:
• Overlooks at the East Side of Mitchell Point that allow views of the historic tunnel alignment
• Restoration of ODOT quarry on the east side of Mitchell Point
• Historic Home and Barn
• Drivable section of the Historic Highway
• Scenic views from Ruthton Point
Design/Permitting Issues:
• Recreation Intensity Class 2 at trailhead
• Site visible from several Key Viewing Areas: I-84, Columbia River, Highway 14
• Mitchell Point is potentially a Native American sacred site
• Limited site area, constrained by existing topography, creek and roads
• Conflict with vehicles and cyclists/pedestrians, particularly the tunnel under I-84
• Peregrine Falcon nesting site
• Restore alignment of Historic Highway east of Mitchell Point
Mitchell Point East Trailhead Description:
• Old gravel/rock quarry
• No existing trailhead development
• Remnants of HCRH at historic tunnel location
• Drivable section of the HCRH ends at this site
• Invasive species and remnant ornamental landscape plantings
Trailhead Amenities:
• New tunnel through Mitchell Point
• Provide bike and hike trip staging area
• New overlooks with interpretive signage
• Improve trail access trough the site
• Provide trail information, directional signage
Issues for Further Study:
• Impacts to Peregrine Falcon Habitat at the east side of Mitchell Point
• Traffic and parking study to determine level of service needed at this trailhead
• Engineering Options for Trail along I-84
• Ability to maintain trail along I-84, gravel removal after winter storms
• Trail alignment at Bauman Property, options for easements or land purchase
• Conflicts with private property from increased trail use
• Existing narrow tunnel crossing at I-84
• Addition of west bound highway on ramp at Bauman Property
• Potential location of a Trail Host Site at Mitchell Point West Trailhead
• Landscaping to mitigate invasive plants and grasses
Segment G Costs:
Site Preparation $34,000.00
Grading and Drainage $120,000.00
Wall Construction $696,000.00
Quarry Reclamation $175,000.00
Trail Construction $239,000.00
Misc. Trail Improvements $274,000.00
Landscape Improvements $174,000.00
Subtotal $1,685,000.00
Engineering & Permits (20%) $337,000.00
Construction Engineering (15%) $253,000.00
Contingency $455,069.00
Project Costs (2010) $2,730,000.00
Project Costs (2014) $3,222,000.00
The Historic Columbia River Highway: State Trail Plan - Wyeth to Hood River, Winter 2010 (11, 38 - 41)
"Existing conditions of quarry floor east of Mitchell Point."
The Historic Columbia River Highway: State Trail Plan - Wyeth to Hood River, Winter 2010 40
Funding (As of May 2013)
Environmental: Complete
Engineering: $.5 Million Needed
Construction: $2.8 Million Needed
Total Funds Needed: $3.3 Million
Source: ODOT