June 15, 2025

I was able to attend the dedication ceremony last year and will be posting photos and videos from that event soon.

ODOT: Project-Details - Mitchell Point Tunnel

ODOT, the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, and project partners dedicated the Mitchell Point Tunnel as part of the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail on Nov. 16, 2024.

The dedication offered an opportunity to preview the tunnel before it opened. Finishing touches on this section of trail were weather dependent and were completed in March 2025. 

Key Milestones

Construction began in 2021 and the tunnel opened to the public in March 2025. The dedication event was held on Nov. 16, 2024.​

May 2018: Open House where three alternative crossing designs were presented.

May 2018: The Advisory Committee recommended the 570-foot tunnel for the Mitchell Point Crossing.

June 2018: The Oregon Parks and Recreation Commission endorsed the design recommendation from the Historic Columbia River Advisory Committee.​

Through 2020: Design continued on the preferred alternative​.

Spring 2021: Construction begins (groundbreaking ceremony).

Nov. 16, 2024: Mitchell Point Tunnel dedication.

March 21, 2025: The tunnel opened to the public.

How to reach the tunnel

By vehicle: Access a small parking lot from eastbound I-84 at exit 58. Please be aware that parking is very limited with only 18 parking spaces. There is no additional legal parking nearby.

By foot: Walk east from Viento State Park about 2.7 miles on the Historic Highway State Trail and the Wygant Trail (non-ADA accessible). The paved Historic Highway State Trail extends about 2 miles east of Viento State Park and ends. ODOT and Oregon State Parks have created a temporary, pedestrian-only 0.7 mile path from abandoned segments of the original Historic Highway and Wygant Trail. A stream crossing is unimproved. Vehicle parking is available at Viento State Park. ODOT and project partners are working to connect this new tunnel and trail segment to the continuous Historic Highway State Trail from Viento State Park. Construction could begin as early as 2025.

By bike and hike: Bike from Wyeth or Starvation Creek trailheads to Viento State Park. Bicycles can be locked at racks at the east end of the park. Walk from Viento as described above. Bikes are not allowed on the temporary unimproved trail. 

History

The original 73-mile route of the Columbia River Highway was the first major paved highway in the Pacific Northwest and the first scenic highway constructed in the United States. The original Mitchell Point Tunnel was its crown jewel.

The original tunnel was built in 1915 and included five arched windows where drivers could experience scenic views of the Columbia River from the highway. The tunnel was closed in 1953 for safety and because it could no longer accommodate growing traffic volumes and increasing car sizes, ultimately being destroyed in 1966 to widen I-84.

Video (By Others...)

Links

ODOT: Project-Details - Mitchell Point Tunnel

https://www.oregon.gov/odot/projects/pages/project-details.aspx?project=HCRHMP

CLICK HERE to continue exploring the highway