ODOT PLANS

For more information on the Columbia River Highway features discussed in the State Trail Plans:

• Ruthton Point to Ruthton Park

Jeanette B. Kloos, Historic Columbia River Highway Master Plan (2006)

k) Mitchell Point to Hood River

Old mile post 61.3–63.6

Existing Condition – The rockwork at Ruthton Point has been restored, including the addition of an observatory and an interpretive sign.

Vision – Construct HCRH State Trail between Mitchell Point and Hood River, using as much of the original highway as possible. Ruthton Point should be connected to Hood River (near the Meredith Motel) and Mitchell Point, by constructing a bicycle facility along the northern slope of Interstate 84 to the frontage road undercrossing, and then utilizing the frontage road. This is the second highest priority project for the HCRH State Trail, after the Warrendale to Moffett Creek section.

The Historic Columbia River Highway: Mile Post 2016 Reconnection Projects (March 2009)

Segment 11 - Ruthton Point to Ruthton Park, Hood River

This section starts with Ruthton Point, an intact section of the old highway offering spectacular views to the Gorge (Photo 11A). In the early 1990s, ODOT restored the historic viaduct, walls and railings. From Ruthton Point east, the trail traverses steep slopes adjacent to Interstate 84. A soil nail retaining wall is the preferred construction method except in one steep section, where a viaduct is required. The trail then follows the shoulder using soil nail walls and parallels Interstate 84 to the west end of Westcliff Drive. Here ODOT is working with a private developer and Hood River County to incorporate the trail into future redevelopment of this property (Section A/A). The trail is placed on an existing retaining wall above Interstate 84. Then it crosses over Westcliff Drive and into Ruthton Park (Photo 11C). Here, during the site reconnaissance for this study, we discovered a short but intact section of historic pavement. The trail follows the old route through to the parking lot at Ruthton Park. ODOT is working with Hood River County to develop plans to improve Ruthton Park as a HCRH trailhead. From Ruthton Park, hikers and bicyclists can access the city of Hood River by way of Westcliff Drive.

Trail Segment Highlights:

• Ruthton Point provides spectacularly breathtaking views of the Gorge.

• Ruthton Point showcases the work of artisans.

• Old sections of pavement exist in Ruthton Park.

ODOT, Milepost 2016 Reconnection Projects - Phase Two - Section H - Ruthton Point to Ruthton Park

Milepost 63-64: Trail Segment Highlights

LENGTH: 1.7 miles

2014 COST: $6.0 million

Level of difficulty:

Easy to Moderate slopes not exceeding 5%

Description:

• Section 546+00 – 585+00: The Trail continues around Ruthton Point until it reaches road crossing at the I-84 west bound exit ramp. From this point, the Trail again parallels I-84; then the Trail requires retaining walls to navigate between the highway and extremely steep slopes.

• Section 585+00 – 600+20: This section of trail is located between I-84 and several private parcels. The Trail will be located between retaining walls that support the Trail above I-84 and the vehicular access that serves the private parcels. This section of road is the extension of Westcliff Drive. The trail then crosses Westcliff Drive and runs through Ruthton Park. A portion of this section of trail would be located on an existing section of Historic Highway. The Trail then ends at a new turnaround at the east end of Ruthton Park. The bicycle and pedestrian trail would then continue east of Ruthton Park along Westcliff Drive before crossing the freeway at Exit 62 where it would continue into Hood River along the original route of the Historic Highway.

• An improved trailhead for sixteen cars at Ruthton Park in Hood River

• Scenic views of the Columbia River from Ruthton Park

• A new restroom at Ruthton Park

• Improved access to overlooks

• Scenic views from Ruthton Park

• Historic Ruthton Point Overlook and Viaduct

• Future connection to other recreational resources

Design/Permitting Issues:

• Site located in the urban area

• Limited site area, constrained by existing topography, creek and roads

• Conflict between vehicles and cyclist/pedestrians

• Small section of Historic Highway located in Park

• Potential for future land acquisition to expand Park area

• Work with Hood River County on management of the Park as a staging area for the State Trail

• Maintain access to private irrigation valves located adjacent to I-84, provide access gates as required

Ruthton Park Trailhead Description:

• Existing County Park

• Existing parking area

• Great views of the Columbia River

• Picnic areas

Trailhead Amenities:

• Reconfigure parking area to provide for better traffic flow and turnaround

• Provide bike and hike trip staging area

• New overlooks with interpretive signage

• Improve trail access through the site

• Provide trail information, directional signage

Segment H Costs:

Site Preparation $21,000.00

Grading and Drainage $105,000.00

Wall Construction $2,096,000.00

Trail Construction $285,000.00

Misc. Trail Improvements $171,000.00

Landscape Improvements $125,000.00

Subtotal $2,803,000.00

Engineering & Permits (20%) $561,000.00

Construction Engineering (15%) $420,000.00

Contingency $757,000.00

Project Costs (2010) $4,541,000.00

ODOT, Milepost 2016 Reconnection Projects - Phase Two - Section H - Ruthton Point to Ruthton Park

Ruthton Park Trailhead Description:

• Existing County Park

• Existing parking area

• Great views of the Columbia River

• Picnic areas

Trailhead Amenities:

• Reconfigure parking area to provide for better traffic flow and turnaround

• Provide bike and hike trip staging area

• New overlooks with interpretive signage

• Improve trail access through the site

• Provide trail information, directional signage

Trailhead Area:

Site Preparation $13,000.00

Grading and Drainage $20,000.00

Paving $88,000.00

Restroom $80,000.00

Misc. Improvements $58,000.00

Landscape Improvements $41,000.00

Subtotal $300,000.00

Engineering & Permits (20%) $60,000.00

Construction Engineering (15%) $45,000.00

Contingency $81,000.00

Project Costs (2010) $484,000.00

Project Costs (2014) $571,000.00

Funding (As of May 2013)

Environmental: Complete

Engineering: $.8 Million Needed

Construction: $4.7 Million Needed

Total Funds Needed: $5.5 Million

CLICK HERE to continue exploring the HIGHWAY

CLICK HERE to continue exploring the STATE TRAIL