Shellrock Mountain

The Dalles to Sandy River Military Road

1872

Oregon State Archives: A 1940 Journey Across Oregon

The Dalles and Sandy Wagon Road was authorized by the Oregon Legislature in 1867 and appropriation made for its construction. The road was built to a point 15 miles west of Hood River. Portions of the old dry masonry retaining wall may still be seen a hundred feet or so above the Columbia Highway, especially at Shell Rock Mountain.

http://arcweb.sos.state.or.us/pages/exhibits/across/thedalles.html

"...The Dalles and Sandy Wagon Road, funded by state in 1872 and completed in 1876. The road itself was windy and steep, and the portion west of Cascade Locks was largely destroyed in 1882-83 when the Oregon Railway and Navigation Company constructed a water-level railway line from Portland to The Dalles."

Beaver State Blog: Orphaned HCRH Segment near Shellrock Mountainhttp://blog.beaverstateroads.net/2019/11/29/orphaned-hcrh-segment-near-shellrock-mountain

"Rugged east face of Shell Rock Mountain where the 1872-1876 wagon road failed to cross here. Road remnant seen."Date: 1965Other Notes: photo courtesy of Wayne Gurley. see Fishwheels of the Columbia by Donaldson and Cramer

"In 1872 the State of Oregon built the first continuous road through the gorge from Sandy to The Dalles. This wagon road was known for its sharp turns and very steep grades. Much of the route was destroyed when the Oregon Railway and Navigation Company constructed a water-level track through the Gorge in 1882-83."

1914 Elliott Report(?); ODOT. 2010 Cultural Landscape Inventory: Shellrock Mountain to Ruthton Point

Links

Portland Hikers Forum: Shellrock Mt. wagon road?

http://www.portlandhikers.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=30&t=3162&hilit=wagon+road+shellrock