Koberg Beach State Recreation Site

Historic Hood River: May 19, 2014

Since I'm apparently not the only one who enjoys maps, I thought I'd do another "Map Monday" to kick off a look at some newly scanned Koberg Beach images.

As the Bonneville Dam project advanced in the 1930s, the Army Corps of Engineers sent teams of surveyors and appraisers to produce wonderfully detailed maps of the land which was soon to be inundated between Bonneville and the Dalles. I believe they used these maps to identify the value the federal government paid for the flowage easements which allowed them to flood these riverfront parcels. The maps were scanned by the USACE in 1997. I've zoomed us in about as far as possible given the quality of the scan, and I've cleaned it up a little to make it as legible as I could. You can see the mapping crew identified every structure, fencepost, outhouse, hen house, or anything else of value. This provides an amazing context as we look at period images of Koberg Beach.

The map is reproduced here in the orientation the original mapmaker selected. It is not "north up," but instead he seems to have made the railroad roughly horizontal. For some reason it's not marked, but it follows the 95' contour. You can see some bits of section lines if you need to know roughly where true north lies.

In the 1930s access to Koberg was by the county road which descended from the Columbia River Highway, splitting off where the trailhead parking lot is today. There was a seasonal river level county road which is also noted on the map.

As you explore the bygone world in this map, remember the mean river level is now about 77 feet, with fluctuations +/- 3 feet common. We now have a gauge at our bridge so you can track recent river levels. The dark line on the map indicates the water level on September 3, 1935 (somewhere between 50 and 55 feet). The ordinary high water line (OHW) is drawn between 65 and 70 feet. You can see how much Lake Bonneville covered even before the interstate plowed through this area.

Comment by Charlott on May 19, 2014:

This gives such a wonderful view of what all Koberg's had down there, both fruit and produce. Then all the various wonderful venues for entertainment. Certainly wish it was all there for us to enjoy. They certainly had a lot packed in down there, didn't they.

Notice the greenhouse, no doubt where they started much of what they grew each year.

Comment by Scott Cook on May 19, 2014:

The reservoir is still up there and sort of intact for anyone who wants to go give it a looksee. Arthur had showed me this map previously, and on the bigger version of it the one thing I found most illuminating was the exact position of the former airway beacon. I had assumed wrongly that the beacon was atop Stanley Rock, but this map pinpointed it on a bluff "above" Stanley and accessed via the HCRH (near MP 69). Ah, Arthur, thanks so much for help scratching all my little itches!!

Comment by John Mclucas on October 20, 2015:

fondly remember the swim lessons at Koberg's,,,,Alpeenees used the rocks behind the ballroom for rapeling..

Chester H. Armstrong, HISTORY OF THE OREGON STATE PARKS: 1917-1963

Koberg Beach Wayside is located on Interstate Highway 80N and includes a basaltic promontory on the south side of the Columbia River about two miles east of Hood River in Hood River County.

The wayside comprises three areas totaling 87.55 acres purchased in 1951 in connection with construction of the Columbia River Highway. One tract of 22.57 acres was obtained from the Koberg family. On it is a large rock, approximately 100 feet high, from which a great quantity of road material was taken for use in constructing the adjoining freeway. An enjoyable beach area extends from this point downstream various distances, depending on the height of the water. The other two areas are excess right of way land. One is approximately one mile east of the Koberg tract and contains 54.58 acres and the other contains 10.40 acres located at the west edge of the town of Mosier. An easement was obtained on a strip of land 30 feet wide from a point 1,122 feet south of the railroad right of way to the park on which to place a water reservoir and a pipe line to furnish water for the park.

This wayside area was acquired for three principal reasons—to develop a swimming beach on the Koberg tract, to provide a wayside rest area for the weary traveler and to preserve the land in its present state so that no objectionable use could be made of it.

Realignment of the highway between Hood River and Mosier left the old highway blocked at Mitchell Tunnel. The old right of way was abandoned to the county, and by so doing, the wayside strip along this section of the road was given to the county. Deed was written in 1953.

The recreational area was owned for many years by the Koberg family who developed the beach as a commercial playground with swimming and other sports. They constructed a large, rustic type dance hall to furnish entertainment for the people of Hood River and the surrounding country. This recreational area was known as Koberg Beach, therefore the state continued that name. The dance hall was removed in 1954.

It was not until 1962 that the entrance road, parking area and sanitary facilities were constructed and the area made ready for full use.

Attendance in 1963 totaled 65,972 day visitors.

Historic Hood River: May 20, 2014

I've long wondered why the museum's collection of Koberg Beach photographs is so limited. The other day, while I was waiting for a Windows update to complete on the photo archive computer, I wandered the museum looking at the displays. There, in the Koberg Beach exhibit, was a large photo album labelled "Koberg Beach" which had somehow escaped our scanning and archiving process. Matt and I temporarily "appropriated" the album, and I'll share some of the images with you this week.

I did a double take on this one. We're looking into the cove, but the classic dance pavilion is nowhere to be seen. I suspect this is from the 1920s, before the pavilion was constructed. Tomorrow you'll see the mystery deepens a bit more.

Comment by Charlott on May 20, 2014:

No doubt had to have been fairly deep there to have a tower that high. Good idea having that life ring and row boat right there. Currents were and still are very strong in that area.

Bathing attire certainly appear to be about 20ish.

Comment by Buzz on May 20, 2014:

Appears the beach in this area has always had a fairly steep slope into the water and the water got deep rapidly. With no diving platform, kids in our era had to climb up the face of the rock as far as you could get before diving. Don't remember strong current in the 50's, but maybe just forgot. Do kids still dive off the rock today? Probably good thing you couldn't just easily run from the beach to the top of the rock and jump off, or kids would probably have been doing that too.

Comment by lee on May 20, 2014:

Yes the current would want to take you around the rocks and up river so we had to swim back at an angle. This was in the late 50s when we were so dareing?

Comment by Judy on May 20, 2014:

In the 50's kids were more daring and that is how some of the kids got injured. I think Spencer Erikson (sp) was one of them. Anyhow, wish we still had the pavilion there, but time marches on.

Comment by Charlott on May 20, 2014:

I don't think kids around here now are even aware of that rock. They are too busy poking buttons on all their little machines. Yes, Erickson was the one that either broke his neck or severely injured it. Oh, yes Dick dove off, but not the top. He said once was enough for him. Very dangerous idea.

Comment by spinsur on May 20, 2014:

Kids still jump off the remaining iron work from the pavilion during the summer. Kids will be... well, kids!

Historic Hood River: May 21, 2014

This fine view of summer fun at Koberg includes the dance pavilion, but it's not the one we've seen in so many other pictures. This wooden pavilion must predate the grand stone dance pavilion we've seen so many times.

Comment by Charlott on May 21, 2014:

Definitely two different structures. The stone one had the patio type thing on the last story and you could walk right out onto the beach from that one.

In this photo you have both boys and girls.

I am guessing and only guessing that the guy on the river side of that swimming crib is probably Prince Koberg himself. Appears quite shallow there, as those children are in only waist deep. The woman outside the swimming crib is no doubt keeping an eye on the ones who are on the outside.

You can faintly make out the tower up on top by the big tree....

Comment by Buzz on May 21, 2014:

Beach appears to be less steep, and water less deep than in photo yesterday. Also than the way it was in the 50's Maybe breakwater is slowing erosion. We used to climb up the face of the rock a little less than halfway before we dove in.

...

Must of been a fire that got this pavilion.

Comment by i.e. on May 21, 2014:

Description here of the big July 4, 1925 celebration.

http://homepages.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~westklic/hrwsb725.html

Sounds like quite the deal, with 10,000 people expected, speeches, games, fireworks, women's nail driving competition, etc. The only disappointment was the stunt plane did not arrive from Portland.

"The outstanding features of this year's celebration at Koberg beach, however, was the dancing at the new open air pavilion just completed by Mr. Koberg. In all the northwest one will not find a more appealing dance pavilion. It is built in a cove under Stanley rock, landmark of mid-Columbia steamboat men. Its sides are open, and recreationists at the beach have an excellent view of the Columbia to the wide verandah. The first story of the pavilion is given over to the verandah where one may sit and watch at leisure the scenes on the beach or gaze at the appealing landscape. The big dance floor, with surrounding balconies, occupies the entire dance floor. The dance pavilion is uniquely rustic."

"Many who stayed for the evening highly praised the new dance pavilion at which John Koberg has erected at a cost in excess of $5000. "

The Columbia was 10 feet higher than normal that summer.

The Hood River Guides is mentioned. Remember, we had a photo of the HR Guides.

...

In this HHR photo Arthur says the pavilion was constructed in 1927. The fourth of July celebration says a dance hall was newly built by 1925.

The roof line is exactly the same in the two photos.

Comment by Arthur on May 21, 2014:

The 1927 date l.e. refers to comes from the Hood River A-Z book. It reports, "A massive stone and concrete pavilion was built in 1927 against the basalt cliff of Stanley Rock, overlooking the cove and the beach." There is no mention of an earlier wooden structure, but we're looking at it. Someone will need to check the pages of the HR Glacier or HR News to verify these dates, and find out what happened to this pavilion (though Buzz's guess of fire is a good one).

Comment by Jeffrey Bryant on June 28, 2017:

Plans for a resort at Koberg's Beach are discussed in the 2 August 1911 Hood River News.

http://oregonnews.uoregon.edu/lccn/sn83009939/1911-08-02/ed-1/seq-10/

Historic Hood River: May 22, 2014

Here's a nice closeup view of the classic stone dance pavilion we've seen so many times. We believe it was constructed in 1927. If you know what happened to the older wood pavilion let us know.

Comment by i.e. on May 22, 2014:

Well, it is simple.

They added the rock pillars and outside decking to the wooden structure.

Compare the roof line of yesterday's photo #900 with photo #223. It is exactly the same.

And the upstairs windows in this photo look just like yesterday's windows.

They must have added some fill in order to extend the decking.

It would be interesting to know who did the stone masonry work. Could it have been Italian workers from the Highway project?

I did find this comment by W. Reid Meritt, a former ODOT employee.

"Reid recalled that Koberg Beach, between Hood River and Mosier, was a very popular recreation area. It had an old barn that you drove through and paid your fee for entry to park. There was also a very nice beach and rock bathhouse. In the earlier days they had danced in the top of the barn."

Historic Hood River: July 5, 2012

[Referring to the same image posted by Friends of the Columbia Gorge]

We've seen several pictures of Koberg Beach, but here's a view which includes the iconic dance pavilion which was constructed in 1927. This image from 1935 was taken just two years before the rising waters of Lake Bonneville changed the beachfront forever. Tomorrow we'll see a very similar angle just three years later.

Comment by Charlott on July 5, 2012:

Yes, it was quite the going concern. It must have been beautiful to sit out on that top deck, watch the events going on. Big dances held there, and events all summer long.

Too bad that the dam wiped it out. Could you imagine what it would be today, weddings, picnics, watching the wind group, boats. But like it is said, things never stay the same.

You can still see a little bit of I think the back portion of the foundation, or I saw it a few years ago.

Comment by Scott Cook on July 5, 2012:

This pavilion wasn't actually inundated by the 1938 waters from Bonneville dam. The Army Corps took possession of the Koberg land but didn't tear-down the pavilion. Photos from the 1952-ish construction of I-84 clearly show the pavilion intact. Apparently cars stopped along the new I-84 (I-80) to visit the beaches that still existed at Koberg. I imagine that at that point the pavilion became a "hazard", due to its now-easy access from I-84, probably sounding its death-knell and subsequent destruction.

After Bonneville's second powerhouse came online in 1982, the normal level of the Bonneville pool was raised a few extra feet, finally inundating the foundation footings of the Koberg dance pavilion. In the low-water autumn times you can still easily see these foundations remnants at Koberg Beach.

Comment by Judy Mohr DeHart on July 5, 2012:

My father, Johnny Mohr, had an orchestra that played for dances there. He later became the City Attorney, until his death in 1960.

Historic Hood River: July 6, 2012

The completion of the Bonneville Dam in 1937 caused a significant rise in the typical water level at Hood River. The interstate bridge had to be raised, and as we see here Koberg Beach was changed significantly. Both this view and yesterday's view were from summertime when river flows tend to slack off, but we see that even these late July waters were lapping at the edge of the dance pavilion and a few of the cottonwoods on the beachfront.

Comment by Arlen Sheldrake on July 6, 2012:

I have some vague memories of walking through the sand filled levels and well remember my Fathers tales of the prohibition parties. At the time many wondered who in the world would use all that Bonneville Dam electricity....

Just one treasure after another Arthur, thanks as I enjoy your postings during a trip to the big island......Arlen

Comment by Charlott on July 7, 2012:

Occasionally when I am headed home from The Dalles I still have to stop and take a stroll down Memory Lane at Koberg's, just like my side trips to Celilo Falls where I sit on a rock and listen to the roar of the water, feel the spray from the churning cascades, the smell of fish and more fish and oh what I see in my memories of the days I spent there as a child. Yes, sadly the dams took so much of our old time history away.

Comment by Charlott on July 10, 2012:

It is my understanding that they had some sort of concession stand in there. Above the first two floors (where you see the openings) was like a patio area where they had tables and it seems I have seen a photo with umbrellas up there, probably over tables. so you could sit out there and watch the activities on the beach and in the water.

Comment by sally hardenbrook on October 13, 2012:

my mother was a waitress at the pavillion .mom said it was the best dance place in town.the morey goff band played every weekend i remember standing in the archway looking out at the river and the bottom floor was full of sand.then it was gone. but never forgotton.

Historic Hood River: July 17, 2012

The stately dance pavilion at Koberg's Beach was the center of Hood River summer society life from its construction in 1927. The dance floor was on the enclosed second story of the pavilion, while the open lower level was set up for picnicking.

Comment by Charlott on July 17, 2012:

This is looking from the front of the dance floor to the back. You will notice the rock in the background through the window openings. You can also see the pavilion did have lights because you can see the tubing that the wiring went through. Wonder what it cost to get into one of the dances?

Comment by Connie on July 17, 2012:

The museum has a poster advertising "come dance". It cost 40 cents for the men and 35 cents for the ladies. Not sure why the difference in price??

Comment by Arlen Sheldrake on July 17, 2012:

Are you serious Connie???? I am surprised that ladies weren't free....gender equality has nothing to do with getting folk in the door. 40 cents was a pretty hefty price.

Love how they put the building right up to the rock face, not sure why the "windows" as the view is a bit restricted.....

Comment by Charlott on July 17, 2012:

I would think having the openings against the rocks would help with the air flow on hot days.

That does look like a pop out for the orchestra. Someone come forward that remembers the dances, there must still be some out there.

Historic Hood River: March 25, 2011

J.H. Koberg farmed these fertile bottom lands in 1925. This photo shows the asparagus harvest in early spring. Interstate 84 now occupies this land just east of Hood River, though it's possible the asparagus are still trying to push up through the asphalt.

"(Note: The print of this image in the museum's archives was printed with the negative reversed. This digital reproduction has been flipped to correct this error.)

Comment by Charlott on February 9, 2012:

Just noticed something. You see the railroad track to the very right of the picture. So this garden area was right where the current freeway goes through there.

Oregon State Parks: Koberg Beach State Recreation Site

Once upon a time -- from about 1915 to about 1950 -- a giant wonderful dance hall and outdoor resort existed at Koberg Beach. When the town of Hood River wanted to cool off or go ballroom dancing to the sounds of a swing orchestra, they went to Koberg Beach. Eventually, the ballroom and the beach had to make way for the rising Columbia River when hydroelectric dams were constructed. For a complete view of the way it was, go see the Koberg Beach exhibit at the Hood River County Museum in Hood River.

Today, Koberg Beach is a wayside that serves busy westbound motorists on I-84 with a restroom and a stretch break. An enjoyable beach lies behind the great rock which screens its recreational access from the busy freeway.

Park History

The parcels were acquired by purchase from private owners in 1951 in connection with construction of Interstate 84 at water grade along the Columbia River. The westernmost tract of 22.57 acres contains a prominent basalt outcrop which provided material for highway construction and, in addition, a swimming beach operated for many years by the Koberg family as a recreational site complete with dance pavilion. The historic use of the tract was acknowledged in the naming of the wayside.

Acreage: 75.83

Annual day-use attendance: 363,200

Historic Hood River: August 16, 2013

Comment by Charlott on August 16, 2013:

Though it was gone in my years going to Koberg's I notice that hook sandy place. I wonder if that was built there by Koberg's. Look at all those wonderful "toys." Wouldn't you guess those would be considered dangerous in this day and age. Didn't ever hear of them loosing kids on those. They were tougher stock, I think....

It no doubt dropped off quite rapidly from the beach for it to be deep enough to swim in.

Used to go there all the time, but none of this was there in the 50's. It was just the barren beach. Just a place to hang out I guess. You figure most of this area was all gone due to Bonneville Dam. Now there isn't much beach between what trees are left and the water. No wading out, just drops right off....

Comment by Arthur on August 16, 2013:

Checked the hi-res on the "backwards staircase." The center was for walking up, and there are two slides on the sides to get you back down.

I noticed yesterday there were quite a few people sunning on the sands at Koberg, and several jumping off the cliff. Still a little life left in the old beach.

Comment by Craig Kessler on August 18, 2013:

John Koberg was my great grandfather and according to my mom, Donna Koberg Kessler, all of this was built by the Kobergs. She has similar pictures in our family collection and grew up here in the 30s. She spent lots of time here and remembers the Dance Hall and Beer Pavilion as well as the Bath House. She still has a 6' steering wheel off of a steamboat that part of the bandstand in the Dance Pavilion.

Love the pictures!

Comment by Arthur on August 18, 2013:

Good to hear from you Craig. Check out http://historichoodriver.com/index.php?showimage=143 and I think you'll see the steering wheel your Mom has.

Historic Hood River: July 21, 2011

This is the real Koberg beach, not the imposter I posted a while back. You can see this was much farther east, based on the view of the bridge and Strawberry Mountain. Note the bridge has not yet been modified to accommodate the rising waters behind the Bonneville dam. In 1937 the bridge decking was raised and a lift span added.

This image is from a professional 8"x10" period negative. I will post a nice detail from it tomorrow, so no need to strain your eyes trying to see the kids' faces.

Comment by Charlott on July 21, 2011:

this was after the real "hay days" of Koberg Beach. The only "toy" left at this late date is the wheel. The wheel worked much like a "chipmunk" exercise wheel. Kids would get inside and get it moving as fast as they could, then the kids you see on the platform would step onto the outside of the wheel and it would fling them off into the water. The big slides of earlier years and the other "toy's are all gone. My guess is that this photo was taken from the top of the Pavillion from the positioning.

If I recall what I was told by family members Koberg's really died out with WWII.

Quite probably the swim instructor could have been Prince Koberg, son of Johannes (John) and Emma (Lage) Koberg. Prince was a TREMENDOUS swimmer, and teacher. Everyone knew who Prince was in relationship to the Columbia Rover at Koberg's Beach.

Historic Hood River: May 23, 2014

All the idyllic views of Koberg Beach seem to be missing one Hood River condition: wind. This is the first image I've seen which shows the sheltered cove at Koberg in high wind conditions. The sun is getting low in the sky, so this is probably a typical late afternoon westerly whipping up the waters of the Columbia. It's capping pretty nicely between Koberg and the bridge. It's even kicking up a little smoke.

The rosiness in the sky is actually an artifact of scanning the monochrome image in color. I'd usually desaturate (remove color tones) to correct, but in this case it highlights the setting sun very nicely. If you're wondering why we scan in color in the first place, it's because color information can help you interpret the image. For example, dirt and scuffs are frequently a different color than the underlying image, so a color scan can let you understand which blemishes are dirt and which are part of the image detail. I sometimes use the color cues to "pretty up" an image for printing or for this photoblog.

I hope this week at Koberg helped you think about the summer to come as well as summers past.

Comment by i.e. on May 23, 2014:

Arthur... can you tell from the color scan that is smoke rather than just blowing sand?

I know for many of you earlier HR residents, this visit to Koberg Beach has been a fun visit to the past. I keep wondering how busy the outhouses must have been and how often a new hole had to be dug and the outhouse moved.

Thanks to the Koberg family for sharing their bit of paradise with everyone and for providing the important swim lessons.

Comment by nels on May 23, 2014:

Curious, was there a charge? Showed pictures to a 94 year old and she mentioned the fun days there, and that one had to drive through the dump to get to the beach. Brought back many memories for her.

Historic Hood River: July 10, 2013

I'm not sure I've seen a view of Koberg Beach from this vantage point. Perhaps Alva Day was atop the dance pavilion, or maybe he had climbed up Stanley Rock. From the cars in the parking lot I date this at late 1920s.

Comment by Charlott on July 10, 2013:

I feel that he is taking this from the top of the rock, as the pavillion wasn't that high up, plus the fact it would have been quite a ways to the left, to have access from the beach area. There was no ferry at this location and it appears that maybe that big group of people on the shore were brought up there. Possibly parking in Hood River, as the parking lot was too full. Too bad there isn't some sort of marking on the ferry. I am wondering if it might not possibly be some sort of swim meet. I am thinking this is a later photo than the others we have seen, as there are no slides or other fun apparatus'.

We need to keep in mind that during that era, Koberg's was the place to go on hot summer days. So sad it is gone........

Comment by Buzz on July 10, 2013:

I could tell a couple of stories about Koberg Beach, but I won't embarass Norma with one of them. When they were working on the freeway, they used to park the construction equipment by the beach. One night some young lads--maybe from Wy'east?--that's my story--decided the sand needed some compacting so drove a big roller/compactor down on the sand. I always wondered what the construction crew thought the next morning when they got to work and had to get it unstuck.

Comment by Lesa on July 11, 2013:

John Stanley, operated a farm, and a ferry, to the Washington side of the Columbia River, from this location.

Comment by Charlott on July 11, 2013:

That is correct, as Stanley owned it prior to 1894 when John Koberg purchased the approximately 135 acres which made up the Koberg farm and beach area.

Historic Hood River: May 11, 2011

These kids from Parkdale posed for a class photo at the entrance to Koberg Beach in September, 1937. Koberg Beach, just east of the City of Hood River, was a very popular spot in that era. The sandy swim beach was tucked in on the west side of Stanley Rock, just a few hundred feet north of John Koberg's asparagus fields. Just to the east of this beach was the beautiful dance pavilion that was the focus of Hood River social life on summer weekends. Does anyone remember visiting Koberg Beach as a kid?

Rising water from Bonneville dam covered much of the beach soon after this photo, and what remained of the beach and the dance pavilion were destroyed during the interstate highway construction of the 1950s. Today there is a freeway rest stop at Stanley Rock, but little to remind us of the recreation complex John Koberg built at this spot.

Comment by Jim Gray on May 11, 2011:

Folks would take me swimming there in the fifty's, the foundation of the pavilion was still there, swam there some as a teenager in the sixty's including jumping off the rocks.

The bus looks like the one my Grandmother used to own and drive in the Dee area, she had to be one of the first female bus drivers.

I may have an Aunt and a couple of Uncles in that picture.

Comment by Dedilee on May 13, 2011:

My mother learned to swim in the "crib" area at Koberg's, probably in the '30s. She didn't learn too well but could dogpaddle at least. She remembers how beautiful it seemed to her, like a fairytale. She grew up in the Mt. Hood area and it was a big trip to go to Hood River.

Comment by Charlott on June 8, 2011:

After the swimming" cribs" were gone it actually was not a safe beach to swim at, due to a horrible undertow. Personally know of two deaths due to that, as I was there that day.....

There have been more than one disaster due to people thinking it safe to jump/dive off Stanley Rock. Very unsafe even to this day.

Comment by Barbara Parsons Bernstein on March 24, 2013:

I wandered around and through that dance hall in the late '40s. It was still pretty much intact, porches and all. However, the water was RIGHT UP to the porches, and UNDERNEATH them. We would run up the exterior stairway and peer into the locked upstairs rooms, which still looked as though they might come to life on summer evenings. There was sand underfoot everywhere.

Speaking of the undertow, or at least the OUT-tow, Raymond Sanford and I were swept almost to the Interstate Bridge one evening at a Mormon Church bonfire picnic, holding onto one inner tube. While we were struggling for our lives, as we thought, the people on the beach were letting the bonfire die down, so we imagined we were clear out in the shipping channel. We couldn't see people or cars in the darkness, so we had nothing else to measure our distance by. Nobody knew we were out there, as there was no check in/check out system to keep track of us. I was resigning myself to being ground up in the Bonneville Dam generator, and quit kicking in despair. I touched bottom! We had a long walk back in the shallows.

Historic Hood River: September 8, 2011

When I posted some pictures from a 1936 field trip to Koberg Beach a few months ago someone asked "Where are all the girls?" We found 'em. They must have brought the girls down on a different day, but fortunately the photographer was there.

If you think you or a relative might have been part of this group, let me know. This image is from an 8"x10" negative, so we can zoom right in to most of the faces to try to make a positive ID. It would be great to identify a few of these eager faces.

Comment by Dedilee on September 21, 2011:

My mom has macular degeneration so when I showed her this photo, she can't see it well enough online to identify individuals. But she remembers going to Koberg's in grade school (at Mt. Hood) in the early 30's with the Parkdale school, and said this is the bus they rode. I asked her if the hats identified their school group and she said no, they were the height of fashion then and EVERYONE just had to have one!

Historic Hood River: August 8, 2014

Here are some more adventurous kids diving off the face of Stanley Rock at Koberg Beach. With current water levels, they would barely make a splash.

As I write this post I'm looking across at the same side of Hospital Hill. All of those patches of vegetation have extended considerably. Most of the west side of that drainage is tree covered now.

Comment by Arthur on August 8, 2014:

By coincidence I happened to be boating by this spot last evening. The depth sounder said 165 feet right near this spot. You can still see the marking for the height of the 1894 flood about 20 feet up the rock just around the corner.

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