Columbia Gorge Scenic Highway, Mosier, Oregon
Once upon a time, there was a man named Sam Hill who had a vision for a road. Sam Hill was a wealthy Quaker lawyer with a love for the beauty of the Gorge that was matched by his drive to share this natural treasure with others. In the days when cars were just coming into common use, back in the early 1900s, Sam paved the way for countless people to enjoy the scenic wonder of the Columbia River’s pathway through the Cascade Range. In his imagination, Sam saw not just a way to get from point A to point B, but a journey, marked by grand vistas, graceful curves and elegant bridges intended to uplift the eye and the spirit of the traveler seeking to escape the growing pressures of modern life and reconnect with the salve of the countryside. The road was designed to surprise and delight the senses with unexpected sights – waterfalls, charming roadside picnic areas, and breathtaking overlooks. His dream became concrete in the second decade of the 20th century with the creation of the Columbia Gorge Scenic Highway. This carefully sculpted roadway was meticulously laid out to take best advantage of the visual splendor of the region and perhaps even to enhance the landscape. As with many of the engineering feats of its era, the Scenic Highway fell into disrepair upon the construction of the faster, more efficient Interstate 84. Fortunately for us, thoughtful citizens have worked to reclaim sections of the highway, some of which is open to vehicular traffic and some that is reserved for walkers and bicyclists. Many of us enjoyed a lovely sunlit walk today on one of these pedestrian-only segments, happily using the road as its creator had intended.
Once upon a time, there was a man named Sam Hill who had a vision for a road. Sam Hill was a wealthy Quaker lawyer with a love for the beauty of the Gorge that was matched by his drive to share this natural treasure with others. In the days when cars were just coming into common use, back in the early 1900s, Sam paved the way for countless people to enjoy the scenic wonder of the Columbia River’s pathway through the Cascade Range. In his imagination, Sam saw not just a way to get from point A to point B, but a journey, marked by grand vistas, graceful curves and elegant bridges intended to uplift the eye and the spirit of the traveler seeking to escape the growing pressures of modern life and reconnect with the salve of the countryside. The road was designed to surprise and delight the senses with unexpected sights – waterfalls, charming roadside picnic areas, and breathtaking overlooks. His dream became concrete in the second decade of the 20th century with the creation of the Columbia Gorge Scenic Highway. This carefully sculpted roadway was meticulously laid out to take best advantage of the visual splendor of the region and perhaps even to enhance the landscape. As with many of the engineering feats of its era, the Scenic Highway fell into disrepair upon the construction of the faster, more efficient Interstate 84. Fortunately for us, thoughtful citizens have worked to reclaim sections of the highway, some of which is open to vehicular traffic and some that is reserved for walkers and bicyclists. Many of us enjoyed a lovely sunlit walk today on one of these pedestrian-only segments, happily using the road as its creator had intended.
