Mitchell Point Tunnel officially open to hikers, cyclists

Published 1:35 pm Friday, March 21, 2025

A key section of the Columbia River Highway State Trail, which offers perhaps the most unique views of the natural wonder, is officially open after a reconstruction project to mimic the lost amenity.

Friday afternoon, March 21, the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department announced construction is complete on Mitchell Point Tunnel, with the tunnel and additional 1.5 miles of trail now officially open.

Mitchell Point Tunnel was built in 1915 for cars traveling the Historic Columbia River Highway. It was closed for nearly 70 years. The new tunnel, for pedestrians and cyclists, is 655-feet long with five arched windows, reminiscent of the unique original design.

While the amenity had a ribbon cutting and dedication last fall, the final touches were delayed due to some foul weather. Crews needed warmer weather to complete stonework, paving and striping.

The trail is Americans with Disabilities Act-accessible and open to walkers, bikers and rollers. There is also a toilet available at the trailhead. Anyone wanting to visit the tunnel and enjoy those views for themselves should be aware that like many popular sites in the Gorge, parking can be tricky.

The original tunnel was closed and filled in because it was too narrow for modern transportation, and it was later destroyed in 1966 during construction of Interstate 84.

In 1986 the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area Act passed and motivated legislators in Salem to commit to restoring the original 73-mile roadway from Troutdale to The Dalles. Some stretches are accessible to cars and cyclists, while other portions join the Historic Highway State Trail.

Planning for the Mitchell Point Tunnel reconstruction began in 2015.