Mitchell Point

Opening soon!

As of Nov. 16, 2024: The Mitchell Point Tunnel is not yet open to the public.

Welcome to the new Mitchell Point Tunnel.

The unveiling of the tunnel is a significant milestone toward the decades-long vision to reconnect the original “King of Roads,” the 73-mile continuous route through the Columbia River Gorge from Troutdale to The Dalles.

When complete, this route will draw visitors from around the globe to experience the spectacular Columbia River Gorge the way it was meant to be seen — from beautiful vistas, next to cascading waterfalls and inside basalt tunnels — all while visiting welcoming towns along the way.
Standing in the large, arched concrete tunnel with windows letting in sunlight and views

Standing in the large, arched concrete tunnel with windows letting in sunlight and views

The tunnel is 655-feet long and part of a 1.5 mile trail segment.

The tunnel is open for non-motorized users hiking and biking on the State Trail. It is reminiscent of the historic tunnel with five arched windows overlooking the Columbia River.

Features

Five arched windows with expansive views of the Columbia River.
Hand placed stone masonry wall.
Stone masonry around the tunnel entrances.
A plaza with picnic tables and overlook and expanded restroom at the westside trailhead.
An overlook on the east side.

Milestones

May 2018: Open House where three alternative crossing designs were presented.
May 2018: The Advisory Committee recommended the 570-foot tunnel for the Mitchell Point Crossing.
June 2018: The Oregon Parks and Recreation Commission endorsed the design recommendation from the Historic Columbia River Advisory Committee.
Through 2020: Design continued on the preferred alternative
Spring 2021: Construction begins
Nov. 16, 2024: Mitchell Point Tunnel dedication

Funding

ODOT received Federal Lands Access Program grant funds to design and rebuild the Mitchell Point Tunnel and connect the Historic Highway State Trail through a formidable mountain at Mitchell Point.

Team:

Design consultant: WSP USA
Construction prime contractor: Crestline Construction
Project partners: ODOT, Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, Western Federal Lands | Federal Highway Administration, U.S. Forest Service, Travel Oregon and Friends of the Historic Columbia River Highway.

As of 2024, the Mitchell Point Tunnel is not connected to another trail segment.

On the west side of the tunnel, there is a 0.7-mile link still needed to connect Viento State Park to Mitchell Point, which is anticipated to begin construction as early as 2026.

On the east side, there is a 1.6-mile segment of trail needed to connect into Hood River.

For hikers:
To coincide with the opening of the Mitchell Point Tunnel, ODOT and OPRD will provide a temporary pedestrian connection up to the start of construction in 2026 between Viento State Park and the Mitchell Point Tunnel to allow pedestrians access without a vehicle or riding a shuttle bus. Due to the temporary nature of the connection and width limitations, no bicycles will be allowed – this connection is pedestrian-only. From Viento State Park, travel east for two miles on the State Trail and then follow the signs to Mitchell Point Tunnel.

For drivers:

The Mitchell Point Tunnel is only accessible from I-84 eastbound Exit 58.

There is no access from westbound I-84. No parking is permitted on Mitchell Point Drive. Use the Exit 56 interchange to turnaround and head east to Exit 58.

The original Mitchell Point Tunnel, as shown below, was built in 1915 and included five arched windows where drivers could experience scenic views of the Columbia River from the highway. The tunnel was closed in 1953 for safety and because it could no longer accommodate growing trafﬁc volumes and increasing car sizes, ultimately being destroyed in 1966 to widen I-84.