Historic Highway News
Historic Highway Closed between Portland Women's Forum and Vista House
ODOT closed the road Wednesday evening due to recent roadway settling. ODOT monitors this section of the Historic Highway because it sits on an ancient landslide. Over the last decade, ODOT has repaved this section as cracks have appeared and the ground has settled. This month, geotechnical engineers noted that the settling has accelerated, and additional structural issues down slope have caused safety concerns. The photo below shows the embankment damage - note the sinking guardrail on the left.
With continuing rain and snow, significant guardrail settling, and continued ground movement the road is closed to vehicles, bicyclists and pedestrians. The closure extends between milepost 8.7, where the Historic Highway and Larch Mountain Road split, and milepost 9.5, at Vista House. Interstate 84 is the detour route for through users. Exit 22 Corbett Hill Road and exit 28 Bridal Veil remain open to access destinations along the Historic Highway.
Visitors to Vista House should use I-84 eastbound exit 28 at Bridal Veil and travel west on the Historic Highway. Drivers will no longer be able to access Vista House from Troutdale using the Historic Highway. Visitors to Portland Women's Forum should take exit 22 Corbett Hill Road to access the Scenic Viewpoint.
Restoring the Multnomah Falls Viaducts: work continues
The Historic Columbia River Highway is closed between Wahkeena Falls and Multnomah Falls until Memorial Day for repairs to the west viaduct.
Crews working on the Historic Highway removed all the old asphalt from the surface and prepared the west viaduct for a new concrete surface. The photo to the right shows the updated rebar that will support a new concrete deck on the viaduct.
Work also continues under the east viaduct without impacting traffic. We will close the Historic Highway east of Multnomah Falls beginning fall 2025 for similar repairs.
The repairs will allow the viaducts to continue carrying traffic to Multnomah Falls for years to come.
Columbia Gorge businesses and organizations can view a library of resources to help share information about this project.
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Summer 2025 Multnomah Falls Congestion Mitigation
As Summer approaches, the U.S. Forest Service will reinstate its seasonal Timed Use Permit system for accessing Multnomah Falls from I-84 Exit 31. Between Memorial Day and Labor Day from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., a Timed Use Permit is required for each personal vehicle accessing Multnomah Falls from Exit 31. Permits must be obtained in advance on recreation.gov for a $2 transaction fee and are available two weeks before the date of visit.
A limited number of permits will be available for same-day pickup without the fee at the Gateway to the Gorge Visitor Center in Troutdale and the Cascade Locks Historical Museum.
Photo below: A bride and groom pass through the Permit check area in summer 2023.
Courtesy Announcement: 2025 Gorge Tourism Summit
Save the Date: The Columbia Gorge Tourism Alliance will be hosting the Gorge Tourism Summit on May 14th at The Ruins in Hood River.
From CGTA: Join us for a constructive gathering that will be filled with important updates, open discussion and opportunities to network with other community and business leaders to advance goals of stewardship and resiliency in the Gorge.
We invite all who play a role in the tourism ecosystem in the Gorge — from Troutdale to Goldendale and everywhere in between. Calling all tourism-related businesses (overnight accommodations, tour operators, transportation providers, restauranteurs, service providers), cultural organizations, land managers and land stewards, community organizations, outdoor recreation/trail organizations, conservation organizations, city and county leaders, economic development and transportation-focused organizations (and any others we missed!) for an interactive, fun-filled day. All are welcome.
Check CGTA's website for information and ticket availability.
Additional Advisory Committee Meeting Information
Joining the meeting
The meeting will take place in person and on Zoom and is open to the public. You can join in person, online or by phone.
To join online:
Click here to join the meeting. The meeting password is: HCRHAC
No RSVP is needed. Alternatively, enter the meeting ID into Zoom: 815 1735 5763
You do not need a Zoom account to access the meeting. You may be prompted to enter your name or email address -- the information you enter may be visible to those attending the meeting.
To join by phone:
- Dial +1 253 215 8782
- Enter the meeting ID: 815 1735 5763
Technical support and accommodations
Visit Zoom's Help Center. For technical support before or during the meeting, you may contact kenneth.werth@odot.oregon.gov or 971-325-5066.
For ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) or Civil Rights Title VI accommodations, translation/interpretation services, or more information call 503-731-4128, TTY (800) 735-2900 or Oregon Relay Service 7-1-1.
To request printed materials, please contact Terra.M.Lingley@odot.oregon.gov or 503-731-8232 by March 19.
Providing public comment
During the meeting:
Virtual attendees will be muted. The Advisory Committee will provide opportunities for public comment both virtually and in person. If you have a question or comment while attending virtually, you can:
- Use the "raise hand" option. You will be able to un-mute your microphone. Please introduce yourself and ask your question or provide your comment.
- If you are attending by phone, dial *9 to raise your hand. Dial *6 to mute/unmute your microphone.
- Use the chat option to type your question or comment.
In advance of the meeting: If you are unable to attend the meeting, you can send comments to Terra.M.Lingley@odot.oregon.gov or 503-731-8232 until noon on Wednesday the week of the meeting. Comments will be shared with the Advisory Committee.
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