Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail — Twin Tunnels Segment

This is a 4.5-mile one-way walk along a paved, car-free stretch of the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail, from Mark O. Hatfield East Trailhead in Mosier to its West Trailhead in Hood River. The Twin Tunnels and their river-facing windows are the hook, but the route also runs past basalt, old stonework and high Gorge viewpoints. Allow about 2½ hours for Mosier to Hood River. It isn't a loop: arrange a ride at the far end or retrace it for roughly nine miles.

From the East Trailhead, the path leaves Rock Creek Road and crosses dry scabland above the river. About a mile in, a stone overlook faces Eighteen Mile Island and Coyote Wall; then the route enters two consecutive basalt tunnels, about 390 feet in all. Small windows cut into the walls frame the Columbia. The highway dates to 1921, and restoration uncovered graffiti left by drivers stranded by snow that winter. If the tunnel view is all you want, make the Mosier-side walk an out-and-back and turn around there; that shorter trip is a different route from the full segment.

Past the tunnels, look for the long rockfall catchment structure, then continue through rolling, fir-shaded hills with views across to Bingen's log piles and Koberg Beach. The route changes character along the way: the Mosier end is open and semi-arid with ponderosa pines, while the Hood River approach is greener and more shaded. The paved line also has a short, rugged side path to the overlook; that spur is rougher than the main route and isn't part of the mapped 4.5-mile distance.

The pavement has moderately steep grades and is shared with bikes. Oregon State Parks calls it universally accessible, but manual wheelchair users may need help on steeper stretches. Dogs are allowed on a leash no longer than six feet. Parking is available at both trailheads; day-use access is paid, though checked descriptions differ on whether to use a fee or a State Parks pass, so confirm before going. The West Trailhead has restrooms and a visitor/interpretive center. Hood River cafes are a separate stop about two miles beyond that end; Mosier has a self-serve bike repair station about a quarter-mile from its trailhead.