Columbia River Gorge Communities Plan “Centennial Season of Celebration†for America’s First Scenic Highway
- Historic Columbia River Highway turns 100 in 2016 -
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 The Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, OR/WA (March 30, 2016) – America’s first scenic highway, the Historic Columbia River Highway, turns 100 in 2016.
In celebration, 'a surprise around every corner' is being promised by Oregon and Washington communities throughout the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, with events and exhibits planned for the public.
Exhibits are now underway at both ends of the Historic Highway, including the “King of Roads†exhibit at Troutdale Historic Society, featuring photographs and stories of the people who made the building of the highway possible and “Sam Hill and the Columbia River Highway†at Maryhill Museum of Art, an exhibition of black and white prints showing both construction photos of the highway and early scenic views of the Columbia River Gorge, among many other programs planned at of the former home of the Historic Highway’s visionary, Samuel Hill, now Maryhill Museum of Art.
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At the Oregon State Library in Salem through December, “A Poem in Stone – Celebrating the Historic Columbia River Highway,†collections tell the story of transportation through the Columbia River Gorge, focusing on the construction, early history and restoration of the Columbia River Highway. Includes books and reports on the Highway, early travel brochures, photographs, postcards and maps. (Oregon State Library, Second Floor, 250 Winter Street NE, Salem, OR).
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More than 30 events are planned by Gorge communities, including:
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Apr. 22–24: ​37th Annual Northwest Cherry Festival – Celebrate the spectacular Columbia River Gorge and the deep agricultural ties in The Dalles during this three day festival, which will have a special focus on the 100-year anniversary of the Historic Highway. ​The fun includes a parade, race, local music and cherry sampling. Learn more.
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May 7: Poetry Workshop: Inspired by Roads – Participants will create poems based on this majestic byway using historic photographs as inspiration. The event will be hosted by poet Tim Barnes from 1-4 p.m. at Maryhill Museum of Art; free, registration required 509-773-3733. Learn more.
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June 7: Pictorial Postmarks – The Bridal Veil Post Office will establish a temporary philatelic station and offer two Pictorial Postmarks commemorating the 100th Anniversary of the Historic Columbia River Highway at Multnomah Falls from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mail-in requests for postmarking will be offered by the Bridal Veil, OR Post Office (Postmaster/ 1W Mill Road/ Bridal Veil, OR 97010-9998) until August 12. In addition, the U.S. Postal Service is selling a Priority Mail Express stamp, available in panes of 10, celebrating the grandeur of the Columbia River Gorge.
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June 7: An Unveiling of Visionaries – To recognize and honor a pair of visionary men, Samuel Lancaster and Samuel Hill, join the unveiling of a new bronze monument created by renowned artist Rip Caswell, with actors impersonating Hill and Lancaster bringing the bronze to life at 3 p.m. at Visionary Park, Troutdale (Historic Columbia River Highway and Jackson Park Rd.).
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June 11: Rose Festival Grand Floral Parade – This historic parade started a few years before the Historic Highway was dedicated in 1916. Enjoy the fun and festivities in Portland, and watch for antique cars celebrating the Historic Highway and a Vista House float! Learn more.
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June 11: Western Antique Aeroplane & Automobile Museum (WAAAM) Action Day – The Centennial Celebration will be the theme for the "action day" at WAAAM as they fly and drive antiques in Hood River. Learn more.
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June 18: 10th Annual Gorge Ride – This scenic cycling ride will extend from the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center to the Senator Mark O. Hatfield West Trailhead and return. Learn more.
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June 18: Columbia River Highway Lecture – Author Peg Willis has had a life-long love affair with the Columbia River Highway and years of research culminated in her book, Building the Columbia River highway: They Said It Couldn’t Be Done at Maryhill Museum of Art, 2 p.m. Learn more.
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July 4: Celebration and Concert in the Park – Celebrate in Washougal with music, food, and fireworks starting at 4:30 p.m. at Marina Park. Learn more.
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July 4: Corbett Fun Fest – A full day of activities, a pancake breakfast, old fashioned parade, cruise-in, a full line up of music, field games, elephant ears, a generational queens court and other hometown entertainment for everyone plus the only fireworks show in East Multnomah County. Parade is from Springdale to Corbett, with most of the events taking place in Corbett (fireworks). Learn more.
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July 15: 100 year anniversary of the Eagle Creek Recreation Area – Celebrate the oldest campground within the U.S Forest Service in the country. Learn more.
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July 23: Troutdale Summerfest – This annual, family-friendly, event will be focused on the 100 year celebration of the Historic Highway and will include an antique car tour to kick off their grand parade. Learn more.
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July 23: Friends of the Historic Columbia River Highway Antique Car Tour – A parade of antique cars will travel from Troutdale to the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center and Museum, stopping in towns along the way.​​ Learn more.
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July 23: Mosier Parade – This community-focused event, celebrating the Historic Highway’s role in Mosier’s Past, Present, and Future will include the antique car tour, parade and after party picnic.
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August 7: Bridge of the Gods Half Marathon and 10K – The Half Marathon and 10K will take runners across the exciting and scenic Bridge of the Gods before connecting with the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail. Learn more.
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September 9: Dinner and Lecture Series at the The Columbia Gorge Discovery Center – in The Dalles, Bob Hadlow (ODOT), will speak about the history of the Historic Columbia River Highway. Dinner at 6 p.m., program at 7 p.m.; fee and registration is required. Learn more.
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September 10: Tour of the Historic Columbia River Highway – Friends of the Historic Columbia River Highway and Architectural Heritage Center will host a speaker’s series tour through the Gorge. Learn more.
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September 17: Washougal Heritage Day – Take a step back in time and visit demonstration booths of local historic interest and tour the Two Rivers Heritage Museum for free. Learn more.
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September 18: Lantern Slide Show – Using vintage projectors, more than 100 hand colored glass slides from the collection of the Oregon Historical Society will be shown at the Maryhill Museum of Art at 2 p.m. Learn more.
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September 18: Gorgeous Relay – This community event is including the Centennial Celebration into their existing event, where participants run 60 miles from Cascade Locks to the heart of Portland. Experience the Historic Columbia River Highway as it winds past waterfalls, creeks and forests. ​Learn more.
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September 23: Dinner and Lecture Series at the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center – Dr. Tim Davis, will speak about National Park Roads and the Historic Columbia River Highway. Dinner at 6 p.m., program at 7 p.m.; fee and registration is required. Learn more.
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September 24: Historic State Trail Dedication at Starvation Creek – This new segment of the Historic Highway State Trail system is located between Lindsey Creek and Starvation Creek near Hood River and will only be accessible to cyclists and walkers. Elected officials, community leaders, Gorge residents and outdoor enthusiasts will celebrate the opening. Learn more.
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Sept. 24–Oct. 31: Gorge Bingo Challenge – Friends of the Gorge will host a prize-filled and nature-inspired bingo challenge to get you and your friends to enjoy the scenic beauty of the Gorge. Learn more.
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Sept. 30–Oct. 1: Oktoberfest in Washougal – Join the fun, grab your commemorative beer stein and enjoy German food, local brews and music at the Oktoberfest at Washougal Reflection Plaza. Learn more.
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Oct. 1–Nov. 15: The Historic Columbia River Highway through the Eyes of Young Artists at Maryhill Museum of Art – Students of all ages through the region are invited to exhibit works of art inspired by the Historic Columbia River Highway. An educator’s guide is available. Learn more.
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Oct. 1–2: Car is King and Maryhill Arts Festival – Celebrate Sam Hill’s love of roads, the automobile and the arts during this two-day festival devoted to creativity in all its forms. Including the ability to drive the Maryhill Loops Road (only allowed twice per year) and a car show open to all makes; featuring autos 1945 and older in celebration of the Highway’s centennial. Learn more at Learn more.
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October 9: On the Road in Washington; Historic Roads and Sam Hill – Explore the remarkable role Sam Hill played in the development of roads in the Northwest including the Historic Highway. From 1-4 p.m. at Maryhill Museum of Art. Learn more.
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October 21: Dinner and Lecture Series at the Discovery Center – Tom Garnier will discuss the Mayerdale Mansion on the Historic Columbia River Highway. Dinner at 6 p.m., program at 7 p.m.; fee and registration are required. Learn more.
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October 23: Columbia Gorge Marathon and Half Marathon – Run along the Historic Columbia River Highway with colorful fall foliage, waterfalls and amazing vistas. Pass through Mosier and the Rowena Viewpoint. Learn more.
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November 5: Family Fun and the Columbia River Highway – Celebrate the historic dedication of Maryhill Museum of Art 90 years ago and the centennial of the opening of the Historic Columbia River Highway from 1-4 p.m.; free admission all day for youth 18 and under. Learn more.
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Sam Hill Commemorative 2012 Winemaker's Red available at Maryhill Winery
In partnership with Maryhill Museum of Art, Maryhill Winery is proud to announce the Sam Hill Commemorative 2012 Winemaker’s Red, celebrating the Historic Columbia River Highway’s 100th Anniversary and the contributions of famed entrepreneur, Samuel Hill. The commemorative label, featuring an illustration of Sam Hill by Portland, Oregon artist, David Savinar, is available for purchase in the Tasting Room and online. A portion of the proceeds of each bottle sold will be donated to support the efforts of Maryhill Museum of Art and Friends of the Historic Columbia River Highway.
Maryhill Winery, located in what once was “Sam Hill Countryâ€, owes much to the foresight of Hill and his road - which continues to bring visitors to this remote area. Learn more about Sam Hill, Maryhill Museum of Art and the Historic Columbia River Highway.
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EDITORS PLEASE NOTE: A complete Centennial Anniversary press kit on the Historic Columbia River Highway and State Trail—including downloadable images—is available at HistoricHighway.org.
A free, collectable poster map of the Historic Columbia River Highway Season of Celebration is available to the public throughout the Gorge, including Vista House and Multnomah Falls Lodge and many other locations. It is also available for downloading at HistoricHighway.org.
Learn more about the current Historic Highway State Trail Reconnection Project, from Starvation Creek to Lindsey Creek, which is currently under construction and expected to open to the public in late-September 2016.
Watch and share six, short films, which talk about the trail reconnection projects! |
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About the Historic Columbia River Highway & State Trail (Historic Route 30) Centennial Celebration
The Columbia River Highway, hailed “America’s great highway,†was officially dedicated on June 7, 1916 with a dazzling affair that drew the attention of the nation and the world. Constructed between 1913 and 1922, America’s first scenic highway served thousands of travelers and took full advantage of the Columbia River Gorge’s natural beauty including its waterfalls and amazing vistas, to become known as the “King of Roads.†The Historic Columbia River Highway is still known for its attention to design details resulting in an iconic style and innovative construction techniques such as rock walls, bridges and notable structures such as Vista House and Multnomah Falls Lodge.
By the early 1950s, the construction of a faster, straighter, water-level route through the Gorge (which would become Interstate 84) obliterated many sections of the Highway, leaving what remained abandoned and disconnected. The Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area Act of 1986 directed the State of Oregon to connect these abandoned highway sections as a pedestrian and bike trail. This new rendition of America’s First Scenic Highway would be known as the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail.
The Historic Columbia River Highway 2016 Celebration Committee, made up of citizens and organizations from throughout the Gorge are working together to ensure that the celebration properly honors this national historic landmark. For more information on the Highway and the 100th anniversary celebration, visit: www.historichighway.org. “Follow†the Historic Highway on Twitter/@hcrhighway and Instagram/@hcrhighway and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/HCRH100.
Centennial hashtags: #Route30 #historiccolumbiariverhighway
Sponsors of the Season of Celebration include:
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