Walking through a tunnel carved into solid rock while gazing at the Columbia River through stone-framed windows sounds like something out of an old adventure novel. The cool air brushes your face, footsteps echo against the walls, and sudden bursts of light pull your eyes toward sweeping river views below.
It feels dramatic and cinematic, like a secret passage built purely for the thrill of the journey.
What makes it even better is that this experience is rooted in real Oregon history. Nearly 60 years after the original cliff-hugging highway tunnel was demolished, a modern version has brought that magic back.
Stretching 655 feet, this newly opened engineering feat recreates the spirit of the famous 1915 passage that once awed early motorists. Today, visitors can walk or bike through the pedestrian-only corridor, pausing at five arched openings that frame the Gorge like giant stone picture windows.
Each one offers a slightly different angle of the Columbia River and the rugged landscape that defines the area.
The place bringing this historic experience back to life is the Mitchell Point Tunnel in the Columbia River Gorge.
A Modern Revival of Historic Engineering
Back in 1915, engineers accomplished something remarkable when they blasted the original Mitchell Point Tunnel directly through a rock cliff face along the Columbia River Highway.
That tunnel became an instant sensation, drawing visitors from across the country who marveled at the bold engineering and the stunning views through its windows.
The original structure served travelers for nearly four decades before safety concerns about rockfalls and increasing traffic led to its closure in 1953. Then, in 1966, the tunnel met its end when engineers dynamited it to make room for the expanding Interstate 84.
Fast forward to 2025, and Oregon has brought this iconic landmark back to life with a $31 million replica that honors the original design while meeting modern safety standards. The new tunnel captures the spirit and artistry of the historic Columbia River Highway, one of America’s most beautiful roads.
While slightly different from its predecessor, the replica successfully recreates the experience that made the original so beloved.
The hand-placed stone masonry around the entrances and throughout the pathway demonstrates the same attention to craftsmanship that defined early 20th-century road building.
Five Windows Framing the Gorge
The tunnel’s most captivating feature is its five arched windows cut directly into the rock face, each one offering a different perspective of the Columbia River and the dramatic gorge landscape.
These openings aren’t just functional ventilation points but carefully designed viewing platforms that transform a simple walk into a gallery of natural art.
As you move through the tunnel, each window reveals a new composition of river, cliffs, and sky. The light streaming through these apertures creates a rhythm of brightness and shadow that photographers find irresistible.
On windy days, which are common in this world-renowned windsurfing area, the windows channel gusts that make the experience feel even more dramatic and connected to the wild character of the gorge. You’ll want to bring a jacket regardless of the season.
The windows also provide enough natural light to navigate the tunnel safely during daylight hours, though the sections between openings get quite dark.
Many visitors describe the alternating light and darkness as creating “apertures of mystery” that add to the tunnel’s enchanting atmosphere.
These stone-framed views have quickly become some of the most photographed spots in the Columbia River Gorge.
Exclusively for Walkers and Cyclists
Unlike the original tunnel that handled automobile traffic, today’s Mitchell Point Tunnel is reserved exclusively for people on foot or bicycle. This car-free design is part of the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail, a growing network dedicated to non-motorized recreation.
The decision to exclude vehicles creates a peaceful, safe environment where families can walk side by side without worrying about traffic.
Kids can ride their bikes through the tunnel’s 655-foot length, experiencing the thrill of the dark sections and the surprise of each window’s view.
The smooth, textured concrete floor ensures safe passage for everyone, including visitors using wheelchairs or pushing strollers. The gentle uphill grade from the parking area to the tunnel entrance is manageable for most fitness levels.
This pedestrian focus aligns with a broader movement to reclaim historic roads for recreation rather than transportation. The Columbia River Gorge has become a destination where people can slow down and experience the landscape at a human pace rather than highway speed.
Whether you’re a serious cyclist training on the trail or a casual walker enjoying a short outing, the tunnel provides an experience that’s impossible to have from a car window.
The 655-Foot Journey Through Stone
At 655 feet long, the Mitchell Point Tunnel takes about five minutes to walk through without stopping, though most visitors take considerably longer because they pause at each window to absorb the views.
The length is substantial enough to create a sense of journey and transformation as you pass from one side to the other.
The tunnel’s construction showcases impressive attention to detail, with hand-placed stone masonry lining the entrances and pathway.
This craftsmanship connects the modern structure to the building traditions of the early 1900s when skilled stonemasons created lasting monuments along the Columbia River Highway.
Inside, the temperature drops noticeably, providing welcome relief on warm summer days. The cool, cave-like atmosphere adds to the sense of stepping into something ancient and mysterious, even though the tunnel is brand new.
The floor’s smooth, even surface makes navigation easy even in the darker sections between windows. Visitors with light-sensitive vision can traverse the tunnel confidently without needing flashlights, though some people bring them anyway for added security or to examine the stonework more closely.
This carefully engineered length strikes a perfect balance, long enough to feel like an adventure but short enough to be accessible for young children and less mobile visitors.
Finding Your Way to the Tunnel
The tunnel sits in the eastern Columbia River Gorge, accessed via Interstate 84 East at Exit 58, just a few miles west of the town of Hood River.
The location places it perfectly for a quick stop during a gorge drive or as a destination for a dedicated visit.
You can only access the entrance road from the eastbound side of the highway, which means westbound travelers need to continue to the next exit, turn around, and approach from the east. This detail is important for trip planning and prevents frustrating missed turns.
The full address is Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail, Cascade Locks, Oregon 97031, which helps GPS navigation systems direct you accurately. Once you exit the interstate, clear signage guides you to the small parking area at the trailhead.
The tunnel’s proximity to Hood River, just five or six miles away, makes it easy to combine your visit with a stop in that charming town for food, shopping, or other activities. Many visitors create a half-day itinerary that includes both the tunnel and Hood River.
The site’s location within the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area means you’re surrounded by dramatic landscapes no matter which direction you look, making even the drive to the tunnel part of the experience.
Planning Around Limited Parking
One of the biggest challenges visitors face is the undersized parking lot, which has only 18 spaces total, including one or two designated for handicapped parking. This limited capacity creates waits during peak times, especially on weekends and holidays when the tunnel attracts crowds.
Weekday visits offer your best chance of finding a spot without waiting, particularly if you arrive early in the morning or later in the afternoon. Winter visits also tend to be less crowded, though you’ll need to dress warmly for the wind.
When the lot is full, visitors typically wait patiently in their vehicles for departing cars to free up spaces. The turnover is relatively quick since most people spend only 15 to 30 minutes at the site, but you should build buffer time into your schedule.
Pay close attention to no-parking signs along the access road. Several visitors have reported seeing ticketed cars parked illegally in areas where they thought they could wait.
The authorities actively enforce parking restrictions to maintain safety and access.
The parking and entrance are completely free, which is wonderful, but the limited capacity reflects the site’s newness and the challenge of expanding facilities in this protected landscape. As word spreads about this attraction, parking pressure will likely increase.
Amenities for Visitor Comfort
Despite its small size, the Mitchell Point Tunnel site includes thoughtful amenities that enhance the visitor experience. A new plaza area features restrooms and picnic tables, giving people a place to rest before or after their tunnel walk.
The restrooms are pit-toilet style facilities that visitors report are well-maintained with plenty of paper and waterless soap. While not luxurious, they’re clean and functional, which is appreciated given the site’s remote clifftop location.
The picnic tables provide spots to enjoy snacks or meals while taking in views of the gorge. Several reviewers mentioned bringing coffee to sip while relaxing at the site, suggesting that a morning visit with a hot beverage in hand is a particularly pleasant way to experience the tunnel.
The plaza’s design incorporates elements that echo the historic character of the original Columbia River Highway, creating visual continuity between the modern amenities and the replica tunnel. Everything feels intentional and well-integrated rather than tacked on as an afterthought.
For additional dining options, Hood River is just minutes away and offers numerous restaurants and cafes. Some visitors plan their trip to include lunch or shopping in town after exploring the tunnel, making it easy to turn a quick tunnel visit into a more substantial outing.
The Dramatic Sensory Experience
What sets the Mitchell Point Tunnel apart from ordinary trails is the dramatic sensory journey it creates through its alternating sections of light and darkness. As you enter from the bright outdoors, your eyes adjust to the dimmer interior before encountering the first window’s burst of light and view.
This rhythm continues throughout the tunnel’s length, creating what visitors describe as “apertures of mystery” that engage your senses in unexpected ways. The contrast makes each window’s view more striking and memorable than if you were simply standing at an open viewpoint.
The wind, nearly constant in this famous windsurfing area, adds another dimension to the experience. Gusts channel through the windows with surprising force, creating sound effects and physical sensations that connect you viscerally to the gorge’s wild character.
Don’t expect your hair to stay neat.
The tunnel’s acoustics also contribute to the atmosphere. Voices echo in the enclosed spaces, footsteps resonate differently than on open trails, and the wind creates haunting sounds that change as you move from section to section.
Many visitors report feeling a sense of peace and contemplation inside the tunnel, describing it as a perfect place to think or simply be present in the moment away from the demands of daily life.
Perfect for All Ages and Abilities
One of the tunnel’s greatest strengths is its accessibility for visitors of all ages and physical abilities. The paved, smooth surface and gentle grade make it manageable for young children, seniors, and people using mobility devices.
Families consistently praise the tunnel as an ideal destination for kids, who love the adventure of walking through the dark sections and the excitement of discovering each window’s view. The short distance from parking to tunnel means even restless youngsters can handle the walk without complaints.
Parents appreciate that they can bring strollers without difficulty, making it possible to include infants and toddlers in the outing. The car-free environment means no anxiety about traffic, allowing kids to explore with appropriate freedom.
For older adults or those with limited mobility, the tunnel offers a rare opportunity to experience dramatic gorge scenery without requiring strenuous hiking. The flat, even surface and short distances involved make it genuinely accessible rather than just technically compliant with regulations.
Dogs are welcome on leashes, and many visitors bring their pets to enjoy the walk. The combination of easy access and spectacular payoff makes the Mitchell Point Tunnel a destination that truly works for everyone, creating shared experiences across generations and abilities.
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