Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail: Twin Tunnels

The trail is entirely paved, making it smooth and accessible. It features gentle, rolling hills with a maximum grade of 5%. While generally easy, there's a moderate 200-foot climb between miles 2.2 and 2.7 if you start from the Mark O. Hatfield West Trailhead.

The full 4.5-mile paved section between Hood River and Mosier can take approximately 1.5 to 2 hours to hike one way, depending on your pace and how often you stop to enjoy the views. The specific segment mentioned, which is about 3.4 km (2.1 miles) long, would take less time, roughly 1 hour.

You'll experience spectacular views of the Columbia River Gorge. The landscape shifts from dense fir forests on the western end to a more arid, semi-desert environment with ponderosa pines to the east. Key features include the historic Twin Tunnels themselves, which have 'windows' offering framed river views, moss-covered stone railings, old-style wood guardrails, and basaltic rock formations. You can also spot a seasonal waterfall and historic mileposts.

The trail is enjoyable year-round, but spring and fall offer particularly pleasant conditions with mild temperatures and beautiful seasonal colors. Spring brings wildflowers, while fall showcases vibrant foliage. Summer is popular but can be warm, so an early start is recommended. Winter hiking is also possible, offering a different, often quieter, experience.

Yes, the trail is entirely paved and generally considered suitable for strollers and wheelchair users. However, some assistance might be needed in places due to moderately steep grades, particularly the 200-foot climb mentioned earlier. Its width, ranging from 10 to 18 feet, also accommodates these uses well.

Yes, dogs are generally welcome on the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail. Please ensure your dog is kept on a leash at all times and that you clean up after them to maintain the trail's cleanliness for all users.

No, there are typically no permits or entrance fees required to access the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail: Twin Tunnels segment. It is part of the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, but this specific trail section does not have an associated fee for use.

The primary access points with parking are the Mark O. Hatfield West Trailhead near Hood River and the Mark O. Hatfield East Trailhead in Mosier. These trailheads provide convenient parking for starting your hike on the Twin Tunnels segment.

The Twin Tunnels were originally built in 1921 as part of the Historic Columbia River Highway, the first major paved highway in the Pacific Northwest. They were blasted through solid basalt. After being closed to cars in the 1950s, they were later restored and reopened in 2000 as part of the State Trail, transforming a historic roadway into a recreational path.

Yes, this route is a significant part of the larger Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail. While hiking this segment, you are almost entirely on sections of the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail itself, which extends further in both directions.

The trail connects the towns of Hood River and Mosier, both of which offer various amenities. In these towns, you can find cafes, restaurants, and other services. It's advisable to bring your own water and snacks for the trail, as facilities directly on the path are limited.