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Mosier Twin Tunnels Trilogy LbNA #7745

Owner:Adoptable
Plant date:Apr 7, 2003
Location:
City:Hood River
County:Hood River
State:Oregon
Boxes:3
Planted by:Kokopelli
Found by: troutehole
Last found:Apr 25, 2009
Status:FaFFF
Last edited:Apr 7, 2003
This is my first placement, and I had a blast!! The only thing missing was my pal, Jess!! Please let me know the condition of the boxes and any great advise would be appreciated!!

Just east of Hood River, is the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail that features the Mosier Twin Tunnels. This section of the old highway was constructed between 1919 and 1921, and then closed in the mid-1950’s due to hazardous conditions and the opening of Interstate 84. Reopened in July of 2000 to foot and bicycle traffic, the trail’s 4.6 miles boasts an incredible variety of hearty plant life and some of the most gorgeous views as you stroll/bike high above the highway.

For more information on the Historic highway, visit http://www.a2zgorge.info/area/Mosier_Tunnels.htm

To the Trailhead: From I-84 (east or west), take exit 64 and travel south to Highway 35. Turn left at the China Gorge Restaurant (excellent Chinese food, I must say) onto the Historic Columbia River Highway. Wind your way up the hill approximately two miles to the State trailhead (Day use fee: $3.00).

This trail is 4.6 miles one way and ends up in Mosier, Oregon. Some folks like to leave a car at the trailhead in Mosier, hike or bike the 4.8 miles from Hood River and you’re done. The wide trail is paved the entire way and the even grade makes it an easy and most pleasant adventure. When searching out the boxes, keep a watchful eye for traffic that can sometimes be quite heavy!!

THE ADVENTURE BEGINS...
Box #1 – ** SO SORRY!! THIS BOX IS TEMPORARILY MIA AND IN NEED OF REPLACEMENT. PLEASE CONTINUE, HOWEVER, AND HUNT DOWN THE REMAINING TWO. I'LL HAVE THIS ONE REPLACED ASAP!! SORRY FOR THE INCONVENIENCE ** The first box is placed with my godkids in mind. It’s their favorite spot. Along the trail, there are a number of little springs that trickle in and out of the rocks. This spring is a pretty waterfall, very obvious and very inviting, especially for thirsty puppies and curious children. Take a minute to enjoy the peace and tranquility of the spring, then look down on the ground around you and find the old concrete tunnel once used for overflow. Wasn’t that easy?!!

Box #2 – Continue following the trail east, enjoying the different views. Did you know a “Benji” movie was filmed along the steep rock cliffs some years ago? Past the old rock quarry was the Hood River Appleknocker Bowmen archery range and the County Sheriff’s pistol range. All these sites have grown over with lush vegetation, leaving little evidence of what was once there. Quite a ways past the old rock quarry, you’ll come to a viewpoint where you can look east and take a gander at “Chicken Charlie Island” out in the middle of the Columbia River. Walk east past the end of the rock wallguard to the end of the white railing. Across the road and to the left is a maple trilogy all it’s own. Check the nest of rocks in it’s crook for your second treat!!

Box #3 – You’re getting close to the icing on the cake!!! Just down the trail a ways is the beginning of the tunnels that consist of a catchment structure that leads to the tunnels themselves. When you get to the tunnels, take time to soak in the historical significance of the incredible workmanship. Be sure to stop and peek out the tunnel “windows” and study the “snowbound” rock within the last tunnel. When you get through the tunnels, you can travel east a bit farther and walk out onto a spectacular viewpoint and hear the highway and railroad traffic that is directly below you!! Only about one-quarter more mile down the trail and you’re at the Mosier trailhead!! To find the third box, though, you need to head back to the east tunnel opening. You’ll see two firs on the south side of the road that are growing out of the rocks. Stand at the roadside in front of the one farthest east. Take ten paces across the trail to the north side, facing a basalt wall. Turn left. Two more paces, then turn to your right. Squat down and peer into the crack formed in the basalt. What’s that patch of moss doing there?