Mitchell Point Trail Columbia River Gorge
Walk through a historic-style tunnel with stunning Columbia River Gorge views, or tackle a strenuous hike for panoramic vistas.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best light and fewer crowds
Mitchell Point Trail Columbia River Gorge
Best Time
Best light and fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Walk through a historic-style tunnel with stunning Columbia River Gorge views, or tackle a strenuous hike for panoramic vistas.
"The most scenic point on the Columbia river gorge so far, with a picturesque view from the cave."
🥾 Sturdy Footwear for Hike
If hiking, wear sturdy boots; the gravel path is steep and can be slippery.
🅿️ Arrive Early for Parking
The small parking lot fills fast. Consider weekdays or early mornings.
Quick Facts
Rating
4.8 · 30 reviews
Type
Natural Feature
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Mitchell Point Tunnel
Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail
Walk through a historic-style tunnel with arched windows offering breathtaking Columbia River Gorge views.
+1Scenic Overlooks
Within the tunnel
Carved windows in the tunnel walls provide picturesque, ever-changing vistas of the gorge.
Mitchell Point Trail Hike
Trailhead near the tunnel
A strenuous 2.6-mile out-and-back hike with 1,270 ft elevation gain for rewarding panoramic views.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Tunnel Trail vs. Strenuous Hike
Parking and Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🥾 Sturdy Footwear for Hike
If hiking, wear sturdy boots; the gravel path is steep and can be slippery.
🅿️ Arrive Early for Parking
The small parking lot fills fast. Consider weekdays or early mornings.
🚶♀️ Tunnel Walk is Easy
The 655-foot tunnel is a pleasant, paved walk with great views.
📸 Capture the Views
The tunnel windows offer unique photo opportunities of the gorge.
Tips
from all over the internet
🥾 Sturdy Footwear for Hike
If hiking, wear sturdy boots; the gravel path is steep and can be slippery.
🅿️ Arrive Early for Parking
The small parking lot fills fast. Consider weekdays or early mornings.
🚶♀️ Tunnel Walk is Easy
The 655-foot tunnel is a pleasant, paved walk with great views.
📸 Capture the Views
The tunnel windows offer unique photo opportunities of the gorge.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the stunning views from the Mitchell Point Tunnel, calling it a picturesque and unique experience. While the tunnel walk is easy and accessible, the associated hike is noted as strenuous and requiring proper gear. Parking is a common concern due to the small lot size.
"This is the most scenic point on the Columbia river gorge so far. For non hikers, you can visit the cave with a picturesque view and hikers can go all the way up. The trail is not very visible, steep and requires your poles! We read the details that said it’s a moderate hike and did not carry our hiking poles. If you are visiting this place and hiking, you MUST carry your poles. The gravel path makes it difficult to go up the hills and makes it worse while coming back😂"
Sushmita Kadam
"I went to explore the tunnels. Easy walk from the parking lot. Paved. Views of the river. Some parts get dark, so in the evening it might be darker. Bathrooms in parking lot.not many parking spaces however you can park on the road as well"
Miguel June
"We arrived at the parking lot early in the morning, and we were glad we did. The parking lot is rather small, with around 18 parking spots.
The original tunnel was designed for earlier automobiles that were much smaller. The first tunnel that was built along the Columbia River Gorge was blasted out to make way for the new I84 in 1966.
They resurrected this unique and historical landmark with pedestrians and cyclists in mind.
As you enter the tunnel, you will find it has a unique design going from dark to light, as you come across these windows carved out of the rock with spectacular views of the beautiful Columbia River Gorge.
The tunnel itself is not smooth like most tunnels you drive through. This tunnel is ruff and bumpy as the walls maintain their natural rock texture.
The 655 foot long pedestrian tunnel is filled with natural light from the numerous windows throughout the passage.
This is an all sensory experience, one that is worth the destination, and it truly is a unique experience.
If you decide to walk or bike the whole trail, it is a 5.5-mile round trip from Viento State Park, or you can make an out and back trip through the tunnel.
I would recommend this place for anyone... hiking, biking, or history buffs alike.
As always, leave no trace, leave it better than you found it,and enjoy 😉!"
R. Scherer
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Mitchell Point Trail is located off Exit 58 on I-84 East, just west of Hood River. It's a scenic drive through the Columbia River Gorge.
Yes, there is a small parking lot with about 18 spaces. It fills up quickly, so arriving early or on a weekday is recommended. You can also park on the road if needed.
The tunnel itself is for pedestrians and cyclists. Cars can access the parking area, but the tunnel is a walking/biking path.
The tunnel portion is paved and accessible for most. The actual Mitchell Point Trail hike is strenuous and not suitable for everyone.
Take I-84 East from Portland for approximately 50-60 miles. Look for Exit 58. The drive offers stunning views of the Columbia River Gorge.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to the Mitchell Point Tunnel and the accessible portions of the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail is free.
The tunnel is generally open during daylight hours. It's part of the state trail system, so access is typically from dawn to dusk.
There is no entrance fee for the Mitchell Point Trail hike. It is part of the public lands in the Columbia River Gorge.
No, reservations are not required or available for Mitchell Point Trail or Tunnel. It's first-come, first-served for parking and access.
The tunnel and a new section of the trail had an opening ceremony in November 2023 and opened to the public shortly after, with full pedestrian and cyclist access.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The recreated Mitchell Point Tunnel is approximately 655 feet long, making for an easy and scenic walk.
You'll experience spectacular, picturesque views of the Columbia River Gorge through the tunnel's carved windows.
Yes, the Mitchell Point Trail hike is considered strenuous, with a significant elevation gain of about 1,270 feet over 2.6 miles roundtrip.
For the hike, sturdy hiking boots are essential due to the steep and rocky terrain. Long pants are also recommended to protect against brush.
Yes, there are restrooms located in the parking lot area for visitors.
📸 📸 Photography
The tunnel itself, with its arched windows framing the gorge, is a prime photo spot. The overlooks along the hike also offer stunning panoramic shots.
The tunnel transitions from dark to light, with natural light filtering through the windows. It can be darker in some sections, especially in the evening.
Morning light often provides beautiful illumination and fewer crowds. Golden hour in the late afternoon can also offer dramatic lighting.
While not explicitly prohibited, be mindful of other visitors, especially in the narrow tunnel. Tripods might be cumbersome during busy times.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive gorge views. A standard zoom lens is versatile for various shots.
Social
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