Difference between revisions of "Bridge of the Gods"
From Oregon Hikers Field Guide
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Revision as of 14:58, 15 November 2007
- Weather forecast: NWS/NOAA
- Maps: Oregon Hikers Maps Google Maps
- Latitude, Longitude: 45.66235, -121.90135
Contents |
Description
The Bridge of the Gods spans the Columbia River in the town of Cascade Locks, four miles upriver from Bonneville Dam. It is a toll bridge operated by the Port of Cascade Locks. The current toll is $1 for passenger cars and light trucks traveling in either direction. The bridge was originally constructed by the Wauna Toll Bridge Company, and opened in 1927. When Bonneville Dam was built, the bridge was raised and lengthened to account for the higher water levels.
For Oregon hikers, the bridge offers easy access to several hikes in Washington such as Hamilton, Table, Wind, and Dog Mountains. Of note, it is also part of the Pacific Crest Trail, and the lowest point in the entire trail system.
The bridge is named after a geologic formation that is thought to have dammed the Columbia River at this same location. When the area is seen from the tops of viewpoints like Table Mountain or Wauna Viewpoint, it's not hard to imagine the landmasses on the Oregon and Washington side having been connected. Scientists believe that the land bridge was formed when the front faces of Table Mountain and Greenleaf Peak collapsed, about 500 years ago.
The name "Bridge of the Gods" comes from a Native American legend, which is described nicely on the Port of Cascade Locks website.
Related Discussions / Q&A
- Search Trail Q&A for Bridge of the Gods
- Subject of Post (5/1/06)
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