After four years of construction, the 655-foot long tunnel is now open and available for non-vehicle users to hike and bike on this 1.5 mile segment of the Historic State Trail. The new tunnel includes five arched windows with expansive views of the Columbia River along with a hand placed stone masonry wall on the trail. Enjoy a plaza with picnic tables, break areas, an overlook, and an expanded restroom at the trailhead. The views are amazing!
ODOT has identified funding to connect Viento and Mitchell Point Tunnel. Construction is anticipated to start in fall 2025, with an estimated construction duration of a year.
Getting there on foot: From Viento State Park, (parking on the south side of freeway) travel east on foot for around two miles on the State Trail, and then follow the signs to Mitchell Point Tunnel. The surface varies. Some of the path uses the historic highway original pavement and parts of the Wygant hiking trail, including an unimproved Mitchell Creek crossing. The hiking trail in the woods is narrow with some elevation gain and not open to bicycles.
Getting there for drivers: The Mitchell Point Tunnel is only accessible from I-84 eastbound Exit 58. There is no access from westbound I-84. From Hood River, use the Exit 56 interchange to turnaround and head east to Exit 58.