Tag: Columbia River Highway

Mrs M.E. Henderson’s Crown Point Chalet

Mrs M.E. Henderson’s Crown Point Chalet

Mrs M.E. Henderson’s Crown Point Chalet

The Crown Point Chalet was one of the premier roadhouses along the Historic Columbia River Highway back in the day. And the indefatigable Mrs M. E. Henderson was a key player in the early days of hospitality along the old road.

In 1912 a Mr. & Mrs. A.R. Morgan built the Chanticleer Inn on a promontory just east of Corbett, with an incredible view to the east of the scenic Columbia River Gorge, the Chanticleer Inn became a popular destination for Portland’s affluent on their forays into the scenic Columbia River Gorge. Managed by Mrs. M. E. (Margaret) “Bidy” Henderson the inn became known for its hospitality and its delicious meals. By the following year the new Columbia River Highway was being pushed through the Gorge. Mrs. Henderson left the Chanticleer Inn to start her own venture at Latourell Falls. She named it The Falls Chalet. She enjoyed great success at this beautiful road house with a spectacular view of the falls, but within a year it was destroyed by a fire.

Leaving Latourell and returning to the vicinity of the Chanticleer Inn she acquired a site on a promontory of land that would soon be the site of the Vista House, and a very popular stopping point for automobile tourists. It was here she decided to build The Crown Point Chalet. The Inn had a commanding view situated above and to the south of Crown Point.

The Crown Point Chalet opened for business in May of 1915. For over ten years Margaret enjoyed great success. But with the Depression looming and Mrs. Henderson’s health fading she sold the Chalet in 1927. Moving to Portland she started a very small dining room on Alder St. The Depression was the final blow and she went bankrupt. Her health worsened and in April of 1930 she passed away at the age of 58. Mrs. Henderson contributed greatly in the promotion and the successful completion of the Columbia River Highway.

The old lodge fell into disrepair and was demolished sometime in the early 1950’s.

Crown Point, Oregon – The Columbia River
“Cape Eternity” … Vista House … “Crown Point Falls” … Campsite of November 2, 1805 … Views from Crown Point … “Crown Point Chalet” … “Gardner’s Cafe” .

Multnomah Falls History – The Bridge Over the Falls

Multnomah Falls History – The Bridge Over the Falls

Multnomah Falls History – The Bridge Over the Falls – Multnomah Falls is a two tiered waterfall located in the scenic Columbia River Gorge just east of the city of Portland. It was formed about 15,000 years ago as a result of the cataclysmic Missoula Floods, a series of massive floods that scoured out the Columbia River Gorge. It has a total height of 620 feet, with the upper falls being 542 feet and the lower segment being 69 feet. It’s the tallest waterfall in Oregon and the second tallest year-round waterfall in the United States, fourth largest if seasonal falls are included.

Multnomah Falls was named according to a legend of the local native Multnomah people that tells the story of how a beautiful maiden sacrificed herself to save the tribe from a plague by throwing herself from the top of a cliff. The tribe was saved and a creek formed at the top of the cliff creating Multnomah Falls.

From 1884 until World War II the ORNCo Oregon Railroad and Navigation Company operated a train stop at Multnomah Falls. It was around this time that the “bow string truss” bridge across Multnomah Creek, at the same location as the present Benson Bridge, was built. Somewhere around 1891 the bridge was reinforced but by 1899 the bridge was gone, most likely decayed and washed into the creek.

In 1915 a lot was happening in the gorge. Tourism was increasing on the steam powered sternwheelers and train excursions but would soon be replaced by automobile traffic on the soon to be completed, and now historic, Columbia River Highway. With this tourism comes the need for hiking trails. Many of the established trails were being improved and new ones were being made. One in particular was recommended by Samuel Lancaster to the Progressive Business Men’s Club of Portland to build a trail from the base of Multnomah Falls to the top of Larch Mountain to the south and the source of Multnomah Creek.

The club raised money and with donations from Portland businessman Simon Benson and his son Amos worked with the US Forest Service to establish the trail and a fire lookout on Larch Mountain. Simon Benson then hired Italian stonemasons to construct a bridge to allow access to the trail for visitors to the falls. The bridge is named Simon Benson Bridge in his honor.

That same year Benson donated 1,400 acres of land, including the land where Multnomah Falls is located to the city of Portland. Subsequently the ORNCo donated the land at the base of the falls, where their train station was located, to the city in agreement that a lodge would be built there the same year.  The stone Multnomah Falls Lodge’s construction was commissioned that year and the lodge was completed in 1925.

The historic Columbia River Highway was completed and dedicated in 1917 allowing Portlanders to easily take a bus or drive an automobile through the gorge while stopping at it’s amazing waterfalls, especially Multnomah Falls. The Benson Bridge is still used today and provides breathtaking views of the falls up close and personal. It has become a part of Multnomah Fall’s history.

The Legend of Multnomah Falls – Native American Antiquity
31 Jan 2013 … Multnomah Falls is located on the Oregon side of the Columbia River … I AM mixed Native and Rainbow Child and have heard this story many …

Horseback Riding on The Historic Columbia River Highway

Horseback Riding on The Historic Columbia River Highway

A Day on the Historic Columbia River Highway When It Was New

The Birth of a Scenic Highway

In 1915, excitement filled the Columbia River Gorge just east of Troutdale, Oregon. Plans were underway for the construction of what would become the Historic Columbia River Highway.

At that time, access to the gorge remained limited. Traditionally, travelers relied on steam-powered sternwheelers from Portland. Over time, railroads were built, primarily for trade, but passenger trains soon carried visitors on day trips. Excursions to the waterfalls along the south side of the river became popular, with Multnomah Falls as a top attraction.

Horses and wagons were still common, but the rise of automobiles created demand for better roads. The existing dirt wagon roads were rough and unreliable. Recognizing the potential of a scenic automobile route, several prominent Portland businessmen imagined one of the first paved highways in the country. Their vision led to the creation of the Columbia River Highway.

Early Opposition and the Highway’s Rapid Growth

Although now considered a cultural treasure, not everyone supported the idea. Many residents still relied on horses, and only the wealthy owned automobiles. At the time, most people never expected to own a car, let alone use one for touring the Columbia River Gorge. Public support for funding the project remained uncertain.

Despite this, the highway was built. Within two decades, it became a major transportation route, carrying cars from central Oregon to the Willamette Valley. The rise of heavy trucks transporting goods further increased traffic. Soon, the highway was overburdened, prompting plans for a riverside road—what would eventually become Highway 84.

Exploring the New Road on Horseback

Construction on the Historic Columbia River Highway progressed in 1915, though its official dedication wouldn’t take place until 1917. That didn’t stop curious visitors from venturing out to admire the engineering marvel. Unlike today’s traffic-filled road, the highway then offered a peaceful setting. Some, like Harry and Alvida Calvert, even explored it on horseback.

Harry Calvert, a photographer from Oregon City, set out with his wife, Alvida, to survey the highway’s progress. They documented their journey through personal photographs—snapshots of their adventure and life together.

Capturing History: The Calverts’ Photographs

Their photos showcase familiar landmarks along the Historic Columbia River Highway, including:

  • Crown Point
  • Latourell Falls and its now-removed arched footbridge
  • Bishop’s Cap
  • Shepperd’s Dell Bridge
  • Multnomah Falls, including a rare image of one of them on the Simon Benson Bridge between the upper and lower tiers

Harry and Alvida took turns posing with their horse, Pat, capturing moments that transport us back in time.

A Ride That’s No Longer Possible

Today, a horseback ride along the Historic Columbia River Highway would be impractical. Yet, over a century ago, it was possible. Thanks to Harry and Alvida, we have a glimpse into a time when the highway was new, quiet, and full of promise.

Their photographs preserve a moment in history, reminding us of the visionaries who built this road and the travelers who experienced its early days

Historic Columbia River Highway | Columbia River Map
Sep 21, 2011 … About 14000 years ago, cataclysmic floods scoured out the Columbia River Gorge. Early visionaries engineered an inspired drive along its …

A Trip Up The Columbia River Highway – Old Photos

A Trip Up The Columbia River Highway – Old Photos

“Dear Flo – Just a postal of us on a Trip Up The Columbia River Highway, Portland, Ore. Love to all.”

Addressed to:
Miss Flo. McGuiness.
38 Gardner Avenue,
Jersey City,
New Jersey.

This is a unique set of postal cards that were made by the family using the photos that they made that day. It was quite common back in the early part of the 20th Century to have your photos printed on postcard stock. You could then send the cards off to friends and relatives across the country. In the group photo a camera is clearly seen in the left hand of the gentleman on the right. Most likely an early Kodak.

Although we don’t know how the folks in the photos area, I’m sure that their “Trip up The Columbia Highway” was very similar to a day on the Historic Columbia River Highway in today’s Columbia River Gorge.

Friends of the Historic Columbia River Highway Antique Car Tour …
27 Jul 2016 … A parade of antique cars traveled from Troutdale to the Gorge Discovery Center, to experience the Historic Columbia River Highway in the …