The Mosier Twin Tunnels Cliff Walk

Pictured above is the west entrance of the Moiser Twin 

Tunnels, circa 1920. And there's the cliff walk and the stairs, looking the same as it does today, 100 years later. You can see rock debris on the roadway and this was a problem on a daily basis with the tunnels and the west segment of the HCRH was is approached the tunnels. Falling rock was a hazard for pedestrians between the tunnels and for those who ventured out on the cliff walk. 

The Mosier Twin Tunnels in 1920. Tunnels were intentionally left unfinished on inside to give a cave like atmosphere. It was found early on that this allowed pieces of rock on the tunnel ceiling to break loose and fall on cars as they traveled thru the tunnel. The void between the two tunnels created a different hazard as rocks the size of baseballs and footballs could tumble down the hill from above onto highway travelers or sight seers who dared to venture out on the cliff walk terrace to catch a unique glimpse at the gorge. Enter at your own risk the sign said.

Mosier Twin Tunnels

1917-1921 MTT constructed

1920 Signs placed at tunnel entrances saying watch for falling rock and enter at your own risk

1920 MTT lined with timbers to prevent rocks from falling on cars

1931 MTT called unsafe with increasing traffic

1932 Traffic signals for one way traffic installed

1953 MTT deemed unsafe by State Highway Commission

1953 MTT and adjacent highway closed

1954 Rockfall at MTT collapses ceilings and blocks entrances

1954 MTT permanently closed and filled with debris

1954 HCRH/MTT segment located in Wasco County returned to adjacent private property owners. HCRH located in Hood River County maintained by HR

1987 Gorge residents want tunnels re-opened

1995 Work begins clearing backfill and rock debris from tunnels

1997 Rock catch structure installed between tunnels

1997 Cliff Walk between tunnels rebuilt including steel fence and bars restricting access

1999 Rock catch structure completed along west approach to tunnels

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