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Oregon State Parks

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Mt. Hood and the Gorge Region
John B. Yeon State Scenic Corridor
John B. Yeon State Scenic Corridor © Walter Siegmund (talk) / CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Columbia River and Ives Island
John B. Yeon State Scenic Corridor © Walter Siegmund (talk) / CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Columbia River Basalt Group at Elowah Falls
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JOHN B. YEON STATE SCENIC CORRIDOR
JOHN B. YEON STATE SCENIC CORRIDOR
Historic Columbia River Highway
Cascade Locks, Oregon   97014
(lat:45.6126 lon:-122.0044) map location

Phone: 800-551-6949
John B. Yeon Scenic Corridor honors a man who gave generously of his time and professional skills. He was one of the principal architects of the Historic Columbia River Highway (US 30); a major portion of the scenic highway joins I-84 westbound at Yeon State Park.

Here is a hiker's paradise with a gentle rising trail that permits access to two of the most beautiful and secluded waterfalls in the Columbia River Gorge: (lower) Elowah Falls and (upper) McCord Creek falls. Elowah Falls is a 289 foot drop over basalt that must be seen to appreciate. The view of the falls and way the tall cliffs jut out at odd angles is nearly disorienting at the bottom of the trail. Most days, the trails are never crowded. The crisp air, easy access and accompanying scenery of this area offer some of the best hiking and viewing opportunities available in the Gorge.
History of the Area
Located in the Columbia River Gorge, this scenic area was named after John Baptiste Yeon. Born to French-Canadian parents in 1865, he moved from Canada to Oregon at a young age and became one of Portland's most influential figures.

Yeon made his fortune through logging and real estate investments but is best known for his contributions towards developing roads along the Columbia River Highway. He served as Multnomah County Roadmaster without pay during World War I when funds were scarce due to war efforts; under his leadership significant progress was achieved on what would become Historic Route 30.

In recognition of these accomplishments, an approximately two-and-a-half-mile stretch of land near Cascade Locks within the gorge has been designated as a state park bearing Yeon's name since its establishment by State Parks Department around mid-twentieth century. The corridor offers visitors stunning views over waterfalls like Elowah Falls or McCord Creek falls while also providing access points for hiking trails leading into Mark O Hatfield Wilderness Area.

John B.Yeon passed away in 1928 leaving behind him not only tangible achievements such as highways but also intangible ones including fostering appreciation among people about natural beauty surrounding them which continues till date with thousands visiting every year enjoying serene landscapes offered by this beautiful piece of nature dedicatedly preserved honoring memory & work done by Mr.John B.Yeon himself!



Picnicking
John B. Yeon State Scenic Corridor offers picnic tables, scenic views of waterfalls and the Columbia River Gorge for picnicking.
Trails
1. Elowah Falls Trail: This 1.4-mile round trip trail is moderately difficult, leading hikers through lush greenery to the stunning 213-foot tall Elowah waterfall.

2. Upper McCord Creek Falls Trail: A two-mile out-and-back hike that takes you up a steep incline with switchbacks and offers views of both the upper and lower falls at its end point.

3. Munra Point Hike: An extremely challenging six miles long trek offering panoramic vistas from atop an exposed ridge line; not recommended for beginners or those afraid of heights due to some dangerous sections requiring scrambling skills.

4. Nesmith Point Trail: The longest in this area, it's about ten miles round-trip featuring old-growth forests, wildflowers during springtime and breathtaking views over Columbia River Gorge once reaching Nesmith Point - highest spot on Oregon side of gorge.

5. John B Yeon State Park Loop: It's a short loop around one mile which provides access to picnic areas as well as scenic viewpoints overlooking Columbia river.

6. Lower Macleay Park To Pittock Mansion Hiking Route: Although technically outside corridor boundaries but close enough,this five:miles route leads uphill via Forest park wilderness ending at historic mansion providing sweeping cityscape view.

7. Wahclella Falls Trek: Another easy yet rewarding option within Corridor limits .This approximately two-miles journey winds along Tanner creek culminating into dual-tiered waterfalls spectacle.

8. Mark O Hatfield West trailhead: Starting here opens multiple hiking options including Twin tunnels path (easy) & Mosier Plateau pathway(moderate), each under four miles length showcasing diverse landscapes like orchards,vineyards,basalt cliffs etc.

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Directions
1. Start by heading east on Interstate 84 from Portland.
2. Continue driving for approximately 35 miles until you see signs for Exit 37 towards Warrendale/Bridal Veil.
3. Take Exit 37 and merge onto Frontage Road/Warrendale Rd.
4. After about half a mile, turn left onto Historic Columbia River Highway (also known as Route 30).
5. Follow the highway for around two miles until you arrive at your destination: the John B.Yeon State Scenic Corridor.

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Oregon
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Oregon State Parks

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