About The Ancient Columbia River: the oldest highway in the Pacific Northwest
Presented by Miranda Mendoza, Oregon State Parks
When we think of the History of transportation in the Pacific
Northwest, our thoughts gravitate towards the steam locomotive, the
sternwheeler, and the Model T. However, the story of transportation doesn’t
begin with pavement, steel rails, wooden wheels, or dirt roads. It begins
with the meandering flow of a magnificent, ancient river.
Join us as we take a journey back in time to explore the mighty
Columbia River and discover how its formation influenced life and travel in the
Pacific Northwest.
About the Speaker:
Miranda Mendoza is and interpretive park ranger for the West
Columbia Gorge Management Unit of Oregon State Parks. Having worked
for State Parks since 2000, she has had the privilege of working with several
of Oregon’s amazing historic sites including the Sumpter Valley Dredge, Collier
Logging Museum, Wolf Creek Inn, and now the Vista House.
When not duty, Miranda enjoys getting off the beaten path
exploring the surrounding woods and mountains, writing, photography, and
woodworking.
Photo Credit: John Fletcher Ford
