Oregon City August 30, 2022

Ironically, it's hard to get a good photo of this from the viewpoint pull-off on 99. This is about the best I can do. Someday, we're supposed to be able to get closer. I can't wait.

The other side of the Willamette River from the scenic view point on 99, aka the Oregon City side. There's a lot packed into the hillside to look at and photograph.

A more pulled in view, allowing you to see the river water in use(?). I am honestly not 100% sure if they still do any hydro power here.

An odd duck of a thing, first created in the 1910s, then revamped in the 1950s (which is why it looks garishly out of place), the elevator was used to help get the people who lived in the hills (and it IS a steep hill) down to their jobs below. Still operational and free and a nifty thing to say you've visited! (As it's nearby, I get to do it a few times a year!)

The top/observation deck. You can see Mt. Adam and Mt. St. Helens on a good day. Despite the lack of clouds, it was too hazy. More details in the main picture.

The man who helped make Oregon City what it is today--and ensured Oregon statehood. More details here: www.nps.gov/people/johnmcloughlin.htm

Again, from the elevator observation deck. Almost all of these buildings are quiet now, waiting for their next adventure.

Looking out at the Willamette River from the elevator observation deck. You can't really see this from the highway, so it was a nice visual.

There's still no word on what the Grande Ronde Tribe plans to do with the old industrial buildings, so right now we get to see them slowly get overtaken by nature, which is actually pretty cool in the short-term.