Barlow Pass (Oregon) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Barlow Pass |
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|---|---|
| Elevation | 4,155 ft (1,266 m) |
| Traversed by |  OR 35 and Pacific Crest Trail |
| Location | Clackamas / Hood River counties, Oregon, United States |
| Range | Cascades |
| Coordinates | 45°17′00″N 121°41′05″W / 45.28324°N 121.68462°W |
Barlow Pass is a mountain pass in the Cascade Mountains in Oregon. It sits high up at 4,155 feet (about 1,266 meters) above sea level. This pass was a very important spot on the historic Oregon Trail and a key part of the Barlow Road. It acts like a natural dividing line, separating the rivers that flow into the Deschutes River from those that go into the Sandy River.
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Exploring Barlow Pass
Barlow Pass is located on the southern side of Mount Hood, a famous volcano in Oregon. It's a beautiful area within the Mount Hood National Forest. Today, you can reach the pass by driving on Oregon Route 35. This highway makes it easy to visit this historic and scenic spot.
The Historic Barlow Road
The Barlow Road was a private toll road built in 1846. It allowed pioneers on the Oregon Trail to avoid the dangerous raft journey down the Columbia River. Barlow Pass was a major milestone on this road. It marked the highest point travelers reached as they crossed the Cascade Mountains.
The original Barlow Road was quite challenging. It had sharp turns and steep ups and downs. It was mainly used during the summer months. Today, parts of the old Barlow Road are still there. They offer a glimpse into what pioneer travel was like.
Modern Highway 35
Oregon Route 35 now crosses Barlow Pass. This highway was improved between 1964 and 1968. Workers straightened the road and made the slopes less steep. This made it much safer and easier to drive, especially in winter. The highway and the old Barlow Road come very close to each other at the pass.
Fun Activities at the Pass
Barlow Pass is a popular place for outdoor activities. In the winter, the old Barlow Road route is great for cross-country skiing. Many people enjoy gliding through the snowy landscape.
The pass is also a starting point for hikers. It's a trailhead for the famous Pacific Crest Trail. This long-distance hiking trail stretches all the way from Mexico to Canada. Hikers can join the trail here and explore the stunning scenery of the Cascade Mountains.
