The Columbia River Gorge has no shortage of natural wonders, but its newest attraction stands out for being human-made yet stunningly integrated with the landscape. In a recent episode of the Peak Northwest podcast, hosts Jamie Hale and Chiara Profenna explored the newly opened Mitchell Point Tunnel, a remarkable feat of engineering that’s redefining how visitors experience the gorge. “The visuals already look insane,” remarked Profenna after seeing photos of the tunnel. “I just looked at some of the photos and it just looks really almost futuristic like in a Star Wars way.” Generative AI was used to summarize a recent episode of the Peak Northwest podcast. This story was reviewed and edited by The Oregonian/OregonLive. This sci-fi comparison isn’t far off. Unlike traditional tunnels with uniform shapes, the Mitchell Point Tunnel embraces a distinctly organic aesthetic. Hale describes it as “for lack of a better word lumpy,” noting how the rock walls maintain much of their natural texture and variation that feels both constructed and wonderfully wild. What truly sets the tunnel apart is its dramatic lighting. The 655-foot pedestrian passage features multiple windows carved into the rock face that overlook the Columbia River. As Hale explains, “Walking through the tunnel, you get this sort of experience of being in pitch black darkness and then all of a sudden you’re at this window of light overlooking this incredible view. And then you go and there’s just that same experience over and over and over and over again through the whole tunnel.” This rhythmic alternation between darkness and spectacular views creates a sensory experience unlike anything else in the region. The tunnel becomes not just a passage but a destination in itself, a place where engineering and natural beauty create something genuinely novel. The Mitchell Point Tunnel also carries significant historical weight. The current tunnel is a recreation of an earlier structure built in 1915 as part of the original Columbia River Highway. As Hale explains, “This is not the first Mitchell Point tunnel that has existed... Back when they made the original Columbia River Highway ... they destroyed the tunnel. They blasted it out.” That original tunnel, designed for early automobiles and considered the “crown jewel” of the highway, was demolished in 1966 to make way for Interstate 84. The new tunnel resurrects this historic landmark while reimagining it for modern pedestrians and cyclists. It represents a reunion with an architectural heritage that was nearly lost to progress. Today’s tunnel honors that legacy while creating something that’s both a tribute to the past and thoroughly contemporary. After visiting the tunnel himself, Hale offers an endorsement: “This is really, really cool. And I was really blown away when I went there... This does feel pretty unique. I’ve never seen anything like it before.” For those looking to experience this distinctive attraction, the Mitchell Point exit off I-84 leads to a small parking lot with just 18 spaces that serves both the tunnel and the separate Mitchell Point hiking trail. Jamie advises avoiding peak times like “Saturday at 11 a.m.” and suggests considering a weekday visit. Ambitious visitors can hike to the tunnel from nearby Viento State Park via a 5.5-mile round trip route. If you’ve been seeking a fresh perspective on the Columbia River Gorge, the Mitchell Point Tunnel offers exactly that—a new window onto one of Oregon’s most cherished landscapes. As the podcast makes clear, this isn’t just another gorge destination but something genuinely unique that deserves a spot on every Oregon explorer’s must-visit list. Listen to the full episode about Mitchell Point Tunnel here: Subscribe to The Oregonian/OregonLive’s travel and outdoors podcast Peak Northwest on Apple, Spotify, YouTube or anywhere else you listen to podcasts. Hosts Jamie Hale and Chiara Profenna take you to some of the greatest destinations in Oregon and the Pacific Northwest. Check out more Peak Northwest episodes below.