Pillars of Hercules

USA / Washington / Washougal /
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Interesting rock formation next to railroad & I-84

The "Pillars of Hercules" were two towering basalt columns located on the Oregon side of the Columbia River, just downstream of Bridal Veil Falls and just upstream of Crown Point and Rooster Rock. At one time the Union Pacific rail line went between two columns of basalt. Today the line is on the north side of the pillars. Photographs in the University of Washington Library by A.H. Barnes shows the tracks were moved sometime before or during 1913. The 120-foot-high column once served as a training site for mountain climbers. Good views of the Pillars of Hercules can be had from the Bridal Veil Overlook.
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Coordinates:   45°33'10"N   122°11'16"W
This article was last modified 16 years ago