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Barlow Road (FS3530)
Distance: 48 miles
Running Time: Approx. 4 to 5 hours
Difficulty: Easy
 In September, 1845, hundreds of emigrants
began arriving at The Dalles at the eastern end of the Columbia River
Gorge. One of these emigrants was Samuel K. Barlow. Barlow
set out into the Cascades searching for a route to the Willamette
Valley. By the end of October, 1845, Samuel Barlow had managed to
reach the Willamette and appeared before the Provisional Legislature to
seek a franchise for opening a toll road from The Dalles, Oregon to
Oregon City. The last segment of the Oregon Trail was opened in
the fall of 1846 and was named the Barlow Road.
 The Barlow road was the first toll road in
Oregon and operated under private ownership for the longest period of
time. It was estimated that nearly 145 wagons, 1000 emigrants and
1559 head of horses, mules, and cattle used the route that first
year. The fare was $5 per wagon and $.10 a head for livestock.
Today it's free.
 Water was of the utmost importance to the early settlers and natural
springs provided for them and the livestock during the long
journey. One of these watering stops is Immigrant
Springs. In the 1930s a well box was installed to hold the
water. The box had a small hatch in the top to allow access to the
clear cold water. It is still visible today, just a few hundred
feet from the trail.
 The Barlow Road today is neither a big
challenge or unmanageable with even a 2wd pickup although there are a
few tight areas that a larger vehicle would have to be careful
for. As with most trails, it could be a vastly different story
with a lot of water as I did see evidence of some nasty mud holes.
There are no less than 6 forest service campgrounds along the route that
provide ample opportunity for an overnight stay. There are also
several places to picnic that provide pit toilets and picnic
tables.
 
Getting There: From Portland, Oregon, take Hwy 26 east towards Mt. Hood and
Government Camp. Government Camp will be the last place you can
fill up the gas tank before the trail so top off here. Shortly
after Government Camp will be a turn off for Hwy 35. Follow Hwy 35
a few miles and watch for the sign to Barlow Road. The turnoff is
on the right just prior to the Barlow Pass summit.
Topo Data File: Barlow Road.tpo
Printable Maps: Barlow West .jpg Barlow East.jpg
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