In 2009, the City of Washougal endeavored to create a connection between the downtown district and the Columbia River.  The SR-14 Pedestrian Tunnel is now open.  This tunnel provides safe passage from Pendleton Way to Steamboat Landing, William Clark Regional Park, and the Steigerwald National Wildlife Refuge & footpath – all connected by the US Corps of Engineers 3-½ mile long levee trail.

(The words over the tunnel read Gateway to the Columbia. I stopped at the Pendleton Woolen Mills outlet and could walk right through this tunnel from the parking lot.)

The tunnel passage between downtown Washougal and the Columbia River takes visitors back into ancient times.  The City of Washougal created a “petro glyph design team” consisting of nine students from Washougal High school, several adults, and led by artist Rex Ziak.  The design team researched Columbia Basin rock “art” to develop concepts for seven hand etched basalt slabs.  Ziak designed the images and had them hand etched by local craftsmen.  The pieces provide glimpses into the ancient Columbia River Corridor.  It’s up to you to determine the story behind each petro glyph.  For more information on the “petro” team’s journey and to learn more about this ancient form of communication, log on to http://culturewatchnorthwest.blogspot.com/

(Info and quote from Google-search-website; photos from Donna.)