Part 37 here
First american explorers found the Arkansas river in that beautiful canyon back in December 1806. In 1906 three railroad companies joined together to build railroad tracks along the river, that solved a big problem with transportation. In 1929 the world’s largest suspension bridge was built here. A lot of tourists came here, so more attractions were added – incline railroad that allowed people to go down to the canyon, gondola, carousel, visitor center and cafe, and several bison lived here as well. Thousands of tourists came to the park every year, weddings and birthdays were celebrated here.
Canyon
Bridge cable
Special railroad suspension bridge
In 2014 a dangerous wildfire started in that area. Despite all the firefighters’ work, the fire grew bigger and came closer, so the decision about evacuation was made. Everything went smoothly, no one was hurt, and bison couple even had a little bison calf that was born in several days after evacuation, and got the name Smoky. When the fire was extinguished and people went back they found out that nothing survived in the flames. Only the bridge was still there, almost untouched, just several planks needed to be changed. In December 2014 the work by bringing the park back to live started. Despite the cold weather and even snow, all people worked with great enthusiasm. The new Visitor Center was build along with a gondola, zip line, large kids play structure, new carousel and the skycoaster. Additional support cables were added to the bridge over the Gorge to eliminate swaying during high winds. In the summer 2015, the park welcomed tourists again.
While we were standing on the bridge we saw a train that was moving near the river. It is possible to ride it, the tour lasts two hours and during that time passengers watch to the beautiful canyon views. Also we saw a lot of rafters, so we would like to spend our vacation here someday.
People rafting in the canyon
Water traveled to towns in pipes like these
I was scared to look straight down, knowing that there is 1053 feet of air below my feet, so we decided not to stay here for a long time and continued walking. On the way to the end of the bridge, we noticed state flags and eventually found the flag of Oregon.
Fishing from the bridge is prohibited!
The view from a crack in between two planks.
Next we went to the play structure that kids noticed, and while they were riding the carousel, me and Andrey were eating yummy dippin’ dots.
After kids were done with playing we went to gondola and ride to the opposite canyon side.
The train is returning
In the gift shop
We spent several hours here, so better go to the car and continue our journey. While driving, we watched how sky was getting darker and darker until the rain started. Next stop was near Treasure Falls.
To be continued