The Senate has passed a resolution co-sponsored by Oregon Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley to celebrate the upcoming 100th anniversary of the Historic Columbia River Highway. Wyden says the road which was America’s first scenic highway offers both remarkable views of the Columbia Gorge and a uniquely historic example of innovative engineering. Merkley calls the restoration of the historic highway a testament to the vision and determination of many Oregonians. The 75-mile long scenic highway is a National Historic Landmark designed by Samuel C. Lancaster, running between Troutdale and The Dalles. It is the first scenic highway in the United States and the first modern highway in the Pacific Northwest. It is also a popular tourist destination, bringing in thousands of visitors annually to hike and bike its trails.