Great Columbia Crossing 2017

While it's raining and blowing here today, this past Sunday was a spectactular day for the 2017 Great Columbia Crossing, a 10k walk/run that starts at the Dismal Nitch Rest Area in Washington, and ends near the West Mooring Basin in Astoria. Last year's event was cancelled (for the first time) due to a forecasted severe storm.

The Astoria-Megler Bridge is 4.2 miles in length, spanning the mighty Columbia River. The uphill portion of the bridge is a little more than 3,250 feet, which is about .61 of a mile. The hill starts about 3.9 miles into the race. The bridge crest is about 4.5 miles into the race. The grade of the hill is 5.62%, or a little less than a 4° slope.

Just check out some of these photos:

 

Taken from Dismal Nitch shortly after we arrived at the start. Nippy (39F degrees). 

Also taken from the Dismal Nitch start. Warming up slightly.

 

Take from the span of the Astoria-Megler Bridge between Washington and Oregon.