U.S Transportation Secretary Norman Y. Mineta today added the Mt. Hood Scenic Byway to the list of National Scenic Byways, making it the sixth such designated road in Oregon. After approval by the State Byways Committee and Oregon Tourism Commission, the Mt. Hood Scenic Byway proposal, created by partners in Clackamas, Hood River and Multnomah counties, was accepted by the Oregon Transportation Commission in March. The proposal was then sent to Washington, D.C. for consideration as a National Scenic Byway.

Other 2005 additions to America's Byways™ announced today include 44 roads also designated as National Scenic Byways, All-American Roads or extensions to previously recognized routes. Roads are selected based on their important scenic, natural, historical, cultural, archaeological or recreational qualities. The Mt. Hood Scenic Byway contains an exceptional number of natural and historical qualities, and treasures along the route include views of Mt. Hood and the Cascade Range, Oregon Trail/Barlow Road historic sites, outdoor recreation (biking, hiking, fishing, windsurfing, year-round skiing/snowboarding), parks, rivers, fertile valleys and farmland, and lodging properties, including historic Timberline Lodge.

The Mt. Hood Scenic Byway runs between Troutdale and the intersection of Highways 35 and 30 in Hood River. Visitors can begin traveling the byway from either Troutdale or Hood River, and it becomes a circular loop when the Historic Columbia River Highway Scenic Byway/All-American Road is included in the trip. Departing from Troutdale, the byway route is as follows:

• through Wood Village and Gresham to Dodge Park Boulevard,
• Highway 26 east through Sandy and the Villages of Mt. Hood,
• Highway 35 north into Hood River.

Currently, Oregon is home to four All-American Roads, six National Scenic Byways, five Oregon Scenic Byways and nine Oregon Tour Routes. For information on the National Byways Program, please visit www.byways.org. Information including maps, driving directions and recommended stops along Oregon's Scenic Byways can be found at www.traveloregon.com/getaways/byways.cfm.

America's Byways are a collection of distinct and diverse roads designated by the U.S. Secretary of Transportation. Under the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21), approximately $30 million is available annually through the U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) for the scenic byways discretionary grant program. The funds can be used for planning as well as enhancing and promoting the byways. FHWA manages the program and today's announcement marks the 5th round of designations.