HOOD RIVER, Ore. — Just outside downtown Hood River, there’s a hike that feels a little different — part nature walk, part history tour. The Hood River Pipeline Trail follows the path of an old hydroelectric pipeline, where rusted steel and moss-covered concrete meet the roar of the river.

To find the trail, you’ll need to do a little searching. Parking is down by the old Powerdale Powerhouse, a decommissioned hydroelectric facility off Highway 35. From there, the trail begins with a short walk and a quick crossing over railroad tracks. They’re still active, so it’s worth looking both ways before stepping over.

From the start, this one’s about as easy as hikes come. The three-mile round trip offers minimal elevation gain and plenty to see. Nearly a mile in, you reach the highlight — the

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