In 1964, a deluge of torrential rain fell upon the Willamette Valley, inundating the region and causing streams and rivers to overflow their banks. Thousands of people were stranded and evacuated from their homes. Areas including Oakridge, Blue River and Dorena were cut off as the raging waters washed roads away.
On Christmas Eve 1964, The Register-Guard reported the rains continued and slides and washouts made roads impassable. The Willamette River spilled out into the River Road area, filling basements and lapping at first floors of homes…