Located in the Goose Hollow neighborhood,[1] the tunnels pass through a hillside locally known as Vista Ridge which is a half mile (1 km) west of downtown Portland.

At one time there were computer-based electronic light controls, but they were replaced by relatively simple photo detectors and relays for durability and simplicity.

[5] Except directly over the tunnels, the hillsides are steep and undeveloped forest, with some residential development along the top of the ridges.

Just outside the west portals is a 650-foot (200 m) tunnel under the lanes which carries eastbound Canyon Road[7] from the exit ramp into Goose Hollow.

An electronic sign giving motorists real-time information on travel times to Highway 217 under current conditions, and other messages as needed, was installed above the east portal of the westbound tunnel in June 2017[9] and was activated in August 2018.