News Release – Columbia River Gorge Fall Activities

September 26, 2017

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Favorite Gorge Trail Closed? Try these Nearby Options Instead!

PORTLAND, Ore. – Due to the ongoing fire and continuing containment efforts from the Eagle Creek Fire, many areas of the Columbia River Gorge remain closed to protect public safety. However, visitors still have many outdoor recreation options nearby. Please consider the following recreation opportunities while fire suppression and recovery work continue on the Eagle Creek Fire.

Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area (Washington Side)

• Klickitat Trail (Rails-to-Trails)
• Balfour-Klickitat Area & Trail
• Rafting the White Salmon River
• St. Cloud Day Use Area & Trail

Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area (Oregon Side)

• Sandy River Delta

More information on fire closures and restrictions on the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area.

Gifford Pinchot National Forest

Mount St. Helens Area

• Johnston Ridge Observatory & State Highway 504
• Mt. St. Helens East Side

Stevenson/Carson/Wind River Road to 90 Road

• Whistle Punk Trail
• Falls Creek Falls Trail
• Lewis River Lower Falls Day Use Area
• Lewis River Trail
• Curley Creek Falls

Near Trout Lake (Be aware that Indian Heaven Wilderness and the Pacific Crest Trail remain under closure due to the East Crater Fire.)

• Ice Cave/Natural Bridges
• Big Huckleberry Trail

Near Amboy

• Sunset Falls Day Use

More information on Gifford Pinchot National Forest recreation opportunities.

Be Safe and Know Before You Go!
Some of these trails are categorized as “Difficult,” “Most Difficult,” or enter into designated Wilderness Areas. Visitors are encouraged to check online and with local officials for trail conditions, check weather forecasts, carry the 10 essentials, tell someone your plans, be comfortable with your own physical capabilities, and be willing to turn around as conditions change. Fall is hunting season is underway in the national forests. Visitors are urged to wear bright colors and follow outdoor safety tips here. Driving through the forest is a bit different than traveling through a city or even along the roads within the National Scenic Area. Watch for and obey posted speed limits. Forest Service roads can be narrow, rocky, and are not meant for high speeds. Be careful braking on gravel roads. Allow more time and distance when coming to a stop. Beware of rocks, boulders, road washouts, downed trees and brush on the roadway. Use appropriate tires for the terrain and conditions you’ll be traveling. Remember to stay on authorized roads.

Eagle Creek Restoration Fund
The National Forest Foundation, the nonprofit partner of the U.S. Forest Service, has created an opportunity for interested citizens to donate to public lands recovery efforts in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area stemming from the Eagle Creek Fire. Donations will be accepted to fund high-priority, post-fire recovery projects, including reopening hiking trails, restoring wildlife habitat, and planting new trees. The National Forest Foundation will work with the Forest Service to match funds and allocate donations to local partner organizations or local contractors. To donate or learn more about the Eagle Creek Fire Restoration Fund, visit
www.nationalforests.org/get-involved/eagle-creek-fire-restoration-fund.

For more information, contact:
Stephen Baker (Forest Service): 503-964-4291, stephenbaker@fs.fed.us
Chris Havel (Oregon State Parks): 503-986-0722, chris.havel@oregon.gov
Virginia Painter (Washington State Parks): 360-902-8562, virginia.painter@parks.wa.gov