Find a list of all current Forest Orders, which set the local rules, regulations, and closures that apply on National Forest System lands in the Columbia River Gorge.
Recreation Site Status and Conditions
Find the latest closures, conditions, and tips about what to expect on our recreation site webpages before you head out.
Weather and Road Conditions
The Columbia River Gorge spans multiple climate systems and two states. Check road and weather conditions before coming.
The Gorge is in transition right now, with crowded sites, such as most waterfall viewing areas and narrow trails, still closed to protect public health in accordance with state guidance. Click the Hiking icon on our homepage or Recreation on the left navigation to check site status or visit the interagency ReadySetGorge.com to plan your trip. Please consider a few "Plan B" options in case your first choice is too crowded or closed when you arrive. Closure details and maps are available in Forest Order 06-22-01-20-10.
Herman Creek Campground is currently closed due to hazard trees. Treatments are planned later this year to address the issue, however we do not yet have a timeline for the reopening.
The Columbia River Gorge often has major weather differences between the east, central, and west Gorge. The National Weather Service in Portland provides west and central Gorge forecasts, the Pendleton office produces our east Gorge forecasts.
The Columbia River Gorge is a mix of private and public lands, and most roads leading to Forest Service recreation sites in the Gorge are managed by the states, so check their traffic sites for current status.
Unfortunately, car prowling and break-ins occur at both remote and busy recreation sites in the Gorge, so we recommend the following precautions:
Leave valuables you don’t need at home or in your hotel room. This includes items such as electronic devices, GPS units, purses, backpacks and even your suitcases.
Bring critical valuables such as your driver's license, debit/credit card, cell phones, and cameras with you when leaving your vehicle.
If you must leave valuables, place them in your trunk BEFORE arriving at the public recreation site so thieves aren't watching you.
Thieves tend to watch visitors and strike quickly, so avoid any actions signal that you have hidden valuables within your car. Please report any suspicious activity to 541-308-1700 or the county sheriff immediately.
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