Forest Orders

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. 

Alerts

• Waterfall Corridor Timed Use Permits begin May 24

  Date(s): May 4, 2022

  Waterfall Corridor Timed Use Permits pilot begins May 24, 2022

  Between May 24 and Sept. 5, 2022, the Timed Use Permit will be required for personal vehicles to access federal lands adjacent to the Waterfall Corridor between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m., seven days a week, between the Bridal Veil off-ramp (I-84 Exit 28) and Ainsworth State Park (Exit 35). Learn more here.

  The USFS will also reinstate the Multnomah Falls Timed Use Permits for visitors using the I-84 (Exit 31) parking lot from May 24 through Sept. 5, 2022.

  Both Waterfall Corridor & Multnomah Falls Timed Use Permits may be reserved on Recreation.gov starting May 10, 2022.

  Link to news release.

• Closure Update: Eagle Creek Fire

  Date(s): Apr 30, 2022

  Eagle Creek Closure Order and Map

  Closure Areas:

  Oneonta Gorge

  Tanner Butte Trail #401

  Ruckel Creek Trail #405

  Wyeth Trail #411

  Horsetail Creek Trail #425: From its junction with Oneonta Trail #424 to junction with Nesmith Point Trail #428 and Moffet Creek Trail #430.

  Nesmith Point Trail #428

  Moffett Creek Trail #430

  Bell Creek Trail #459: From its junction with Oneonta Trail #424 to Horsetail Creek
  Trail #425

  View recreation conditions.

• Wyeth Campground Water System Notification

  Area(s): Wyeth Campground

  Date(s): Apr 29, 2022 - Oct 4, 2022

  Contact(s): Edan Lira

  IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR DRINKING WATER USFS (Click for full notice) Wyeth Campground Failed to Install Disinfection Equipment Our water system recently violated a drinking water requirement. Although this incident was not an emergency, as our customers, you have a right to know what happened and what are doing to correct this situation. A routine inspection conducted on 8/4/21 by Hood River County health found lack of water disinfection in our water system. There is nothing you need to do. You do not need to boil your water or take other corrective actions. However, if you have specific health concerns, consult your doctor.

   

• Firewood available again

  Date(s): Apr 22, 2022 - May 31, 2022

  Contact(s): Edan Lira

  Firewood is available at the Herman Creek Work Center in Cascade Locks, OR.  This firewood was previously available at the Eagle Creek recreation area but has been moved.  Sign up online for free use permits at:

  https://www.fs.usda.gov/detailfull/mthood/passes-permits/forestproducts/?cid=stelprd3793092

  Permits are only available via USPS mail at this time, not at offices.

  The wood is available on the front lawn of the Herman Creek work center, 1600 Frontage Road, Cascade Locks, OR.

   

   

• Spring weekend hiking permits for Dog Mountain

  Date(s): Feb 17, 2022

  The U.S. Forest Service will release online permits March 1 at www.recreation.gov for visitors interested in hiking Dog Mountain on weekends from April 23 to June 12 this year. Permits will also be required on Memorial Day.

  Visitors may obtain a permit by either taking the shuttle or reserving a permit online.

  This year there will be 200 permits available per day through the online reservation system at www.recreation.gov. Of these, 100 permits for each day will be released March 1 and an additional 100 permits for each day will be released and available online at 7 a.m., three days in advance.

  See news release, Forest Order and Map.

   

• Drones prohibited in wilderness and select recreation sites

  Area(s): Cape Horn Overlook, Cape Horn Trail (#4418), Catherine Creek Recreation Area, Catherine Creek Interpretive Trail (#4400), Catherine Creek Loop, Coyote Wall Recreation Area, Bitterroot Trail (#4422), Coyote Wall Trail (#4428), Desert Parsley Trail, Labyrinth Trail (#4423), Little Maui Trail (#4425), Little Moab Trail (#4425), Old Ranch Road Trail (#4426), Raptor Trail (#4421), Upper Labyrinth (#4424), Eagle Creek Trailhead & Trail (#440), Lower Punchbowl Trail (#440B), Metlako Falls Spur Trail (#440A), Deadwood Trail (#422), Gorton Creek Trail (#408), Herman Bridge Trail (#406E), Herman Creek Trail (#406), Nick Eaton Trail (#447), Ridge Cutoff Trail (#437), Larch Mountain Trail (#441), Multnomah Creek Way Trail (#444), Multnomah Spur Trail (#446), Moffett Creek Trail (#430), Mount Defiance Trail (#413), Nesmith Point Trail (#428), Starvation Ridge Trail (#414), Tanner Butte Trail (#401), Tanner Creek Trail (#431), Multnomah Falls, Bell Creek Trail (#459), Franklin Ridge Trail (#427), Horsetail Creek Trail (#425), Oneonta Trail (#424), Pacific Crest Trail #2000 - Oregon, Wahclella Falls Trail (#436), Wahkeena Falls, Wahkeena Trail (#420), Wyeth Trail (#411)

  Date(s): Jan 26, 2022

  Drones can pose safety risks in high-use recreation sites or disturb wildlife. Drone possession is prohibited in the Mark O. Hatfield Wilderness. 

  Our regulations also prohibit drone takeoff and landing at the following sites:

  • Cape Horn Area
  • Catherine Creek
  • Coyote Wall Day Use Area
  • Coyote Wall
  • Eagle Creek Recreation Area
  • Horsetail Falls Trailhead
  • Multnomah Falls Area
  • Wahkeena Falls Day Use Area

  For maps and details, read Forest Order 06-22-01-22-02 Developed Recreation Site - Aircraft Closure​.

• Klickitat Mile One Overnight Use & Large Boat Launch Prohibition

  Date(s): Nov 2, 2021

  The prohibition info listed should also be updated as follows:

  1. Camping (36 CFR 261.58(e))

  2. Parking or leaving a vehicle in violation of posted instructions (36 CFR 261.58(g))

  3. Launching of large boats, defined as those that cannot be hand carried to the water and/or require a trailer for transport (36 CFR 261.58(r))

  View Forest Order and Map.

• Guard against car theft

  Date(s): Apr 8, 2021

  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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