Over two million hikers turn to the trails in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area for exercise and adventure. Each year several individuals or parties get lost or hurt in the woods.
Most commonly, hikers get lost going off-trail and then lose the trail or fall from steep edges or cliffs that are all over the area. Before venturing into the Gorge we recommend the following Outdoor Safety Tips.
Due to Eagle Creek Fire, most National Forest System lands in the Columbia River Gorge south of the Columbia River, east of Sandy River Delta, north of the Scenic Area boundary, and west of Hood River have a legal closure in effect.
Aircraft/UAS/drone takeoffs and landings are prohibited at some Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area high-use developed sites including: Multnomah, Wahkeena and Horsetail Falls, and Eagle Creek. This temporary restriction was implemented for visitor safety.
* Due to the current Eagle Creek Closure Order, Multnomah Falls is the only area listed in this restriction that is currently open.
Area(s):
Dog Mountain, Augspurger Trail (#4407), Dog Mountain Trail (#147), Dog-Augspurger Tie Trail
Date(s): Mar 27, 2018
On Saturdays and Sundays from March 31 to July 1, each individual using the Dog Mountain Trail System will be required to obtain a permit. The system includes Dog Mountain Trail (#147 and #147C), Dog Augspurger Tie Trail #147A, and the lower portion of Augspurger Trail #4407. Hikers on the system will be required to carry a hard copy permit or electronic proof of purchase.
Permits:
Permits will be available without reservation for all visitors who use the Dog Mountain shuttle service operated by Skamania County.
Area(s):
Larch Mountain, Larch Mountain Trail (#441), Multnomah Creek Way Trail (#444), Multnomah Spur Trail (#446), Sherrard Point Trail (#443)
Date(s): Sep 25, 2017
Larch Mountain Road has been closed by Multnomah County at Milepost 6 up to the Larch Mountain day use area and trailhead at MP 14.5. The winter closure is being extended indefinitely due to post-fire hazards so the area is closed to cars, bikes, and pedestrians until further notice. Violators will be subject to a $280 fine and/or criminal charges.
Larch Mountain Road closure is in effect for all visitors (car, bike, pedestrian etc.) even after snow melts due to Eagle Creek Fire Closure.
The lower portion of Cape Horn Trail (south of SR-14) and the full length of Raptor Trail in the Coyote Wall area are closed from February 1 to July 15 to protect nesting peregrine falcons, bald eagles, and other sensitive wildlife and natural resources. Please do your part to protect wildlife and avoid these areas accordingly. More details are available in the closure notices:
Contact(s):
Bart Treece, WSDOT communications, 360-905-2058; Stan Hinatsu, U.S.D.A. Forest Service
Please be aware that parking along State Route 14 near Mile Post 53 at Dog Mountain trailhead is now prohibited. Violators may be cited & towed: http://1.usa.gov/1Ax1aZo
Please take the following precautions against theft when visiting recreation sites within the Gorge:
Leave valuables you don’t need at home or in your hotel room. This includes items such as laptops, MP3 players, tablets, GPS units, purses, backpacks.
Remove other critical valuables such as your driver's license, debit/credit card, cell phones, and cameras by carrying them with you when exiting your vehicle.
If you must leave valuables in your vehicle while visiting the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, place them in your trunk BEFORE arriving at the public recreation site.
Thieves tend to watch visitors' behavior and strike quickly, so you should avoid any actions which signal that you have hidden valuables within your car.
Please report any suspicious activity to the county sheriff immediately to help minimize the risk of becoming a victim of a car prowl.
Area(s):
Catherine Creek, Catherine Creek Interpretive Trail (#4400)
Date(s): Feb 6, 2012
The Catherine Creek Arch area is permanently closed for the protection of the geologic and cultural resources. The closure area is delineated on the ground by fencing.
Miller Island is closed to overnight camping, open fires, and metal detecting. A closure order has been placed on these activities and is enforceable by fines.
Over two million hikers turn to the trails in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area for exercise and adventure. Each year several individuals or parties get lost or hurt in the woods.
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