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.
Many hiking trails and National Forest System lands between Multnomah Falls and Eagle Creek Trail are closed. Hazards such as landslides, rockslides, falling tress, navigation issues, burned bridges, and damaged trails remain due to Eagle Creek Fire in 2017. Check weather conditions and specific site status below before heading out.
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):
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 is closed to cars, bikes, and pedestrians at Milepost 10, and Larch Mountain Day Use Area and Trailhead (MP 14.5) are closed. The Eagle Creek Fire Closure is due to risks of rockfall and landscapes, which were elevated after vegetation burned during the 2017 Eagle Creek Fire. Expect the road and area to remain closed until at least late spring 2019. Apologies for any inconvenience. Violators will be subject to a $280 fine and/or criminal charges.
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.
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
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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