Recreation

Know before you go. Take a look at Current Conditions below the Recreation Map.
The Columbia River Gorge receives a high volume of visitors and popular sites can get crowded. Please consider a few "Plan B" options in case your first choice is too crowded when you arrive. Please visit ReadySetGorge interagency website to plan your trip.
Interactive Recreation Map of Forest Service sites
Recreation Conditions Report
Area Name | Status | Area Conditions |
---|---|---|
Angel's Rest Trail (#415) | Open | |
BZ Launch Site & Trail (#4413) | Open | Boat launch, take-outs and trail are open for use. Please use winter stairs to access the river as the metal stairs have been raised for the season. One vault restroom open year-round. |
Balfour-Klickitat Area & Trail (#4414) | Open | |
Bonneville Trailhead | Open | |
Bridge Of The Gods Trailhead | Open | 5/1/23: Restrooms are open for the season. A valid recreation pass is required for parking. |
Cape Horn Overlook | Open | |
Cape Horn Trail (#4418) | Open | Seasonal closure on lower loop in effect Feb 1 to Jul 15 to protect peregrine falcon nesting habitat. (See closure area on posted signs.) |
Catherine Creek Interpretive Trail (#4400) | Open | |
Catherine Creek Loop | Open | |
Catherine Creek Recreation Area | Open | 3/3/23: Damaged bridge on lower trail impeding ADA wheelchair access on the west side (out and back OK) East side is wheelchair passable. |
Columbia Gorge Discovery Center | Open | 2/24/22: The Discovery Center is open daily 9am-5pm. Call for more information (541) 296-8600. |
Coyote Wall Recreation Area | Open | Dogs must be on leash Dec 1 - June 30 to protect nesting birds. Alert: Heavy traffic on weekends and afternoons. Do not park in lanes of traffic. Violators subject to tow. |
Devils Rest Trail (#420C) | Open | |
Dog Creek Falls Observation Site | Open | |
Dog Mountain | Open | One (per vehicle) permit required on weekends, including Memorial Day and Juneteenth, from April 29 - June 19, 2023. A valid recreation pass is also required. |
Eagle Creek Campground | Open | 5/1/23: Open for the season; make reservations at Rec.gov. |
Eagle Creek Day Use Area | Open | Day Use restroom is now open; flush toilets available ; a valid recreation pass is required for parking. |
Eagle Creek Overlook Group Campground | Open | 5/1/23: Open for the season, potable water available; Reservations only. |
Eagle Creek Trailhead & Trail (#440) | Open | A valid recreation pass is required for parking. Flush toilet restrooms are open at Big John and trailhead. |
Gorge 400 (MP 15 - 19.5) John Yeon to Wahclella | Open | |
Gorge 400 Trail | Open | |
Gorton Creek Trail (#408) | Open | |
Herman Creek Campground/Horse Camp | Closed | Closed for site restoration. Est. re-opening in 2024 |
Herman Creek Trail (#406) | Open | |
Herman Creek Trailhead | Open | A valid recreation pass is required for parking. |
Historic Columbia River Highway | Open | Timed Use Permits no longer required. |
Horsetail Falls & Trail (#438) | Open | |
Husum Boating Site | Open | |
Klickitat Trail | Open | Open for day use only. |
Klickitat Wild & Scenic River | Open | |
Larch Mountain | Closed | 11/29/2022: Larch Mountain Road will be closed for maintenance through 2023. |
Larch Mountain Trail (#441) | Open | |
Lower Punchbowl Trail (#440B) | Open | |
Lyle Trailhead | Open | |
Mark O. Hatfield Wilderness: Columbia Gorge | Open | Parts of the wilderness are closed due to post-fire hazards. Plan your hike carefully, and check specific trails for status. Do not hike off trail and respect closure signs. |
Metlako Falls Spur Trail (#440A) | Closed | Closed indefinitely due to landslide that destroyed the viewpoint. |
Moffett Creek Trail (#430) | Closed | Closed due to hazards and unstable conditions. |
Mount Defiance Trail (#413) | Open | Expect rugged conditions, not cleared since 2016. |
Multnomah Falls | Open | Timed Use Permits will be req'd starting May 26 through Sept. 4, 2023. |
Multnomah Falls Lodge | Open | |
Nesmith Point Trail (#428) | Open | |
Nick Eaton Trail (#447) | Open | Avoid during high winds and heavy rains due to tree fall and landslide hazards. |
Northwestern Park | None | Northwestern Park, owned and operated by PacifiCorp Power, provides public access to the White Salmon Wild and Scenic River with a boat ramp and picnic facilities. |
Oneonta Trail (#424) | Open | 9/6/22 Oneonta Trail is open. ONEONTA GORGE (which is separate from the trail) is closed until further notice. |
Oneonta Trailhead | Open | Oneonta Trail to Triple Falls and beyond is open. ONEONTA GORGE remains closed. |
Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail (#2000) | Open | |
River Front Trail (#4406) | Open | |
Sams Walker Day Use Area & Trail (#4402) | Open | |
Sandy River Delta | Open | Open for day use. Must keep dogs on leash in parking lot and surrounding area as well as confluence trail. Do NOT park in trailer parking area (unless you have a horse trailer). A valid recreation pass is required. |
Skamania Lodge | None | |
St. Cloud Day Use Area & Trail (#4410) | Open | |
Starvation Ridge Trail (#414) | Open | Only accessible via Mt. Defiance Trail #413 as the old cutoff trail (414A) is now closed. |
Wahclella Falls Trail (#436) | Open | Limited parking; do not leave any items of value in your vehicle. |
Wahkeena Falls | Closed | 5/4/23: Opening soon! |
Wahkeena Trail (#420) | Open | |
White Salmon Wild & Scenic River | Open | |
Wyeth Campground | Open | 5/1/23: Open for the season; no potable water. |
Wyeth Trail (#411) | Open |
Alerts & Warnings