Multnomah Falls, Ore. — For the first time since 2017 Eagle Creek Fire, six miles of the Historic Columbia River Highway and several popular trails near Multnomah Falls reopened, including the well-known Angels Rest, Wahkeena, and Larch Mountain Trail.
The full length of the Historic Columbia River Highway impacted by Eagle Creek Fire is now open. Drivers can enjoy views of Horsetail Falls and Wahkeena Falls on the newly opened segment of the historic highway between Bridal Veil to Ainsworth.

Members of the Gorge Trails Recovery Team tackle tough work along a fire-damaged trail in the Columbia River Gorge.
However, many U.S. Forest Service and State Park trails and sites remain closed with no timeline for reopening. Visitors are advised to check weather conditions and the status of trails before heading out to hike.
“It’s thrilling to be able to reconnect visitors with these much loved waterfalls and trails, which were hard hit by the fire. Many dedicated people from throughout the region provided sweat equity or donations to our partners, who helped us bring about this day,” said Lynn Burditt, area manager for the U.S. Forest Service Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area.
Pacific Crest Trail Association and Trailkeepers of Oregon organized volunteer trail crews to repair and stabilize area trails, while Friends of the Columbia Gorge assisted with invasive species removal and visitor information. National Forest Foundation and Oregon Kitchen Table provided financial support for trail repair, based on donations from the public. Funds donated at Multnomah Falls Lodge were also used to help underwrite costs of trail work.
“People care deeply about the Columbia Gorge. We received donations from people in 28 states and with that support we improved over 60 miles of hiking trails this year,” said Patrick Shannon with the National Forest Foundation.
“Thanks to all who have recreated responsibly, and for your patience and grace over the past year. Much work has gone into healing the Gorge, with special thanks to all of our partners and volunteers. We look forward to folks reconnecting to their special places in the Columbia River Gorge, while asking visitors to continue to recreate safely and responsibly,” said Clay Courtright, park manager for Oregon State Parks’ West Gorge Management Unit.
Visitors can find out more about the current status of trails at www.fs.usda.gov/crgnsa or https://oregonstateparks.org/. Road conditions are listed on tripcheck.com.
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The Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area encompasses 292,500 acres of Washington and Oregon, where a spectacular canyon cuts through the Cascade Mountains. The USDA Forest Service manages National Forest System lands, trails, and recreation sites in the National Scenic Area and works with the Gorge Commission, states, counties, treaty tribes, and partners to protect and enhance scenic, natural, cultural, and recreational resources of the Columbia River Gorge while encouraging local economic development. Learn more at www.fs.usda.gov/crgnsa or follow us on Facebook.com/crgnsa or Twitter.com/crgnsa.
Contacts:
- Rachel Pawlitz, U.S. Forest Service, 503-758-2624
- Don Hamilton, Oregon Department of Transportation, 503-704-7452
- Clay Courtright, Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, 503-969-8260