COLUMBIA RIVER GORGE, Ore. — A six-mile stretch of the Historic Columbia River Highway reopened on Friday for the first time since the Eagle Creek Fire.
The newly reopened road stretches from Bridal Veil to Ainsworth State Park. About 9,000 trees in danger of falling on the road were cut and more than 3,000 feet of protective fencing was installed, according to the Oregon Department of Transportation.
Earlier this week: Portion of Old Columbia River Highway to reopen
Several trails in the Columbia River Gorge also reopened on Friday, including the well-known Angels Rest, Wahkeena, and Larch Mountain trails. Drivers can now enjoy views of Horsetail Falls and Wahkeena Falls on the newly-opened segment of the historic highway.
The section of road had been closed since Sept. 4, 2017, days after the start of the Eagle Creek Fire. The fire, which was caused by misuse of fireworks, burned more than 48,000 acres in the scenic Columbia River Gorge and Mount Hood National Forest.
One year later: An Eagle Creek Fire timeline