For the first time since the Eagle Creek Fire, six miles of the Historic Columbia River Highway and several popular trails near Multnomah Falls have reopened, officials announced Friday.
Popular Gorge trails that reopened Friday include Angels Rest, Wahkeena Falls, Horsetail Falls and Larch Mountain trails east of Portland.
The reopening includes the full 7-mile Multnomah Falls to Wahkeena Falls loop. A short half-mile hike from Horsetail Falls Trailhead to Ponytail Falls also is open.
The full length of the Historic Columbia River Highway impacted by Eagle Creek Fire is now open.
"This reopening includes a lot of the really good stuff," Forest Service spokeswoman Rachel Pawlitz said.
Here's a full list of hikes now open:
- Angel’s Rest #415, shared state and federal trail
- Devils Rest #420C
- Return Trail #442
- Wahkeena Trail #420
- Vista Point Trail #419
- Larch Mountain Trail #441
- Horsetail Falls Trail #438 is only open to Ponytail Falls
However, many U.S. Forest Service and State Park trails and sites remain closed with no timeline for reopening. That includes famous hikes such as Eagle Creek Trail and Wahclella Falls.
The off-trail hike up Oneonta Gorge also remains closed.
“It’s thrilling to be able to reconnect visitors with these much loved waterfalls and trails, which were hard hit by the fire," said Lynn Burditt, area manager for the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area.
"Many dedicated people from throughout the region provided sweat equity or donations to our partners, who helped us bring about this day.”
Eagle Creek closure map by on Scribd
Visitors should double-check the weather and trail status before heading out.
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, according to a news release.
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.
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.