Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area

Gifford Pinchot National Forest

Alcohol Prohibitions

This Order describes acts that are prohibited upon lands, roads and trails within the National Forest System administered by the Forest Service Pacific Northwest Region in regards to alcoholic beverages.

Gifford Pinchot National Forest

Aquatic Invasive Species

This Order prohibits 1) possessing, storing, or transporting any aquatic invasive animal species AND 2) prohibits possessing, storing, or transporting any aquatic or riparian invasive plant species - on National Forest System lands in the Pacific Northwest Region as specified in the Order.

Gifford Pinchot National Forest

Restrictions on Use of Forage and Mulch Products

This Order prohibits unloading, storing, or using any straw, hay, grain, seed, or other forage or mulch products that are not state-certified weed free on the National Forest System lands, roads or trails in any Closure Area as specific in the Order. Some examples of these include hay bales, hay…

Overview

The Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area is a spectacular 80-mile river canyon cutting up to 4,000 feet deep through the Cascade Mountain Range, spanning portions of Oregon and Washington. The area is currently open with several important closures to note from December 2025 winter storms. Multiple trails are closed due to windfalls, landslides, and collapsed trail tread, particularly in the Eagle Creek Fire burn scar. The Historic Columbia River Highway (US 30) east viaduct at Multnomah Falls is closed through spring 2026 for structural repairs. Larch Mountain Road is closed above the snow gate near Milepost 10 (typical seasonal winter closure, reopens late spring). Eagle Creek area remains under long-term forest closure order through July 2026. The scenic area features dramatic climate zones from lush western conifer forests to eastern grasslands due to the Cascades' rain shadow effect. Standard camping limits are in effect (14-day limit in 30-day period), and drone use is prohibited at developed sites. Fire danger is currently low. The area is actively managed and remains a world-class destination for hiking, waterfalls, and scenic drives despite ongoing recovery efforts from past fires and recent storm damage.

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