Much of the Columbia River Gorge and Mt. Hood area parks, forest lands and recreation areas are closed due to threats of unprecedented and dangerous fire conditions combined with extreme heat, significant wind events, dry conditions, and firefighting resources that are stretched thin across the region.
Temporary closures are in place to protect fire crews, natural resources, and the public during a time of intense fire danger. They will remain in effect until conditions improve and will be re-evaluated daily.
• Hood River County’s forest land is closed to all recreational use as of September 11.
• The Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area has temporarily closed most recreation areas within the CRGNSA. Find more details in the CGNSA press release.
• Oregon State Parks has emergency closures in many parks along the Historic Columbia Highway. View map of closures.
• Mt. Hood National Forest is closed to all public access, including driving on forest roads, hiking on trails and all other uses for public and firefighter safety. The full order includes information. Extreme fire weather and hazardous fuel conditions has caused a rapid growth of fires throughout Oregon and Washington. Firefighting resources are operating at maximum capacity and needed resources are severely limited.
It is essential that users follow mandatory restrictions for their own safety and to mitigate impacts on firefighting resources. Residents are encouraged to “follow” the local Hood River County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page and the GetReadyGorge.com website for information about evacuation safety.
To plan around closures and to find open outdoor recreation areas, visit ReadySetGOrge.com and remember to be safe and always recreate responsibly.