What hikes are open in Columbia River Gorge?
Andrew Henderson
Updated on March 22, 2026
What hikes are open in Columbia River Gorge?
15 hikes in the Columbia River Gorge that are still open
- Dog Mountain. Distance: 6.9 miles.
- Hamilton Mountain. Distance: 7.5 miles.
- Wind Mountain. Distance: 2.5 miles.
- Table Mountain. Distance: 15.5 miles.
- Coyote Wall. Distance: 7.8 miles.
- Columbia Hills. Distance: 6.9 miles.
- Catherine Creek. Distance: 5.4 miles.
- Lyle Cherry Orchard.
Why is the Columbia River Gorge closed?
The Oregon Department of Transportation said that a closure of part of the Historic Columbia River Highway will remain in place indefinitely, as landslides continue to flood the scenic highway, blocking off access to recreation areas that otherwise remain open.
What is there to do on the Washington side of the Columbia River Gorge?
20 reasons to visit the Washington side of the Columbia River…
- Beacon Rock.
- Dog Mountain.
- Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge.
- Breweries.
- Stevenson.
- Columbia Gorge Interpretive Center.
- Lyle Cherry Orchard.
- Bridge of the Gods.
Is the Cape Horn trail open?
Cape Horn Overlook is accessed via Cape Horn Trail #4418. Follow Cape Horn Trail for a scenic 2 mile hike to Cape Horn Overlook….At a Glance.
| Operational Hours: | Day use only from dawn to dusk. Year-round. |
|---|---|
| Open Season: | Year round |
| Usage: | Medium-Heavy |
How many waterfalls are there in the Columbia River Gorge?
90 waterfalls
Just 30 miles (48 km) east of Portland, the Columbia River Gorge offers amazing views, hiking and mountain bike trails and more than 90 waterfalls.
How long does it take to hike Bridal Veil Falls?
| Rating: | Short family-friendly stroll |
|---|---|
| Time Required: | 15-30 minutes |
| Length: | .3 miles round-trip |
| Elevation Change: | Mostly level (75-ft elevation gain) |
| Seasons: | Year-round. The trail is accessible in winter, but conditions can be unpredictable. |
Which falls are open in the Gorge?
These Friends Staff-Recommended Trails Are Currently Open to the Public
- Mosier Creek Falls.
- Catherine Creek Falls, Catherine Creek Universal Access Loop.
- Hardy and Rodney Falls.
What should I not miss at the Columbia River Gorge?
ENJOYING THIS ARTICLE?
- Admire Oregon’s Tallest Waterfall. No visit to the Columbia River Gorge would be complete without a stop at Multnomah Falls.
- See The Salmon Swim Upstream.
- Wind Your Way Along The Fruit Loop.
- Sample Local Beer.
- Hike To A Waterfall.
- Explore Hood River.
- Join A Tour.
Is Columbia River Gorge worth it?
I love the waterfalls, forests, mountains and trails. Everything here is beautiful and worth visiting.
Is Coyote Wall Open?
Area Status: Open From Coyote Wall Trailhead, bikers, hikers, and riders can access a 30+ mile network trails with an open feel and breath-taking views.
How long does Cape Horn take?
This strenuous trail is noted for its many scenic overlooks with classic views looking east up the Columbia River Gorge. Enjoy the six mile loop seasonally from July 16 to January 31 or take the trail 2 miles to access the Nancy Russell Cape Horn Overlook.
Which waterfalls are open in the gorge?
OPEN:
- Eagle Creek.
- Oneonta.
- Horsetail Falls.
- Wahclella Falls.
Can you go hiking in the Columbia River Gorge in winter?
When to Go Hiking in the Columbia River Gorge For the most part, all Gorge hiking trails should be accessible year-round. That said, during the winter months some of the hikes with summits over 2,000 feet will see snow, and it can be deep and potentially dangerous.
Is the Columbia River Gorge closed in Oregon?
NOTICE: Many trails on the Oregon side of the Columbia River Gorge are closed until further notice because of damage from the Eagle Creek Fire. The closure involves most trails between Bridal Veil and the Pacific Crest Trail as well as the lower section of the Wyeth Trail.
What will the Columbia River Gorge look like after the wildfire?
Over the summer, a wildfire ravaged nearly 50,000 acres of the Columbia River Gorge. It will be months, if not years, before some of the area’s best-loved hikes reopen. And even when they do, the Gorge’s celebrated viewpoints of the 4,000-foot-deep canyon through the Cascade Mountains won’t look quite the same.
What is the best way to hike the Oregon gorge?
The 14 is windier and slower, but for hikes around Beacon Rock (like Hamilton or Hardy), I prefer crossing at the 205. For hikes further along like Dog Mountain, I prefer the Bridge of the Gods. On the Oregon side just stick to the 84. For the most part, all Gorge hiking trails should be accessible year-round.