The Ultimate Guide: Hiking the Columbia River Gorge After 2024 Wildfire Recovery
Welcome to what will surely be the start of a fantastic Oregon adventure! This ultimate guide, full of thoughtful tips and wisdom, is all about traversing the Columbia River Gorge after the 2024 wildfire recovery. Please, treat this as a friendly chat over coffee at our favorite downtown Hood River cafe, rather than a formal tutorial.
The Lay of the Land
If there’s one major thing to know about the Columbia River Gorge, it’s that this is an area that constantly changes and evolves. After the 2024 wildfires, it’s taken some real elbow grease to restore, but the scenery that awaits is something to behold. One day, you might find wildflowers blooming by Angels’ Rest; another day, you might spot a bald eagle soaring near Mount Defiance.
Seasonally Speaking
Oregon is known for its dramatic seasonal shifts. In the Gorge, summer means high-cliff hikes with river breezes that counterbalance the heat. But remember, always carry a rain jacket – even on the brightest day – as sudden showers are part of the Gorge’s charm. Waterfall lovers, don’t miss the winter and spring, as that’s when cascades like Multnomah Falls and Bridal Veil Falls are at their fullest.
Trail Prep and Preserving the Beauty
It’s a good idea to equip yourself with the Ten Essentials, as the outdoor experts at Next Adventure in Portland will surely tell you. And one non-negotiable must-do is to embrace ‘Leave No Trace Principles,’ a key ethic among Oregon hikers. Remember, we’re just guests in the wildlife habitat; let’s respect it together.
Top Trail Picks
Whether you’re looking for a beginner’s trail or an elevated experience, the Gorge has a hike that will fit you perfectly. Angel’s Rest is a rewarding climb with stunning post-wildfire recovery visuals, while Beacon Rock Trail offers gently ascending switchbacks with stellar views. A little effort and the vista starts to look like a canvas with Multnomah Falls, Rooster Rock, and more gracing the landscape.
Advanced hikers can challenge themselves at Indian Point, a rewarding and heart-pumping trail that gives you a bird’s-eye view of the Columbia River Gorge. It’s not as famous as Eagle Creek Trail which is still recovering, hence it’s less crowded.
Eat Like a Native Oregonian
Post-hike treats are crucial – nobody knows this better than an Oregonian. In Hood River, check out the Farm Stand in the Gorge for locally-sourced, healthy road trip snacks. If you’re craving a great sandwich or steak fries after a long hike, stop by Big Jim’s Drive-In. For sweetness, there’s nothing that beats the huckleberry shake at Eastwind Drive-In in Cascade Locks.
Staying Safe
One of the experiences almost every local has had to deal with is being caught off guard by the rapid weather changes in the Gorge. It’s essential to check the weather forecast for not just the day, but the entire span of your hike. Rapid temperature changes are also common in the evenings – pack layers and a headlamp in your gear. Local wisdom is also to stay on marked trails. While some paths may seem adventurous, trails are marked for a reason – your safety.
A Friendly Send-off
Hiking in the Columbia River Gorge offers more than just trails — it’s about experiencing blooming wildflowers, thunderous waterfalls, arresting vistas, and the satisfaction of pies and huckleberry shakes at quaint eateries. This scenic wonder, re-emerging after the wildfires, still holds surprises and beauty at every bend.
As one friend to another, do come with a spirit for adventure, respect for mother nature, and a love for the Gorge that Oregonians cherish. And remember, a Gorge hike is all about living in the moment. So, breathe in that fresh Oregon air, admire the resilience of nature, and let your Columbia River Gorge adventure unfold. With one foot in front of the other, you’re walking in Oregonian footsteps. Welcome to the trail.