History

History of the Park

The Columbia River Gorge was designated as the nation's second National Scenic Area in 1986 but has a rich cultural history dating back nearly 13,000 years. Legislators chose to make Columbia River Gorge a National Scenic Area as opposed to a National Park to not disrupt existing industries and residences in the area. According to articles published in local newspapers, residents were concerned about possible government overreach concerning activities within the Gorge after it was designated as a National Scenic Area. The Gorge has been a critical passage for transportation in the Pacific Northwest, serving as a hub for trade for Native Americans and early European settlers. Native Americans relied on the river for its abundance of resources like salmon, beavers, sturgeon, and eel. The Columbia River Gorge was along the route used by the Lewis and Clark expedition (1804-1806) to reach the Pacific Ocean and laid the foundation for later steamboat and rail lines through the gorge.  Today, the Gorge is home to nearly 75,000 residents and encompasses six counties.