Introduction

Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area is located on the border of Washington and Oregon and encompasses six counties and nearly 80 miles of the Hood River. The Gorge is known for its pristine landscape which was largely shaped by volcanic activity and flooding events. The Columbia River Gorge was intended to be a National Park but due to the population and industrial activity in the area, it was instead designated as a National Scenic Area by an act of Congress in 1986. The Gorge is known for its wilderness areas that are popular spots for hiking, fishing and even kitesurfing. The Scenic Area borders both the Gifford Pinchot National Forest and the Mt. Hood National Forest. Multnomah Falls, the most visited national recreation site in the PNW is located within the Scenic Area. The Falls is 620 feet tall and attracts nearly 2 million visitors to the Gorge annually. Permits are required to access this area and are issued between May 24th and September 2nd.