Ready Set Gorge

05/14/2024

Looking for a meaningful way to experience the beauty of the Gorge? Consider joining Wilderness Volunteers and the U.S. Forest Service for upcoming volunteer retreats in Mt Hood National Forest. If you're passionate about hiking, camping, and conservation, these retreats offer a unique opportunity to make a real impact. If hard work, habitat and trail restoration sound fulfilling and exciting for you, apply now for open spots in August or September! There is a project fee for these wilderness camping trips, as an immersive volunteer experience unlike most. Free days are filled with hikes, tours, and other excursions. Quite an opportunity for the right person!

05/08/2024

Hey Gorge community (and those who love it)! As we gear up for another summer, we can't ignore the reality of fire season looming ahead. 🌬️🔥 Shoutout to the Smoke Ready Gorge initiative for pulling together resources like emergency alerts and air quality maps. Whether you're a longtime local or just passing through, keeping an eye on these AQI maps is key, with air quality monitors scattered at schools, orchards, and beyond. Please stay vigilant as we navigate the dry months ahead. Keep smokereadygorge.org handy!

03/24/2024

Preach, Brian! Not a walk in the park — very literally. Please remember to tell someone where you're going, bring a battery back up for your phone, pack extra food and water, and be prepared to be in the wild longer than expected. 🥾🌲💚

03/03/2024

Nice idea to keep in your back pocket after your next wilderness therapy session: after a hike, consider throwing a couple of dollars to Trailkeepers of Oregon! The explosive increase in trail use has taken a toll on our trails, most of which were built over 80 years ago and now maintained by volunteers. To do your part, you can text “WILD4GORGE” to 44321 to be connected to a quick & easy donation portal for Trailkeepers, who design, maintain, and steward trails across the state. 🥾⚒️🌳

02/25/2024

You know what we like better than spring? FAKE spring. It’s fake spring in the Gorge right now, and a great time to get ahead of peak-season crowds. The local Gorge businesses that we know and love need support to recover from the winter slowdown, and it’s a perfect opportunity to get outside without crowds negatively impacting nature (or your enjoyment of it.) Shake off the last of your winter funk and GO!

02/14/2024

The heart wants what it wants. 💞

02/09/2024

From the Yikes Department: oh my stars, folks, please choose your Columbia Gorge winter hikes wisely. 🚨🥾🚨Some trails are still treacherous right now, where others a virtual/literal walk in the park, and everywhere in between. If you’re a less experienced hiker, more outside-y than outdoorsy (👋guilty), head east towards Lyle and The Dalles and you’ll find some gorgeous hikes with safe winter terrain (not to mention an abundance of blue skies and sunshine.) Even the most seasoned hikers need to keep their heads screwed on straight and avoid putting rescue crews at risk. Eagle Creek will be there in the spring!

07/10/2023

- July 10,2023
Size: 529 acres
Containment: 80%
Resources: 11 engines; 4 crews; 2 helicopters; 3 dozers
Total personnel: 256

Today will be the last update posted on the . Northwest Team 12 will transition to a type 4 organization starting tomorrow.

📸 : Firefighters attend morning briefing to get important information about weather, expectations and assignments for the day. J.Michael Johnson, PIO, NW12

07/07/2023

There have been changes to evacuation levels for the areas affected by the Tunnel 5 fire. Please refer to the map to determine your level of evacuation. Significant changes are a level reduction on the eastern portion of the affected area and an increased notice to the west. If you have any questions regarding your evacuation level, please call 509-427-8076.

07/07/2023

A reminder from the Port of Hood River

SAFETY REMINDERS FOR FUN NEAR THE WATER IN HOOD RIVER

– Children should be directly supervised by a parent or caregiver at all times near the water. CHILDREN SHOULD WEAR LIFEJACKETS AT ALL TIMES NEAR THE WATER. If you don't have one, borrow one from the loaner stations located at the Marina Beach and Frog Beach.

–The only designated swimming area on the Hood River waterfront is the Waterfront Park.

– Serious drowning danger and natural hazards exist in the waters of the Columbia River and the Hood River.

– The waters of the Columbia are still quite cold and the waters of the glacially-fed Hood River are very cold.

– There are very strong currents, undertows and steep drop offs, especially at the edges of sandy areas near the confluence of the Hood River with the Columbia. The Spit and Sandbar look like peaceful, flat beaches, but they are moving, dynamic sediment deposits and serious drowning danger exists.

– Children should be directly supervised by a parent or caregiver at all times near the water. Lifejackets are strongly recommended.

– There are NO Lifeguards or any other dedicated professional rescue service on any beaches in Hood River.

– Dogs MUST BE ON LEASH, attached to their humans at all times on Port properties.

– Kiteboarding is a sport that requires lots of clearance to enjoy safely. Spectators and other users are urged to stay upwind and far away from kiteboarding launch and land areas.

– Campfires and bonfires are not allowed on any Port property.

– Underwater hazards exist at the Nichols Basin sea wall and the pilings along the waterfront. No jumping or diving from the sea wall or the pilings is allowed.

PHOTO CREDIT: RICHARD HALLMAN

07/03/2023

Please help spread the word.

07/03/2023

The on the boarder of Skamania and Klickitat Counties (at milepost 61, across river from Hood River) started in the morning on Sunday, July 2.

Both directions of SR 14 are closed and travelers need to avoid the area and find an alternate route.

Evacuees directed to Skamania Fairgrounds. Area is “no fly zone” for drones and boaters asked to avoid.