Cleveland at Cape Horn

Size: 4 acres
Acquisition: Purchased in 2006
Disposition: Sold to the U.S. Forest Service in October 2008
Location: Skamania County, Washington
Access: Not yet open to the public but site of future public area

The former Cleveland property was the first purchase and sale of Friends of the Columbia Gorge Land Trust. Just over four acres and perched on the rim of Cape Horn with breathtaking views of the Gorge, the property was purchased in 2006.

Already surrounded by U.S. Forest Service land, this inholding and the Collins property (which Friends' Land Trust holds an option to purchase) were the only two parcels standing in the way of public recreation and permanent protection of the entire top and rim of Cape Horn.

A 5,500-square foot house and 6,000-square foot barn stood on the property, and the U.S. Forest Service was not interested in acquiring the property with the structures on it. As part of our Campaign for Cape Horn, in 2008 Friends deconstructed the house and other structures, ensuring recycling of much of the building material, and the property was sold to the Forest Service. (See the Campaign for Cape Horn page for the full story of Friends' efforts to permanently protect Cape Horn.)

The Forest Service's recreation management plan for the Cape Horn area is expected to be completed by Fall 2009. A memorial is planned for Friends' Founder Nancy Russell and her husband Bruce in the area and may be placed on this property.

Additional photos and GIS map

The Cleveland property before deconstruction.

The Cleveland property after deconstruction. (Photo by Dan Huntington)