Since the founding of Friends of the Columbia Gorge in 1980, outdoor guided outings have been woven into the DNA of our organization.

Guided outings in the Columbia Gorge are some of the best ways to learn about and experience this one-of-a-kind place. Through place-based events, we can foster community and empower Gorge communities to join Friends in the protection of this place we call home by exploring our Friends preserves, trails, and day-use areas found in the scenic area.

People experience and connect with nature in different ways, so we aim to offer a wide variety of outdoor experiences to suit the needs of each individual. We offer a multitude of outings that include walking, hiking, meditating, creating art, wildlife watching, and so much more.

Register for Outings

If you’re interested in volunteering with Friends’ guided outings as a hike leader or shepherd, email Public Engagement & Outdoor Programs Manager Melissa Gonzalez here.

* Asterisks denote a weekend event.
Bolding denotes a member-only event.

Registration is currently open for the following outings:

  • March 29*: Capturing Double Exposure Photography at Starvation Creek (Easy)
  • April 6*: Tranquility Wildflower Walk at Catherine Creek (Easy)
  • April 10: Chasing Waterfalls and Wildflowers Hike at Latourell Falls (Moderate)
  • April 12*: Wildflower Hike at Catherine Creek with AdvenChairs (Easy)
  • April 13*: Nature Hike at Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge with AdvenChairs (Easy)

Registration opens on Friday, April 4, at 12 p.m. Pacific for the following outings:

  • April 15: Sandy River Delta Dog Friendly Hike (Easy)
  • April 17: East Catherine Creek Loop Hike (Moderate)
  • April 19*: Lyle Cherry Orchard Ecological Hike (Easy)
  • April 24: Hiking Through Wildflower Meadows at Dalles Mountain Ranch (Moderate)
  • April 26: Friends X Queer Mountaineers Hike at Lyle Cherry Orchard (Strenuous)
  • April 27*: Mountain Bike the Klickitat Trail (Moderate)
  • April 29: Steamboat Landing to Steigerwald Dog Friendly Hike (Easy)
  • April 30: Spring Wildflowers Hike at Lyle Cherry Orchard (Strenous)

Registration opens on Friday, April 18, at 12 p.m. Pacific for the following outings:

  • May 1: Opening to Nature: Mindfulness Walk on the Klickitat Trail (Easy)
  • May 2: Horsethief Lake Petroglyph Walk & Dancing Rock Walk (Easy)
  • May 5: Sams Walker Interpretive Walk plus optional Beacon Rock Hike (Easy)
  • May 10*: Nature Walk at Sandy River Delta (Easy)
  • May 11* – Mosier Plateau Trail: Kid-Friendly Nature Immersion Hike (Easy)