Beacon Rock. Photo by Jeremiah Leipold.
Columbia River Gorge Commission Avoids Defunding, Faces 27 Percent Budget Cut
April 28, 2025
The press release below was sent to media outlets across the Pacific Northwest on Thursday, April 28, 2025. COLUMBIA RIVER GORGE, Wash., April 28, 2025 – The Columbia River Gorge Commission, […]
Washington House Votes to Defund the Columbia River Gorge Commission
April 3, 2025
The press release below was sent to media outlets across the Pacific Northwest on Thursday, April 3, 2025. COLUMBIA RIVER GORGE, Wash., April 3, 2025 – The Columbia River Gorge […]
What if the National Scenic Area Never Existed?
December 23, 2024
The Columbia Gorge would be a very different place without the protections of the National Scenic Area. Unchecked residential, commercial, and industrial development would have consumed parts of it, transforming cliffs, […]
Behind the Scenes of “The Wildflower Woman” Short Film
December 21, 2024
From Friends of the Columbia Gorge and filmmaker Monique Trevett, “The Wildflower Woman” short film profiles renowned Columbia Gorge conservation icon and Lyle, Washington, resident Barbara Robinson. The film follows […]
Slow & Steady: Turtles Win Out Over Logging, Mining at Friends’ New Alashík Preserve
December 19, 2024
Alashík Preserve is Friends’ latest acquisition through our Share the Wonder campaign. Watch the video below for a 4K aerial tour of the preserve, and browse a photo gallery here. Friends […]
Looking west down the Columbia River. Photo by P
A New Era of Conservation for Friends of the Columbia Gorge
December 17, 2024
The Columbia Gorge represents history, resilience, and awe-inspiring natural beauty, holding a special place in the hearts of those who cherish it. Over the years, many have dedicated themselves to […]
Bringing Art to Youth Education Programs
December 16, 2024
Everyone connects with the outdoors in different ways, from hiking to bird watching, biking, or even plein-air painting. Historically, one of our youth education programs, The Great Gorge Wahoo!, was […]
Of the 50 wind turbines proposed on private land, 30 would have been visible from the Strawberry Mountain neighborhood in the city of White Salmon. Photo simulation by Whistling Ridge Energy, LLC.
Controversial Whistling Ridge Wind Project Ends After 22 Years
September 9, 2024
After 22 years of legal battles, the Whistling Ridge Energy Project in the Columbia River Gorge was officially terminated, protecting the scenic landscape and endangered species from harm.
Friends’ legal victories will help protect prime farmland not only on the Norway Green property, pictured here, but throughout the entire National Scenic Area. Photo by Monique Trevett, Friends of the Columbia Gorge. default
Friends Enjoys Legal Victories in Clark County
September 8, 2024
Friends earned two major legal victories in Clark County to maintain private ownership of a proposed mining haul road and to preserve farmland.
The "Wind Tunnel" interpretive panel at Lyle Cherry Orchard. Photo by Paloma Ayala.
Trail Tales: New Signage Elevates Hiker Experience at Friends’ Lyle Cherry Orchard
September 7, 2024
Friends is proud to introduce new state-of-the-art trail signage—the first on a Friends preserve—that makes Lyle Cherry Orchard one of the most interactive trails in the Pacific Northwest.
Students play during Explore the Gorge. Photo by Paloma Ayala.
Bringing Local Middle Schoolers to the Gorge: Spring & Summer Youth Education Recap
September 6, 2024
Friends hosted three major youth education programs this spring and summer with students from Portland and Washougal, Washington.
Catherine Creek Universal Access Trail, one of the first locations for a Caminemos Juntos event.
Introducing Caminemos Juntos, an Outdoor Initiative for the Gorge Latino Community
September 4, 2024
Caminemos Juntos (Spanish for “Let’s Walk Together”) is a program that connects the Latino community in the Gorge with nature.