Looking west from White Salmon down the Columbia River. Photo by Paloma Ayala.
Holding the Line: How the Gorge Commission was Saved
May 8, 2025
The Columbia River Gorge Commission is the frontline defense against unregulated development, environmental degradation, and climate change threats across the 292,500-acre Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. It ensures that […]
Alashík Preserve. Photo by Monique Trevett.
Shell by Shell: Protecting the Gorge’s Turtle Sanctuaries
May 8, 2025
In April 2024, Friends acquired Alashík Preserve, an ecologically critical property nestled in the wooded valleys of Skamania County. The acquisition marks a major conservation win, permanently protecting habitat for […]
Friends Defeats Illegal Zimmerly Mining Again, and Again, and Again
May 8, 2025
By Nathan Baker, Senior Staff Attorney Since 2017, Friends has zealously opposed illegal gravel mining on the Zimmerly property in southeast Clark County, just inside the gateway to the Washington […]
Wildflowers at Mosier Plateau. Photo by Cate Hotchkiss.
Connecting Communities: Progress on the Mosier-to-The Dalles Trail Plan
May 7, 2025
Big things are on the horizon for Gorge trail lovers! A bold new vision is taking shape to connect the towns of Mosier and The Dalles with a trail network that weaves through some of the most beautiful landscapes that the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area has to offer.
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 […]
Alashík Preserve. Photo by Monique Trevett.
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.