by Nick Kraemer, Senior Planner

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.

The Mosier-to-The Dalles Trail Concept Plan—a collaboration between Friends of the Columbia Gorge and the U.S. Forest Service (USFS)—continues to progress. The project outlines potential trail routes, access points, and alignments across a patchwork of public and conservation lands, stitching together iconic locations like Mosier Plateau, Memaloose Hills, Rowena Crest, and Tom McCall Point.

Over the past year, the trail planning team—led by Friends’ Senior Planner Nick Kraemer, USFS’s Claire Fernandes, and consultants from Seattle civil engineering firm Parametrix—has been hard at work. From Spanish-language focus groups to trail scouting missions, they’ve gathered knowledge to shape a draft plan that reflects the region’s recreational needs and dreams. In January 2025, a Community Representative Group made up of neighbors, public agencies, user groups, and accessibility advocates came together to review the draft and provide feedback.

The trail plan envisions more than just a route. It aims to create a trail experience for everyone. That means including accessible parking and pathways where terrain allows, preserving sensitive ecosystems like the wildflower-filled slopes of Memaloose and Chatfield Hill, and building potential loops through orchards and wineries or even equestrian-friendly areas near Seven Mile Hill.

As the project moves into its next phase where we’ll conduct outreach to local property owners and community members, the goal is clear: finalize a plan by the end of 2025 that brings this dream trail closer to reality.

This effort is part of Friends’ broader Towns to Trails vision—a long-term initiative to link Gorge communities with recreation through a world-class network of trails. Once completed, this 200-mile loop trail will offer hikers, bikers (in some cases), and nature lovers not just a path through the Gorge, but a powerful connection to its people and culture.

Track progress through the years of our Gorge Towns to Trails initiative through our new interactive tool here.

Columbia Insight: A cool new hiking trail is being planned for the Gorge