Friends of the Columbia Gorge Newsroom

View from Bridge of the Gods, spanning from Cascade Locks, OR to North Bonneville, WA. (photographer: Derek Markee)

Keeping the Columbia Gorge wild and wondrous is the core of what we do. Friends of the Columbia Gorge is the only conservation organization dedicated solely to protecting the scenic, natural, cultural, and recreational resources of the Columbia Gorge for generations to come. For almost 40 years we have worked to protect the Columbia Gorge from irresponsible development, preserve vital lands, promote responsible stewardship, strengthen public support for conservation initiatives, and expose local youth to the Gorge's wonders. Learn more: gorgefriends.org/about

Connect With Us

For media questions, speaking requests, or public education partnership inquiries please contact: Burt Edwards, communications director | 971.634.0595 (office) | 703.861.8237 (cell) | burt@gorgefriends.org (email)

Keep Updated

News & Updates

All | Latest News | In the Press | Multimedia

Webinar: Outside & Engaged

November 12, 2021

Multimedia

Watch an archive video of our Nov. 10, 2021, virtual discussion about the opportunities and challenges in outdoor education.

Thrillist: The Most Beautiful Places in Oregon You Never Knew Existed

September 15, 2021

In the Press

Organizations like the Audubon Society, Friends of the Columbia Gorge, and Oregon Wild all work protect the incredible wilderness of Oregon.

The Gorge Magazine: Come One, Come All

September 13, 2021

In the Press

Newly protected properties will be designed for inclusive recreation.

Oregon ArtsWatch: Painting Quickly in the Gorge

August 13, 2021

In the Press

The event is now a partnership between Friends of the Columbia Gorge and the Maryhill Museum of Art.

Features

Water for Warm Springs Partnership

To address a water crisis on the Warm Springs Reservation, Friends is part of a coalition of conservation organizations partnering with the Warm Springs Tribes and affiliated groups.

Persistence to Improve Gorge Protections Pays Off, Despite Pandemic

Looking upstream toward Elowah Falls. (photographer: Warren Morgan)

The Dust Settles Over Illegal Mining, for Now

The nearly four-year dispute over a property in the western Gorge enters a quieter phase.

Proposed Logging in Sensitive Gorge Area Poses Risk of "Dangerous Precedent"

- By Stan Hall

"Private logging companies should not be given free passes by government agencies to commercially log the Gorge’s most sensitive locations, like what happened here."

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Blog

From Exploring the Gorge to Exploring Our Backyard

November 24, 2021 - By Haley Lebsack

Camas-Washougal Community Chest and Vic Clausen Youth Education Fund partner with Friends in ongoing Gorge outdoor education efforts.

National Scenic Area 35th Birthday: Highlighting a Long Career of Gorge Advocacy

November 18, 2021 - By Kevin Gorman

As the National Scenic Area turns 35, Executive Director Kevin Gorman pays tribute to one of his predecessors, who as a young man helped get the Scenic Area legislation over the finish line.

35th Anniversary: Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area Act Signed Into Law

November 17, 2021 - By Bowen Blair Jr.

On the 35th anniversary of the date the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area Act was signed into law, we look back into Friends' archives for reaction to the momentous occasion.