Size: 60 acres
Location: Skamania County, WA
Acquired: 2016

Cape Horn Preserve is a 60-acre property formed through multiple land acquisitions over the past eight years. Friends’ Land Trust acquired a 45-acre parcel in 2016, transferring 29 acres to the U.S. Forest Service. In 2020, the land trust obtained the core 36 acres of the preserve, and in 2022, an additional 8 acres were added, bringing the total to its current size of 60 acres. The property is bordered by U.S. Forest Service land on three sides, with a small section adjacent to Highway 14. Cape Horn offers stunning views of the Columbia River, dense forest cover, and an open hayfield ripe for restoration.

The preserve encompasses two watershed systems and a diverse array of habitats, including wetlands, forested areas, vertical cliffs, and rock outcrops. The forest primarily consists of Douglas fir, with red alder, big-leaf maple, western hemlock, and grand fir interspersed. The understory is rich with native plants such as sword fern, salmonberry, Oregon grape, vine maple, and wild ginger. In 2022, wildlife biologist Bill Weiler conducted a comprehensive habitat survey, documenting various habitat types and the wildlife utilizing the property. Species observed include coyotes, elk, bears, bobcats, and great horned owls, while the Larch Mountain salamander, peregrine falcon, and pika have also been spotted nearby.

The property includes a large barn, which will be removed in 2025. A residential home on the site was removed in 2024 as part of Friends’ restoration plan. With the home now gone, the Cape Horn site is nearly ready for construction and will feature an accessible trail system, pavilion, viewpoint structure, and more. The initial phase of restoration will focus on revitalizing the 12-acre hayfield at the heart of the preserve, transforming it into an accessible recreation site that includes climate-resilient oak groves, native meadows, and a mix of evergreen forests. Friends has partnered with landscape design firms Mayer/Reed and DAO Architecture to design this site with accessibility at the forefront. The image below shows a before & after of the conceptual design. To use the slider, place your cursor (desktop) or finger (mobile) inside the white circle and drag left or right.

Created by Mayer/Reed, this conceptual design for Cape Horn features universal access trails, a gathering pavilion, new oak groves, and a viewpoint overlooking the Gorge that will be the highest accessible vista in the National Scenic Area.

To learn more about the Cape Horn restoration, design, and accessibility plans, follow the links below.