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

Cape Horn Preserve is a 64-acre property formed through multiple land acquisitions over the past eight years. The preserve is the final piece in a decades-long effort with Friends and multiple agencies, particularly the Forest Service, to protect land in the area for recreation around the Cape Horn Trail. Cape Horn preserve offers stunning views of the Columbia River, dense forest cover, and an open hayfield ripe for restoration. 

The preserve touches two watersheds 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, bigleaf 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 coyote, elk, bear, bobcat, and great horned owl, while the Larch Mountain salamander, peregrine falcon, and pika have also been spotted nearby. 

A 30-acre portion of this preserve is a large hayfield that recently contained a house and outbuildings. Two buildings have been removed and materials recycled. One barn still stands, which will remain during upcoming restoration efforts. The initial phase of restoration will focus on revitalizing the hayfield, with the goal of creating a beautiful natural space with climate-resilient oak groves, native meadows, and a mix of evergreen forests 

In addition, Friends continues to work with partners on planning and designing portions of the property to become a world-class recreation site. Given the amazing views and proximity to the existing Cape Horn Trail, this site has the potential to be the crowning achievement of the Cape Horn Trail system. 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-and-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.