Join Us in Protecting the Columbia Gorge

Friends of the Columbia Gorge led the effort to create the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area over 40 years ago. We’ve been working ever since to limit irresponsible development, purchase sensitive lands for permanent preservation, and connect outdoor adventurers, students, and volunteers to the Gorge’s wonders.

OUR WORK

Protect & Conserve

We protect the landscapes, habitats, resources, and communities of the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area through advocacy, land acquisition, litigation, and public education.

Ethereal lit scene of the Columbia River Gorge with deep blues and golden light.

OUR WORK

Outdoor Programs and Events

Join us for educational and inspirational outings that will deepen your appreciation of the Gorge and strengthen your commitment to preserving its unique landscapes.

Guided outing at Lyle Cherry Orchard. Photo by Paloma Ayala.

Stay Connected

Become a Defender of the Gorge

Join our online community to get the latest conservation updates, action alerts, and invitations to guided outdoor outings and special events delivered to your inbox. Opt out any time.

Who We Are

Friends of the Columbia Gorge

Friends is the only conservation organization entirely dedicated to protecting, preserving, and stewarding the Columbia Gorge for future generations. Ensuring the Gorge remains a vibrant, living place—wondrous, wild, and open to all—is at the core of what we do.

Get Involved

Join us in safeguarding the Columbia Gorge. Whether through membership, volunteering, stewardship, or advocacy and activism, there are many ways to support this magical place.

Stewardship at Turtle Haven. Photo by Cate Hotchkiss.
Stewardship at Turtle Haven. Photo by Cate Hotchkiss.

Volunteer

Discover upcoming volunteer opportunities and get involved.
Mosier Plateau. Photo by Cate Hotchkiss.
Mosier Plateau. Photo by Cate Hotchkiss.

Find a Hike

Find the perfect Columbia Gorge hike for your next adventure with our interactive map.
Friends staff members at Summerfest 2024 at Cape Horn Preserve. Photo by Joe Wong.
Friends staff members at Summerfest 2024 at Cape Horn Preserve. Photo by Joe Wong.

Events

Connect with nature and your community through our events.
The Zimmerly mine (in the foreground) in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. Photo by Brady Holden.
The Zimmerly mine (in the foreground) in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. Photo by Brady Holden.

Take Action

Stay informed and learn how you can use your voice to advocate for conservation in the Gorge.

Latest News

Keep updated on Friends' work, news stories, and the work happening in the Columbia Gorge.
Funding from LWCF helped ensure the protection of Catherine Creek. Photo by Robby Miller.

Trump’s Budget Aims to Pillage Conservation Funds

June 5, 2025
The Trump administration’s FY26 budget proposes redirecting roughly $387 million from the Land and Water Conservation Fund’s (LWCF) federal land acquisition budget to fund “deferred maintenance”—that is, repairs to trails, […]

Friends Announces Winners of 2025 Photo Contest

May 25, 2025
Friends of the Columbia Gorge is proud to announce the winners of our 2025 photo contest, "Lenscape: Through Nature's Eyes," including grand prize winner Paloma Ayala.
Dog Mountain, by Michael Orwick.
Dog Mountain, by Michael Orwick.

301 Gallery and Friends of the Columbia Gorge Collaborate to Present INSPIRED! II Art Exhibition

May 20, 2025
Following the success of last year’s inaugural show, 301 Gallery and Friends of the Columbia Gorge are excited to announce INSPIRED! II, an art exhibition opening this summer in downtown […]