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

Guided Outings & 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.
Volunteer Stewardship. Photo by Cate Hotchkiss.
Volunteer Stewardship. Photo by Cate Hotchkiss.

Volunteer Stewardship

Volunteers play a key role in protecting and maintaining the biodiversity and natural beauty of the Gorge. Give back to the Gorge by joining one of our seasonal stewardship work parties.
Youth Programs
Youth Programs. Photo by Monique Trevett.

Youth Education Programs

Friends’ youth education programs connect thousands of local students to the Columbia Gorge’s rich natural, cultural, scenic, and recreational resources, helping to inspire the next generation of Gorge protectors.
Since Nancy Russell founded Friends of the Columbia Gorge in 1980, hiking has been woven into the DNA of our organization. An avid outdoorswoman, Nancy believed the best way to help people fall in love with the Gorge was to get them out into the Gorge. That’s why guided hikes became the centerpiece of her efforts to build a strong grassroots coalition of Gorge advocates. She brought countless community partners, government officials, business leaders, conservationists, and donors out to her favorite places in the Gorge to introduce them to its wonders and inspire them to join the movement to create the National Scenic Area. Today, many of our most ardent supporters are lifelong Gorge hikers and explorers just like Nancy.
The trail from the community of Mosier to Friends’ Mosier Plateau preserve is part of the Gorge Towns to Trails vision. Photo by Michael Drewry.

Gorge Towns to Trails

Gorge Towns to Trails aims to create a 200-mile trail loop encircling the Gorge, connecting communities, promoting recreation and transit, and protecting lands for wildlife conservation.