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.

What we do

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 landscape.

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.
Beacon Rock. Photo by Jeremiah Leipold.
Beacon Rock. Photo by Jeremiah Leipold.

Columbia River Gorge Commission Avoids Defunding, Faces 27 Percent Budget Cut

April 28, 2025
The press release below was sent to media outlets across the Pacific Northwest on Thursday, April 28, 2025. COLUMBIA RIVER GORGE, Wash., April 28, 2025 – The Columbia River Gorge Commission, […]

Washington House Votes to Defund the Columbia River Gorge Commission

April 3, 2025
The press release below was sent to media outlets across the Pacific Northwest on Thursday, April 3, 2025. COLUMBIA RIVER GORGE, Wash., April 3, 2025 – The Columbia River Gorge […]

What if the National Scenic Area Never Existed?

December 23, 2024
The Columbia Gorge would be a very different place without the protections of the National Scenic Area. Unchecked residential, commercial, and industrial development would have consumed parts of it, transforming cliffs, […]