When traveling in the Gorge, support local communities.
Why? The Gorge is a working landscape on which people’s livelihoods depend.

Plan to connect with local communities.
- Plan to arrive at the trailhead early (before 10 a.m.) to avoid congestion in parking lots and on trails.
- Make plans to stop in a local Gorge community to eat, relax and explore.
- Before you leave, research the operation hours of cultural and tribal museums and visitor centers, which tend to vary seasonally.
- While COVID-19 poses a risk to you and others:
- Recreate locally as much as possible. Give communities time to recover before you travel outside your community or start taking overnight trips.
- If venturing outside of your community, check with the local chamber of commerce about travel restrictions.
- Respect any closures that remain in place.

Prepare for your trip.
- Print or download a map of where you plan to go, as cell service may be unreliable.
- Pack essentials to survive an unexpected night outdoors (find the list at ReadySetGorge.com).
- Grab cash to pay recreation fees.
- Plan to arrive early (before 10 a.m.) to avoid crowds.
- Check the latest road and weather conditions before heading out.
- Tell someone where you’re going and when you plan to be back.
- While COVID-19 poses a risk to you and others:
- When traveling in cars and boats, travel with members of your own household only.
- Avoid gathering in groups greater than 10 or lingering in parking areas longer than needed.
- Be self-sufficient with all your supplies in case the communities you are visiting have shortages of supplies.
- Be prepared for many facilities such as bathrooms, playgrounds and picnic shelters to be closed.
- State health authorities recommend bringing soap, water, hand sanitizer, and toilet paper, as well as a mask or facial covering to shield your noses/mouth.
- If you are headed out on trails, bring outdoor essentials such as food, water bottles, illumination, a map, compass, sturdy shoes, and warm clothing layers to minimize the need for a rescue, as this can burden first responders and increase the chance of exposure to the virus for yourself and others.
If bringing your dog:
- Pack a leash and poop bags.

Connect with Gorge communities.
First check with the local chamber of commerce about travel restrictions.
- Support local communities by eating, drinking, shopping and staying local.
- Research volunteer opportunities such as trail work parties, and sign up in advance.
- Consider how and where you share information on social media and the actions your images may encourage others to do.
- Explore cultural and tribal centers to learn more about history and people’s relationship to place.
Once you return home:
- Consider volunteering with or making a donation to an organization that helped make your visit special (see the list below).
Some nonprofits in the Columbia River Gorge working to maintain parks and trails include:
- Cape Horn Conservancy
- Columbia Riverkeeper
- Columbia Gorge Windsurfing Association
- Crag Rats
- Friends of the Columbia Gorge
- Hood River Area Trail Stewards
- Klickitat Trail Conservancy
- Mount Hood National Forest – Route 44 Trail Crew
- Mazamas
- Pacific Crest Trail Association
- Portland Mountain Rescue
- Trailkeepers of Oregon
- Washington Trails Association