PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — The U.S. Forest Service hopes to have the historic Multnomah Falls Lodge back open by the end of this year, however, a source told KOIN 6 News it could be much sooner than that.
The lodge has been closed since early September because of the Eagle Creek Fire. The blaze was rapidly approaching when crews were able to stop its advance toward the lodge. Fire crews worked around the clock to save it from the flames in the Columbia River Gorge. The surrounding area was severely damaged.
Rachel Pawlitz, a spokeswoman with the U.S. Forest Service, said most of the hazards are cleared and the lodge will open in phases. Loose trees and rocks still create a hazardous environment.
“We’re looking forward to getting people back in here,” Pawlitz said.
Rick Buck, the owner of the Multnomah Falls Company, is also looking toward that day. The company had to layoff the majority of their employees due to the closing. Now, with the opening looming, Buck has hope.
“It’s been a mix of being agonized all the time,” Buck said, “but in the same breath there’s all this optimism flowing through the same building. We know sometime between now and the end of the year that Multnomah Falls is going to reopen to its glory.”
While the official reopening date is unclear, officials said only a certain section of Multnomah Falls will be open to the public — not the entire trail.
The most recent update for the Eagle Creek Fire, made November 10, said the blaze remains 50% contained. Since October 13th, the fire has been considered 50% contained, with little to no growth expected. The blaze has torched nearly 49,000 acres.
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