PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — The Historic Columbia River Highway has reopened for the first time since the Eagle Creek Fire erupted Sept. 2 — reopening many popular spots to the public.
ODOT confirmed Wednesday that the 6-mile section of the highway from Larch Mountain Road to Bridal Veil reopened 11 weeks after it was closed off to the public. People can now visit the Vista House, Latourell Falls and Bridal Veils, however, the highway is still closed east of Bridal Veils and Ainsworth with no timeline currently set for reopening.
“There’s more extensive fire damage in the stretch that will remain closed,” ODOT maintenance manager Kent Kalsch said. “This was minimally affected so easier to clean up.”
Although part of the highway has reopened, many trails and roads are still closed due to the danger of landslides and mudslides.
“They talked in the past on how the vegetation held everything together and that’s true, so even the tree removal will be pretty dangerous, so it’s gonna be like walking around on softballs on a slope,” Kalsch said.
According to officials, Multnomah Falls will hopefully be open by the end of the year.Status of popular Gorge spots
- Guy Talbot State Park is open
- Bridal Veil State Park and trail is open
- Ange’s Rest parking lot and trail are closed
- Shepperd’s Dell Falls trail is closed
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.
