What happened?

On September 2, 2017, a 15-year-old boy threw fireworks into Eagle Creek Canyon near the town of Cascade Locks, igniting a spectacular fire that would eventually burn nearly 48,000 acres in the heart of the Columbia Gorge and provide subject matter for dozens of posts in /r/Portland. The teenager would ultimately apologize, plead guilty to 12 misdemeanors and receive 1,920 hours of community service and five years of probation.

Sadly, the Eagle Creek Fire burned through an area which encompasses many of the most popular hiking trails in the Columbia Gorge, and as a result many of the hiking trails in the burn area between Troutdale and Hood River remain closed.

So then where can I go hiking?

Friends of the Columbia Gorge has an excellent page listing current trail alerts as well as a page with an extensive list of other hiking opportunites outside the affected area. The USDA Forest Service also has its own list of unaffected nearby hikes.

OregonHikers.org has a great Find a Hike in Oregon/Washington page. Hikes affected by the fire should be well-marked on their site, but to be safe you can cross-reference your plans with the Forest Service's official list of Eagle Creek Fire Closures.

Also, if you're tempted to go and explore the fire-affected areas despite the closures, be aware that it is illegal and authorities are handing out $280 fines for trespassing in off-limits areas.

Edit 5/18/18: Gorge trails reopen as summer approaches; many still closed after wildfire

Edit 9/2/18: What popular destinations are open in the Columbia River Gorge 1 year after the Eagle Creek fire?

Which Columbia River Gorge trails are open?

Edit 10/3/18: 6-mile stretch of trail in Gorge reopens

Edit 11/23/18: Angels Rest, Wahkeena, and Larch Mountain Trail are now open

What about Multnomah Falls?

Multnomah Falls, the most visited natural recreation site in the Pacific Northwest with more than 2 million visitors each year, was directly in the path of the fire. The Multnomah Falls Lodge and the lower viewing platform are now open, but the Benson Bridge and upper trails are not accessible.

Edit 6/28/18: The Benson Bridge is now open!

Can I still drive through the Gorge?

I-84 is completely open through the Gorge, as is SR 14 on the Washington side, but the Historic Columbia River Highway and State Trail is closed from Bridal Veil to Hood River.

Edit 11/23/18: The full length of the Historic Columbia River Highway impacted by Eagle Creek Fire is now open.

How can I help?

For more information about the Eagle Creek Fire, including ongoing long-term recovery/restoration work, volunteer opportunities, and much more, check out the Forest Service's Eagle Creek Fire Response page.