Winter 2009 Newsletter

Friends of the Columbia Gorge

Protecting the Gorge Since 1980 Winter 2009 Newsletter

Inside: Boardman: Clean it up or shut it down Page 4

New Gorge Wilderness? Page 8

Spring Hiking Brochure Insert Friends of the Columbia Gorge

Bo a r d o f Di r e c t o r s Cynthia Winter* Ch a i r Angie Moore Vi c e Ch a i r Dick Springer Se c r e ta ry Karen Johnson Tr e a s u r e r Ken Denis At-La r g e Me m b e r Rick Ray* At-La r g e Me m b e r Chris Beck Broughton H. Bishop Bowen Blair, Jr. Ed Caswell Susan Crowley* Maria Hall Bob Hansen* Christine Knowles* Aubrey Russell Pat Wall Urge the New Secretary of Interior Mark Waller Charlie Webster to Stop the Proposed Gorge Casino

Fr i e n d s o f t h e Co l u m b i a Go r g e Photo: Friends of the Columbia Gorge Archives La n d T r u s t n January, former Senator Ken Salazar action to end Oregon’s ten-year saga by Bo a r d o f T r u s t e e s Aubrey Russell Ch a i r (D-Colorado) became the Obama rejecting the Gorge casino proposal now. Christine Knowles* Se c r e ta ry /Tr e a s u r e r administration’s Secretary of the Please contact Secretary Salazar. Urge Bob Hansen* Interior.I Secretary Salazar vowed to “make him to act immediately to protect the Dustin Klinger sure America’s treasured landscapes are Columbia River Gorge from the threat of Bowen Blair, Jr. (non-voting trustee) Jim Desmond (non-voting trustee) protected, preserved, and enhanced,” and to large-scale casino development. “move forward to protect lands and sites of St a f f national significance with a new vigor.” For more information, check Nathan Baker St a f f At t o r n e y As chief steward of our public lands, www.gorgefriends.org/land/Casino/ Kelley Beamer Co n s e r v a t i o n Or g a n i z e r Justin Carroll Ex e c u t i v e Ass i s ta n t Secretary Salazar inherits one of Oregon’s Peter Cornelison* Fi e l d Re p r e s e n tat i v e thorniest land use challenges—the proposal Address your comments to: Ryan Couch l e g a l i n t e r n to build Oregon’s first off-reservation casino Secretary Ken Salazar Kevin Gorman Ex e c u t i v e Di r e c t o r Jane Harris De v e l o p m e n t Di r e c t o r right in the heart of the Columbia River U.S. Department of the Interior Merrit Hoeh St e w a r d s h i p Co o r d i n a t o r Gorge National Scenic Area. 1849 C St. NW Michael Lang Co n s e r v a t i o n Di r e c t o r We are calling on the new pro- Washington DC 20240 Marilyn Lipko De v e l o p m e n t Ass i s ta n t environment administration to take early Fax: 202-208-6956 Kate McBride* La n d T r u s t Ma n a g e r Rick Till La n d Us e La w Cl e r k Renee Tkach* Ou t d o o r Pr o g r a ms Co o r d i n a t o r * Gorge residents Active citizen support makes the difference! Your actions for Gorge protection are crucial to our success. Contact your Senators and Representatives using Ad d i t i o n a l Su p p o r t Legal Counsel: Gary Kahn the information below, or check www.senate.gov or www.house.gov for other offices. Newsletter Design: Kathy Fors and Kathleen Krushas (To the Point Publications) Oregon Washington Editor: Betsy Toll Sen. Ron Wyden, (202) 224-5244 Sen. Patty Murray, (202) 224-2621 http://wyden.senate.gov/contact/ http://murray.senate.gov/email/index.cfm Po r t l a n d Of f i c e 522 SW Fifth Avenue, #720 Sen. Jeff Merkley, (202) 224-3753 Sen. Maria Cantwell, (202) 224-3441 Portland, Oregon 97204 [email protected] http://cantwell.senate.gov/contact/ (503) 241-3762 Rep. David Wu, (202) 225-0855 Rep. Brian Baird, (202) 225-3536

Go r g e Of f i c e Rep. Earl Blumenauer, (202) 225-4811 Rep. Doc Hastings, (202) 225-5816 205 Oak Street, #17 Rep. Greg Walden, (202) 225-6730 Rep. Norm Dicks, (202) 225-5916 Hood River, Oregon 97031 Rep. Peter DeFazio, (202) 225-6416 (541) 386-5268 Email your Congressional Representative by Rep. Kurt Schrader, (202) 225-5711 logging on to www.house.gov/writerep/ www.gorgefriends.org

Cover photo: Hikers at Lyle Cherry Orchard. 2 Photo: © John R. Howard / Skyline Communications Director’s Letter

presentation. In December, Terry traveled purchased the iconic rock in 1904 to to the Columbia Center for the Arts in prevent it from being quarried down to Hood River to speak to Gorge residents build a jetty at Astoria. Ladd later sold Kevin Gorman (l) about the exhibit. I had heard him speak Beacon Rock to Henry Biddle, reportedly with board member many times before but I never tired of for $1, and placed conservation Bob Hansen. his easygoing, improvisational style, so restrictions on it. Biddle built a trail to the Photo: Ken Denis I joined more than 160 people to be top and eventually donated the massive enraptured by his talk once again. landmark to Washington State Parks. he Portland Art Museum’s recent Following the presentation, when This sequence of events that led to exhibit, Wild Beauty, Photographs Terry sat down to sign copies of the Wild protection for Beacon Rock makes me of the Columbia Gorge 1867–1957, Beauty book, he collapsed suddenly and, to wonder: Was Sarah Ladd the driving force provedT to be a bittersweet tribute to the our great shock, died shortly thereafter. It behind the protection of Beacon Rock? Gorge and the individuals who captured was a jarring experience, yet on reflection Oregon Historical Society archivists its unique beauty through photos. it is comforting to know that he died can’t confirm that conjecture, but odds During the exhibition’s run, we said basking in the glory of his magnum opus, are good that Sarah Ladd and Lily White a sad goodbye to the irreplaceable and surrounded by people who were inspired did much more than just photograph the irrepressible curator Terry Toedtemeier, by his passionate contribution to the arts. wild beauty of the Columbia Gorge. They whose final show introduced us to In Wild Beauty, Terry introduced me likely took the first substantive steps in the work of two intrepid female and thousands of others to the work of protecting it. photographers who may have had a far Sarah Ladd and Lily White, two little- greater impact on Gorge protection known photographers who lived on a than historians, including Terry, have houseboat moored at Beacon Rock during recognized. their summer photography excursions. In both exhibit and book form, Wild As I toured the exhibit a final time, Kevin Gorman Beauty was Terry’s creation. He assembled a Sarah Ladd photo of Beacon Rock circa Executive Director hundreds of photos, including some from 1903–1905 stirred my memory. I recalled Friends’ archives, to create this masterful that Charles Ladd, Sarah Ladd’s husband,

Photo of Beacon Rock, then known as Castle Rock, by Sarah Ladd. At bottom left is the 80-foot houseboat “Raysark,” on which Ladd and White lived during photo excursions in the Gorge. Photo: Courtesy Oregon Historical Society BC006477

3 PGE’s Coal-fired Power Plant: Clean it up or shut it down

Michael Lang, Conservation Director, [email protected]

he scientists have spoken and the facts Steps should have been taken long ago install pollution controls. Since then, the are clear: PGE’s coal-fired power to reduce pollution from PGE Boardman. power plant has undergone modifications plant in Boardman, Oregon is the The aging facility was built during early that should have required installation of largestT single source of air pollution in the implementation of the Clean Air Act and pollution controls, but state regulators Columbia River Gorge. was erroneously exempted from having to failed to impose these requirements. As Pollution from the Boardman plant causes a result, PGE Boardman continues to up to 55% of the wintertime haze in the be the largest stationary source of sulfur

eastern Gorge and produces “acid deposition” dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) in with an acidity equivalent to that of vinegar Oregon. The power plant is also the second or lemon juice. The Gorge bears the brunt of largest industrial source of toxic mercury Boardman’s pollution, but the effects of the in Oregon. plant’s emissions are also noticeable in twelve federally designated Wilderness Areas and Public Speaks Up National Parks throughout the Northwest. Now the public is speaking out. If this weren’t enough, PGE Boardman Because of public pressure, enforcement emits five million tons of carbon dioxide per of air pollution laws is finally catching up year, making it the largest industrial source with this rogue power plant. In September of greenhouse gases in Oregon. Carbon 2008, Friends of the Columbia Gorge emissions from coal-fired power plants are a Activists urge changes at Boardman plant. and our allies, represented by the Pacific major cause of global warming. Photo: Kelley Beamer Environmental Advocacy Center, filed a

“Gorge residents understand how toxic these emissions are. We ask the DEQ to do its job and protect the public, not industry profits.” – Kathleen Fitzpatrick, Mosier, OR

A dense layer of smog chokes the Columbia Gorge near the Bridge of the Gods. 4 Photo: John Carr lawsuit to require installation of modern Change Should Be Immediate With global climate pollution control devices at the power Within two years, PGE should plant. The suit was filed after negotiations have all the information necessary to change“ threatening our very with PGE to clean up the plant or shut it make its decision about the future of down reached an impasse. the Boardman plant. The new DEQ survival, facilities such as In addition, the Oregon Department regulations should require PGE to decide Boardman should be de- of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is finally by 2011 whether to install the most beginning to implement amendments to the effective control equipment, including a activated forever. Do the Clean Air Act that were passed back in the selective catalytic reduction system and a 1990s. These amendments require states semi-dry scrubber, or cease operation of right thing now: clean this to adopt a “regional haze rule” that would the plant entirely. PGE has no excuse for achieve natural levels of visibility in Class further delays. facility up or shut it down.” I airsheds (Wilderness Areas and National The DEQ’s new rule should – John Rancher, Portland, OR

Parks). Older industrial sources of SO2 also require that mercury pollution and NOx, including PGE Boardman, must reductions occur on schedule, unlike the either be retrofitted with the “best available current proposal, which allows further Our family supports retrofitting technology,” commonly referred delays. The new rule must require PGE to as BART, or shut down. to reduce mercury pollution by 90% tough“ environmental laws It is possible that the DEQ’s proposed by the regulatory deadline in 2012. rule could eventually lead to improvements Allowing PGE to continue uncontrolled regarding the Boardman in Gorge air quality. However, the proposed emissions of mercury for an extra two coal-fired plant owned by rule has a relaxed timeline and lenient years would pose a significant threat to emission standards. Oregonians’ health and the environment. PGE. I write this as both a In public comments and direct To date, more than 1,000 communications with DEQ staff, Friends concerned citizens have commented concerned citizen and as a is recommending that Oregon adopt a on the proposed DEQ rule and called regional haze rule with an accelerated for clean up or closure of the plant. stockholder of PGE.” timeline and more stringent control Those comments have consistently and – Robert Hamm, West Linn, OR measures than currently proposed by the firmly called for DEQ to take strong, DEQ, or else require early shutdown of the responsible action without delay. power plant. The Boardman plant could be closed and the projected $470 million that would be spent on pollution controls could be reinvested in increased energy efficiency measures and green renewable energy production. Without a doubt, closure would be the best remedy in order to clean up air pollution in the Gorge and eliminate carbon emissions.

The coal-fired PGE plant at Boardman. Photo: Peter Cornelison 5 Land Trust

The Klickitat Trail, following the river upstream from the Vernier property trailhead. Photo: David Melody Land Trust Receives Klickitat River Property

Kate McBride, Land Trust Manager, [email protected]

ive years ago, the future of the discuss the possibility of purchasing land for to conservation went a step further with Klickitat Trail was in doubt. conservation purposes, just as Nancy had their decision to donate the 27-acre A beautiful property near the done throughout the Gorge. riverfront parcel to the Friends of the communityF of Pitt was ideally situated to The Verniers visited the Klickitat River Columbia Gorge Land Trust. The property be a mid-point trailhead, but the property site with Nancy and Kevin. The parcel, now serves as an unofficial trail access point, was up for sale. One house had already been blanketed in oak woodlands, stretches along eleven miles upstream from the trail’s built on the parcel barely twenty feet from the river and at higher elevations offers starting point at Lyle. the trail and zoning would allow a second views down the Klickitat River valley. After Washington State Parks is interested in house to be built as well. further conversation, David and Christine acquiring the property from the Land Trust, During that same time period, Friends decided to purchase the property. with an eye to creating an official trailhead members David and Christine Vernier Since acquiring the land, the Verniers and parking area. approached our founder Nancy Russell have removed the house and placed a Friends of the Columbia Gorge and and executive director Kevin Gorman to portable toilet at the site for public use. Friends of the Columbia Gorge Land Trust The Verniers also wish to thank David and Christine for their contributed funds generous donation and their efforts to to the Klickitat Trail preserve the Klickitat Trail for generations Conservancy so that to come. four additional latrines Friends executive director Kevin could be placed along Gorman will lead a hike from the Vernier the trail. property on Saturday, April 4 with Klickitat Last December, Trail Conservancy founder and Friends David and Christine’s board member Bob Hansen. See details in generous commitment the enclosed hiking brochure. The Vernier property extends from the bridge at bottom left (below the river) to the widest point of the river as it curves north in this photo. Photo: Donna Enz Outreach and Activities Photo: Renee Tkach A New Spring Hikes iking season will be here before Face at we know it, but not a minute too Hsoon for hikers eager to get out on Friends Gorge trails. Our spring schedule features more than fifty outings that range from easy strolls and educational tours to moderate his January, Merrit Hoeh joined hikes and challenging scrambles. Friends as our new Stewardship Coordinator. Registration for all hikes is easy. Go to T www.gorgefriends.org/hikes/ or by calling Merrit comes to us after a year with 503-241-3762 x103. Details are in the hiking AmeriCorps at The Nature Conservancy, brochure enclosed in this newsletter. surveying and controlling invasive plant See you out in the Gorge! species in the Sandy River basin. Her enthusiasm and knowledge are sure to make our upcoming stewardship events informative, productive, and fun.

Look for Land Trust stewardship projects in the enclosed spring hiking brochure, or check www.gorgefriends.org, and join Merrit on a work day this spring.

Good River and the Thirsty Woman Peter Cornelison, Field Representative, [email protected] Renee Tkach, Outdoor Programs Coordinator, [email protected]

fter years of running successful wildflower buffs, birders, and cyclists in to restaurants in Maryland, in enjoy the food and small town ambience at 2006 chef Barry Good River. RumseyA and his wife and In 2008, Barry and partner Deborah Mazzoleni Deborah opened the were ready for a change. Thirsty Woman Pub Research online pointed next door to the café. them solidly to Portland, Deborah says she and Oregon. But friends who Barry “practice the knew their community four Rs: reduce, reuse, spirits, love of the outdoors, and recycle, and re-love.” Their bar top was sustainability ethics encouraged them originally part of a Hood River bowling to consider the Columbia Gorge. Back alley and the bar and mirror came from the Good River Restaurant in Mosier. online, they learned that the Wildflower old Elk Horn bar in White Salmon. Photo: Peter Cornelison Café in Mosier was for sale. They Barry and Deborah’s businesses make immediately made an offer and by them the second largest employer in quality of life in Gorge communities be summer, the Gorge was their new home. Mosier, after the school. They are active in protected from inappropriate development. They re-opened the café that fall the Main Street Mosier planning project, For hours and menus, check as the Good River Restaurant and, in the Community School, and local planning. www.goodriverrestaurant.com and addition to their steady local customers, They oppose plans for a Gorge casino and www.thirstywoman.com. And when you each season brings new hikers, have submitted comments urging that the stop by, tell them Friends sent you! 7 Photo: ©Greg Lief, www.LiefPhotos.com Legal and Conservation New Gorge Wilderness Likely in 2009

Kelley Beamer, Conservation Organizer, [email protected]

he 111th Congressional session For the past five years, Friends of passed in the House but was held up by began with the Senate’s approval the Columbia Gorge has worked with opposition from Senator Tom Coburn of a wilderness bill that will a coalition of Oregon environmental (R-Okla.), who threatened to filibuster permanentlyT protect some of Oregon’s organizations and elected leaders to any wilderness bill as part of a larger most treasured landscapes, including secure wilderness designation for pristine spending freeze. The 111th Senate was 25,950 acres in the Columbia River landscapes in the Columbia River able to override this hold with a two- Gorge National Scenic Area. Gorge, including the ancient forests of thirds majority vote known as “cloture” The Gorge wilderness designation Larch Mountain and the headwaters and secure stringent protection for many is part of a larger national lands bill, of Multnomah Falls. The area around of our nation’s unique natural areas. the Omnibus Public Land Management Larch Mountain contains the largest New wilderness designations in Act of 2009, which consists of 164 concentration of old growth trees in the the Columbia River Gorge and around separate bills. The U.S. Senate passed the Columbia River Gorge, with towering Mount Hood will safeguard some of Omnibus Act by a 73-21 vote. firs, cedars, and hemlocks exceeding 500 the region’s last old-growth forests The package represents the most years in age. These ancient forests provide and pristine watersheds from logging significant wilderness and public lands unique opportunities for non-mechanized and development, ensuring that future action in a decade, designating more recreation and solitude in Multnomah generations will have a chance to enjoy than two million acres of wilderness in County, as well as critical habitat and wildlands just as they were when Lewis nine states, creating three national parks, watershed values. and Clark arrived in Oregon. The 1964 and protecting more than 1,000 river Since 2006 there have been several Wilderness Act mandates that these miles as wild and scenic. The bill also versions of a Mt. Hood/Columbia Gorge special areas are managed “for the use authorized $12 million to recognize an Wilderness bill introduced by Congress, and enjoyment of the American people Ice Age Floods National Geological Trail yet the bill did not receive full Senate in such manner as will leave them spanning five states, including Oregon approval until last month. In previous unimpaired for future use and enjoyment and Washington. years, an earlier version of the bill as wilderness.”

8 Photo: ©Greg Lief, www.LiefPhotos.com

Old growth on Larch Mountain would be protected in the proposed wilderness area. Photo: Mick McDonnal

Gorge Management Plan Provisions Held Unlawful

Nathan Baker, Staff Attorney, [email protected]

n a noteworthy legal victory for a coalition of parties led by Friends of the Columbia Gorge, the Federal District Court of Oregon held in November 2008 that two provisionsI of the Revised Management Plan for the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area violate the National Scenic Area Act. The first provision unlawfully allowed new dwellings to be built on Special Management Area parcels smaller than 40 acres in the Rowena Dell area of Wasco County. The second provision unlawfully allowed the expansion of existing multi-family residential and commercial uses in the Special Management Areas. The U.S. Forest Service is now required to remove the unlawful provisions from the Plan. The federal court also denied several of Friends’ other claims involving cumulative adverse effects to resources, water resource buffers, geological resources, forest practices, grazing, and other issues. Friends is currently evaluating its legal options regarding these claims, including an appeal to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. The federal court case involved the Gorge’s Special Management Areas. A similar challenge involving General Management Area issues is currently pending in the Oregon Supreme Court.

(continued) Gorge Wilderness In February the bill moves to the House, where it has majority support. If the bill is passed, it will create the first designated wilderness areas in Oregon in decades. The Mt. Hood/Columbia Gorge Wilderness package is likely to be one of the first pieces of legislation President Barack Obama signs into law, and will be a significant addition to the protection of the irreplaceable natural resources of the Columbia River Gorge. 9 Development How Do I Love Annual Meeting March 22

Thee? Let Me Jane Harris, Development Director, [email protected]

Count the Ways. riends’ Annual Meeting is set for professor whose diligent efforts proved that Sunday, March 22, 2009 from 11:30 the dramatic landscapes between Idaho and ur members do love the Gorge, a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Skamania Lodge. the Cascade Mountains were carved in a so we’re offering a list of the FOur speaker will be author John Soennich- geologic instant by a massive flood event. Odifferent ways that donors can support ongoing Gorge protections: sen, whose most recent book, Bretz’s Flood Watch for Annual Meeting invitations (Sasquatch Books, 2008), tells the story of the in the mail in March and plan to enjoy a • Gifts to Friends’ Nancy Russell maverick geologist who developed a radical fascinating afternoon in the Gorge with John Endowment will protect the Gorge theory in the 1920s to explain how the wildly Soennichsen and Friends. in perpetuity. The $1.1 million fund rugged regions of eastern Washington and the provides income to support general operations and is actively managed by Columbia River Gorge were formed. our finance committee and Ferguson Soennichsen relates the compelling story Wellman Capital Management. of J. Harlan Bretz, the cantankerous college • The Vic Clausen Youth Fund in our Annual Meeting speaker John Soennichsen, endowment program was established author of Bretz’s Floods. by one of our members to honor her Photo: Courtesy of Sasquatch Books husband and support their shared visionof providing outdoor education programs for school-aged children in the Gorge. In Memory of Nancy Russell • Gifts of appreciated stock and personal October 31, 2008 through January 21, 2009 property including land, homes, and Sally Anderson artwork can be accounted for at tax Florence and Gerald Hulsman Marti and John Anderson Betsy Johnson time at their current market value. Dan Anderson Peter Kendall • Because the 2008 IRA Charitable Sarah Anderson Leslie Labbe Rollover legislation has been extended Walter Bailey Foundation Michael Lang and Missy Ryan Lester and Heather Baskin through December 2009, qualifying Steve Levy and Sue Van Loon Charles and Meg Bishop Kathleen Lewis individuals aged 70½ and older can still Susan Bishop and Hal Lee Nadja Lilly donate up to $100,000 to Friends from Donna Black Marcia Longley their IRAs without tax penalty. H. Jean Breck Bill McCracken William and Mary Ellen Buck For more information on how you can Anne and David Munro Chris Carvalho Robert and Libby Noyes show your love for the Gorge, please call Jan and June Collins Jim Oldfield Jane Harris at 503-241-3762 x102. Peter and Kathleen Dalke Lisa Orley Cathie and Bill Daniels Ron and Pat Peterson Duffy Kekel LLP Portland Garden Club Hort Group VII Kathy and Eric Eastman Marilyn and Richard Portwood John and Patricia Edmundson Wallace and Elizabeth Preble Barnes and Beatrice Ellis William Robinson John Ettelson Linda Robinson Jon Foil Michael Rummerfield Mary Gernegliaro Laurence and Pat Serrurier Thomas and Linda Goldsmith Holly Silver Leotta Gordon Foundation Sha and Patricia Spady Ron and Lynn Gotcher Anne Taggard Bobsy and Leo Graham Melvin Taylor Susan and Jeff Grayson Janet Wainwright Maria Hall and Walter McMonies The Robert C. & Nani S. Warren Foundation Paul and Jean Hammond Frederick and Maureen Wearn Bleeding hearts at Raymond Hayden Ruth Wienker Latourell Falls. John and Beverly Helmer Reed and Christina Wilson 10 Photo: Keith Karoly Katherine Hill Gorge view from Portland Women’s Forum. Photo: Cynthia Winter Hikers on the new trail at the Lyle Cherry Orchard. Photo: Aubrey Russell Special Gifts October 22, 2008 – January 21, 2009

In memory of Andy Basque Veronica Basque In memory of Ruth Breazeal Jessie C. Somers In memory of Ray V. Grewe, MD Kathy Grewe and Bob Florek In memory of Frank Hatcher Rebecca Hatcher In memory of Elva D. Michael Robert E. Larson In memory of Marion Otto A. Meredith Millman In memory of Nancy Rosenfeld Leslie Labbe In memory of Naomi Stokes Melinda Richards In memory of Tom W. Stoltz Ms. Dorald Stoltz In memory of Paige Sutton Catherine Bordner In memory of Theo, the brown dog Sara Lynch In memory of Nat Yasbeck Patricia Morgan and Adrian Burnett In honor of Betty Bonham Carol and Jon Lesch

Featured Hike above Lyle: In honor of the Borden Beck Family Jon Beck New Cherry Orchard Trail In honor of Katharine Diack Frances and Douglas Stearns Moderate/Strenuous; 6 miles, 1400-ft. elev. gain In honor of Amy and Brennan Drach Bob Drach

f you’re looking to escape from dark and You can join us this spring for two In honor of Joe Van Leuven Sally Bernard rainy late-winter days, head to the east opportunities to hike the Cherry Orchard Iend of the Gorge, where you’re likely to Trail on March 14 and May 17. Details In honor of Don and Jessie Wilson find sunshine when you hike the Lyle Cherry about these hikes are in the enclosed hike Mary Wilson Orchard Trail. brochure and on our website at A newly re-routed trail takes you up a www.gorgefriends.org. steep incline to beautiful plateaus, where you can stop to catch your breath, taking Directions: From Portland take I-84 to Exit in panoramic views east and west as you 64/Hood River, cross Hood River Bridge explore evidence of the Ice Age Floods. to WA SR-14. Turn right to head east on Then continue up the ridge, heading SR-14 for 12 miles. Pass thru Lyle, continue east across the hillside to the old cherry through two tunnels, and look for large orchard. Return via the same route. pullout on left side, just past second tunnel.

11 Photo: Adam Schneider, adamschneider.net Know Your Gorge Little-Known Falls in the Gorge Justin Carroll, Administrative Assistant [email protected]

he Columbia Gorge boasts dozens of waterfalls, some better known than others. February and March are the perfect time Tto go hunting for these hidden gems. • Fairy Falls is nestled above well-known Wahkeena Falls, near the Historic Columbia River Highway. Take the one-mile climb to the

top of Wahkeena, then continue up a few switchbacks to find this enchanting falls. • Hole in the Wall Falls, also known as Warren Falls, is a beautiful 100-ft. cascade that plunges into a charming canyon, an easy one- mile hike from the Starvation Creek State Park exit off I-84 East. • Dog Creek Falls sparkles down the rocks near WA SR-14. It is easy to reach but not well known. From a pullout just east of Dog Mountain, a short trail leads to this lovely 30-foot falls, and a more strenuous climb takes you to several smaller hidden falls upstream. Hikes in our spring program include outings to Hole in the Wall and Wahkeena Falls. See the enclosed hiking brochure or visit www.gorgefriends.org for details.

Non Profit U.S. Postage PAID Ridgefield, WA Permit No. 94 Friends of the Columbia Gorge P.O. Box 40820 Portland, Oregon 97240-0820