From the scars left by the Eagle Creek fire, new life is already emerging. This recovery process and the steps land managers are taking to reopen trails will be the topic of an upcoming series of free presentations in the west Gorge, delivered by Oregon State Parks staff.
Titled “Looking Beyond the Ashes,” the presentations will include photos and details of the state parks and trailheads affected by the fire. Attendees will learn about the stages of post-forest recovery and how to volunteer to rebuild trails and restore the forest.
Presentations are scheduled as follows:
Saturday Feb. 3: 6:30-8:30 p.m., Thunder Island Brewing Company in Cascade Locks
Thursday, Feb. 15: 6:30 — 8 p.m., Blackberry Hall at McMenamins Edgefield in Troutdale
Additional presentations will be scheduled in the Gorge for March and beyond. Check the Oregon State Parks Facebook page or the events calendar at oregonstateparks.org for updates.
The Eagle Creek Fire started Sept. 2 and spread quickly, burning a mosaic pattern on nearly 49,000 acres, mostly in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area that is managed by the U.S. Forest Service. The burned area included 140 miles of state and federal trails from Bridal Veil Falls to Starvation Creek. Recovery involves cooperation among Oregon State Parks, the Forest Service, the Oregon Department of Transportation, affected communities and stakeholders.