The Columbia Gorge is alive and ever changing
Feb 20 2024 Eagle Creek Barrier
The ramp bike lane approaching the Staircase from the East has obstructive landslide. This is a barrier between Cascade Locks to Bonneville or Yeon on the HCRH trail.
South side of exit ramp #41 on I84
Sand, rock and timber completely blocking the trail east of the Eagle Creek Staircase.Open as of Feb 10 2024
Late January 2024 Eagle Creek Eastward closure due to ice
Above: East of Eagle Creek: Most cycling trails snowed over
When water is pouring through the layers of earth, creating icicles portends future new landslides!
Cycling is dangerous activity for many reasons.
Understanding the cycling risks can still result that "life on a bike is better."
Understanding that you are a vulnerable road or trail user is often the first step. Being aware of others who have more power and are shielded in vehicles and especially who may be distracted and inattentive to your existence on the road or trail can be life saving.
Keeping Courtesy in mind when approaching others will ease trail conflicts.
Beyond human obstacles, the Gorge brings you face to face with the living earth and its constant refreshing crust!
These Trails are owned by OR Dept of Transportation and are Maintained by Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD). OPRD crews are very responsive to keeping the trails as passable as possible. If you see something of concern, tell a staff member. Thank them for their service. We have witnessed a positive responsiveness about keeping the three HCRH trails open and clear for several decades.
Road hazzards along Historic Columbia River Gorge Trail: Closures, maneuvers, & the ever present rubble
Any Season: Trail closure
Any Season: Mother Natures' pruning and tree felling
All Seasons: scrabble on road; When you see this rock face, expect some in your path.Cycling and Pavement Issues
Tree Roots causing pavement disruptions.
After a wind storm with rocks, limbs, downed trees. Debris can be slippery under your tires.
Not all tree root pavement elevations marked; This can cause your wheel to surprise you by a loss of control. The Trail surroundings will tell you what is to come. Look Up. Look Around.
This rock slide near Ruckel Creek was not present the day before. 
Eagle Creek Ramp slide, note round boulders from River's action.
East of Eagle Creek: slow slide to dramatic landslide. Advice
When traveling in the Gorge, have a full battery supplied phone. Understand that GPS/server access can be spotty and can be altered as signals bounce to towers or across the river. Prepare for silent dehydration by having water; the wind and high 80s can wick away your hydration quickly without you feeling thirsty. Have a light jacket in summer shoulder months. Cue up a map before you begin on your phone, so you can be precise to emergency services as to where you began your bikeride. Carry a snack; the hills may be small but there are many on some short rides and you can tire you despite the short distances.
Understand that the Gorge fire at Eagle Creek in 2017 was triggered by an adolescent male shooting off fireworks. Some 50,000 acres were consumed in some degree. Even though firecrackers are small the fire was fueled by the Gorge winds. This created a crown or canopy fire. The fire hopped (uplifted by winds) from tree tops to tree tops. These type of fires creates a patchwork of damaged trees. The fire drops down to burn below. You -even today- will see places where the fire was so intense in a circle of trees. The inwared facing tree bark is black cinder due to the dropping fire ball but the bark facing outward will be living grey color and without black cindered bark.