HRATS: May 8th Hood River County Trail Update

By White Lotus Media on May 8, 2020 • ( 0 )

HRATS Supporters – Even though Washington and Oregon have started to open up some state parks, State Parks in the Gorge remain closed on both the Washington and Oregon Side. HRATS has been working with Hood River County, and it is likely that County land, including Post Canyon, will open up to the general public when State Parks in the area open. For now, please respect the closures and local only access.

Thank you for your understanding, and we look forward to seeing you on the trails as soon as the trails open to the public at large.

Hood River County has a current Order to allow Residents of Hood River County Recreational access to Hood River County Land. However, they have restricted parking at all Hood River County forest trailheads, recreational staging areas, and roads accessing those areas. Violations of the Residency and Parking restrictions are a Class C misdemeanor pursuant to ORS 401.990 and a civil infraction enforceable under the County’s Enforcement Code (Chapter 1.08).

HRATS has worked tirelessly with County Officials and local law enforcement to allow this limited opening to occur. We will continue to work with county officials, law enforcement, and private landowners to enable further land use. The progress we have made is because the mountain bike community has demonstrated compliance with current restrictions. Continuing to adhere to all restrictions will allow us to gain further trust with County Officials and land managers and will make opening land to the greater public possible when it is deemed safe.

• If you are not a Hood River County Resident – DO NOT travel to Hood River to recreate.
• If you are a Hood River County Resident – DO NOT drive to recreate (within Hood River County or Outside of Hood River County)
• DO NOT poach closed areas

📌 The following areas within the Gorge remain closed to ALL users:

• Family Man Staging area
• Seven Streams Staging area is closed (State Parks)
• Binns Hill Staging Area
• Twin Tunnels Old Highway (State Parks)
• Columbia Gorge National Forest Land – Including Syncline
• Mt Hood National Forest Land – Including 44 Trails

Demonstrating compliance with the current Hood River County Order is the first big step in gaining further trail access. As soon as it is safe to do so, Hood River County will welcome all trail users, from near and far, back to Hood River with open arms. Until then, please stay safe and recreate in your neighborhoods.

Thank you for the compliance and support,

HRATS