Friends of the Columbia Gorge Land Trust

Acquiring and preserving lands for wildlife and people

Friends of the Columbia Gorge Land Trust
Hike leader and shepherd training by a kolk pond at Friends' Dancing Rock land trust preserve. (photographer: Kate Lindberg)

For millennia, communities living around the Columbia Gorge have served as active stewards of its unique landscape. Based out of Hood River, Oregon, Friends of the Columbia Gorge Land Trust works to preserve scenic Gorge landscapes, safeguard sensitive habitats, steward vital Gorge lands, provide public hiking trails, and strengthen Gorge community connections through the creation of a new 200-mile loop trail network that enhances Gorge recreation and local economic opportunities.

We have helped permanently protect more than 1,600 acres of land in the Gorge. We’ve helped steward Gorge lands and have organized hundreds of work parties across the Gorge to remove invasive species and replant native vegetation in concert with state and federal land managers. And we’ve helped bring together over 100 community partners to collectively promote sustainable Gorge recreation opportunities through our efforts in support of the Gorge Towns to Trails initiative.

Featured Land Trust Preserves


Lyle Cherry Orchard

Lyle Cherry Orchard

Stunning eastern Gorge views, native wildflowers, an oak savanna, and a 5.5-mile hiking trail.

Mosier Plateau

Mosier Plateau

Cliff-top views, spectacular wildflower blooms, and a 3.5-mile hiking trail.

Turtle Haven

Turtle Haven

Abundant with habitat for the western pond turtle, endangered in Washington state.

Land Trust Resources


About the Land Trust

About the Land Trust

Learn about how our land trust works to protect land for future generations.

Volunteer Stewardship

Volunteer Stewardship

Give back to the Gorge by helping control non-native plants.

Gorge Towns to Trails

Gorge Towns to Trails

A vision for a 200-mile trail system wrapping around the Columbia Gorge, connecting small towns, farms, wineries, and wild areas.

Preserve the Wonder Campaign

Preserve the Wonder Campaign

Thanks to a generous public, 470 acres of Gorge lands are now protected.

Gorge Accessibility Project

Gorge Accessibility Project

New land acquisitions bring broader perspectives.