Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area - U.S. Forest Service

08/07/2026

We are very honored to be recognized and thankful for our partnership with The Next Door Inc.!

We're proud to recognize the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area - U.S. Forest Service as The Next Door's Community Partner of the Year!

For more than 30 years, the Forest Service has helped connect local youth to the outdoors, meaningful work experiences, and future career opportunities. Partnering with The Next Door since 2009, the 8-week Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) has provided countless youth with valuable job experience while contributing to projects that support the health and maintenance of the Gorge’s breathtaking landscapes. Through hands-on projects like invasive plant removal, trail restoration, seed collection, and more, participants gain conservation experience working alongside the Forest Service's recreation specialists, botanists, and other experts.

For many participants, SYEP is more than a summer job. It's a chance to explore places they may have never experienced, develop a sense of belonging, take pride in helping maintain the scenic area they call home, and help strengthen the broader Gorge community.

We're incredibly grateful to the U.S. Forest Service for investing in local youth and helping inspire the next generation of environmental stewards. Congratulations and thank you for your partnership! 🌲💚

To read more about our partnership, visit https://www.nextdoorinc.org/happenings/community-partner-award-2026

08/06/2026

Please be aware of dry weather conditions this weekend if you are out and about in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area.

Red Flag Warnings have been issued for Kittitas/Yakima Valleys, Lower Columbia Basin, Eastern Columbia River Gorge, and Warm Springs Reservation from 11AM Friday to 11PM Saturday. Breezy winds will overlap with very dry conditions in these areas.

08/02/2026

07/31/2026

07/31/2026

We so value this community partnership with The Next Door Inc.!

07/23/2026

Lightning activity has already produced more that 9,000 strikes across Oregon and western Washington, with more lightning expected today.

Forest Service firefighters are coordinating with interagency partners for rapid initial attack on any new starts.

Much of the region is under a Red Flag Warning for high winds and temperatures. Please follow all local fire restrictions to help prevent human-caused fires during these dry and windy conditions.

07/22/2026

Wildfire prevention starts with each of us. Clear brush around your home to create defensible space, follow local fire restrictions and never leave a campfire unattended. Your actions help protect our forests, firefighters and communities. Learn more at https://www.ready.gov/wildfires

07/21/2026

Scattered thunderstorms are possible across most of NW Oregon & SW Washington tomorrow through Thursday morning. The main impacts will be frequent lightning & brief heavy rain. Be weather aware when spending time outdoors, and take shelter indoors if a storm forms near you!

Edit: [7 PM Tue 7/21] The image below has been updated to correct erroneous dates. Thank you to those who pointed out our mistake!

07/20/2026

The Extreme Heat Watch in effect from Tuesday morning through Thursday evening. Dangerously hot conditions with temperatures 100 to 102 degrees, and 101 to 105 in the Columbia Basin possible. This will
pose a moderate to major risk of heat-related illness. The heat will begin on Tuesday, with widespread moderate and locally major HeatRisk.
Wednesday looks to be the hottest day, with Major HeatRisk across
the Columbia Basin, Yakima Valley and portions of the Gorge and Blue
Mountain Foothills, while Thursday will continue see widespread moderate HeatRisk but only major HeatRisk, mainly across the Columbia Basin. Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing when possible. To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency! Call 9 1 1.

07/15/2026

The Northwest Geographic Area is now at a Preparedness Level 3.

With several active wildfires on national forest lands, firefighting resources are positioned across the region to ensure a rapid, risk-informed suppression response.

Fire danger is high to very high. Southern, south-central, and eastern Oregon may see thunderstorms early this week that are capable of sparking new wildfires.

For more information, please see the latest News Release: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/newsroom/releases/firefighters-ready-respond-fire-potential-increases-pacific-northwest