With thunderstorms forecast, visitors cautioned about Columbia Gorge burn areas

Residents and visitors — especially hikers — to the Columbia Gorge National Scenic Area are advised to keep a close eye on the weather on Wednesday, June 20. Heavy rains, lightning and high winds are forecast by the National Weather Service. A significant storm could make trails and open areas burned by the Eagle Creek Fire vulnerable to landslides and tree fall.

Weather in the Gorge can change quickly, and visitors should leave any open area in the event of a significant thunderstorm. The National Weather Service recommends hikers move uphill and out of roadways if they see a sudden rise in rivers or streams, water that becomes suddenly muddy, or falling rock.

Trails near Bridal Veil and Latourell Falls are open in Multnomah County. For a complete list of open trails and parks go to https://www.fs.usda.gov/recmain/crgnsa/recreation. The latest news from the U.S. Forest Service on the area burned is available at bit.ly/eaglecreekfireresponse.

You can also get the latest weather alerts by downloading the free FEMA app on your mobile Apple, Android or Blackberry mobile device. The app will send you National Weather Service alerts for up to five locations, as well as well as safety reminders and other information. Alerts on the FEMA app are also available in Spanish.