Our Mission: Friends of the Columbia Gorge shall vigorously protect the scenic, natural, cultural, and recreational resources of the Columbia River Gorge. We fulfill this mission by ensuring strict implementation of the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area Act and other laws protecting the region of the Columbia River Gorge; promoting responsible stewardship of Gorge land, air, and waters; encouraging public ownership of sensitive areas; educating the public about the unique natural values of the Columbia River Gorge and the importance of preserving those values; and working with groups and individuals to accomplish mutual preservation goals.

Friends of the Columbia Gorge was founded in 1980 to push for federal protection of the Columbia River Gorge. In 1986, Friends helped secure the passage of the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area Act to create comprehensive and consistent Gorge protection across six counties and two states.

Since passage of the National Scenic Area Act, Friends has helped worked to ensure the bringing of more than 38,000 acres of private land into public ownership; commented on approximately 250 development applications in the Gorge per year; and educated the public about the Gorge with more than 100 free hikes annually. In 2005, Friends created Friends of the Columbia Gorge Land Trust, a 509(a)(3) supporting organization to acquire critical lands in the Columbia Gorge. Since then, the land trust has acquired through purchase and donation more than 850 acres of land.

Today, Friends of the Columbia Gorge is the only non-profit organization dedicated entirely to protecting the Columbia River Gorge. With a staff of 12, offices in Portland and Hood River, and nearly 5,000 members, Friends of the Columbia Gorge is uniquely suited to ensuring that the wild and beautiful Columbia Gorge remains a place apart, an unspoiled treasure for generations to come.