The Campaign for Cape Horn

With formation of the Land Trust and the generous Yeon bequest, Friends launched the Campaign for Cape Horn to complete the vision of our founder Nancy Russell.

The Campaign for Cape Horn is about a view, a vision, and a visionary. Our $4-million fundraising campaign will support purchase of two final private properties atop Cape Horn inside the National Scenic Area. When added to expansive public lands at Cape Horn, the purchase of these parcels will provide public access to one of the most breathtaking vistas of the Columbia Gorge.

The purchases will make possible the development of a large public park, a viewing area comparable to Crown Point on the Oregon side with a dedication to Nancy and Bruce Russell, and the completion of an eight-mile loop trail.

Leadership gifts of $100,000 and greater are being developed, but we also want all of our members and the general public to be able to participate in this historic effort. Gifts large and small are welcomed.  Please contact Development Director Jane Harris or call 503-241-3762 x 102 to make a gift to the Campaign for Cape Horn.

Click here for a brochure on the campaign

Background on Cape Horn

Efforts to protect Cape Horn and open it to the public began more than two decades ago when Friends of the Columbia Gorge founder Nancy Russell and her husband Bruce provided a no-interest loan to the Trust for Public land to purchase most of the lots in the 16-lot "Rim View" subdivision on Cape Horn. Two other lots had already been purchased, but the Russells' purchase effectively stopped nearly all development on the bluff.

Since that time, the U.S. Forest Service has purchased over 50 additional properties at Cape Horn, but two privately-owned home sites (Cleveland and Collins) prevented creation of the trail and public park the Russells had envisioned. 

In 2006, the Friends of the Columbia Gorge Land Trust was able to purchase the Cleveland property as well as an option to purchase the Collins property.

So our work is just beginning. Funds must be raised for the Cleveland purchase and to exercise the option on the Collins property, and also to create modestly designed overlook to honor Nancy and Bruce Russell.

See photos of the Cape Horn area