The Washougal to Stevenson trail would begin and end in urban areas, encouraging visitors to spend their time and dollars in local communities.

The trail would also serve local residents with "back door" recreation. THis project is an outstanding opportunity to bridge the link between recreation and economic development and benefit Gorge residents and visitors for years to come.

The Washougal-to-Stevenson Trail project is a great example to how the National Scenic Area Act can live up to its potential: promoting the scenic and recreational resources and encouraging visitors to experience the urban areas as well as the scenic areas.

The trail could also provide backpacking opportunities for serious hikers, as well as wide, paved trails for families, bikers and wheelchair users.

Here are a few segments of the trail that already in use:

• 4.5 miles along a river dike east of Steamboat Landing in Washougal
• A small section that would overlap the Pacific Crest Trail and trails on the Hamilton Mountain in Beacon Rock State Park
• A two mile interpretive trail that begins at Skamania Lodge.

What You Can Do to Help.

Contact the US Forest Service's National Scenic Area office and ask them to:

• Purchase the lands necessary to complete the public land link between Washougal and Stevenson.

Dan Harkenrider
Area Manager
Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area
902 Wasco Ave., Ste. 200
Hood River, OR 97031
FAX: 541 386-1916

Contact the Columbia River Gorge Commission and ask them to:

• Add the Washougal-to-Stevenson Trail to the management plan's recreation plan.

Jill Arens
Columbia River Gorge Commission
P.O. Box 730,
White Salmon, Washington 98672
Phone: 509-493-3323
FAX: 509-493-2229