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One of the best little hikes in the Columbia River Gorge remains closed as the recently charred landscape begins to recover.
The Lyle Cherry Orchard, a nature preserve known for its expansive views and spring wildflowers, will be closed indefinitely in the wake of the Lyle Hill fire, which burned along the Washington side of the Columbia River in June.
Friends of the Columbia Gorge, which manages the 540-acre preserve, said they decided to close the area after touring the burn area.
“Our land trust staff was recently able to get out to the preserve for a first look at the damage. Walking the trails, they saw that sections will need repair and that the oak woodlands must be assessed for damaged trees that could pose a danger,” the organization said in a July 16 announcement. “This was only an initial visit, and a comprehensive survey of the burned area is still to come.”
The Lyle Hill fire prompted evacuations from the nearby town of Lyle as it burned through 226 acres. Those evacuation orders were lifted as fire crews quickly contained the wildfire. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
Friends of the Columbia Gorge warned that the closure at the Lyle Cherry Orchard preserve may last through the summer hiking season. In the meantime, the organization is asking people to stay away from the trails.
“Repairing the trails and giving the land time to heal will take months of work and stewardship before it’s safe to visit again,” the organization said. “We know this is disappointing, but the closure protects the Lyle community, visitors, and the recovering landscape. Staying away from the preserve also keeps the limited emergency resources available where they’re needed most.”
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