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The chum salmon may historically have been the most abundant salmon species in the Columbia. Annual runs in the early 1900s were over a million fish. By the 1950s the number of chum spawning each fall was between 300 and 5,700. The National Marine Fisheries Service listed the chum salmon as threatened under the Endangered Species Act in 1999. Ives Island near the Pierce National Wildlife Refuge is the most significant Columbia River mainstem spawning area for chum salmon and, along with nearby Hardy and Hamilton Creeks, comprises one of the two remaining population centers for the species.

"East of Washougal, WA and partly within the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) is 1,049 acres of wetlands, pastures, and woodlands along the Columbia River. When the second powerhouse at Bonneville Dam was constructed in the late 70s and early 80s, lowland habitat was lost both up and downstream. In 1987, a portion of these Refuge lands were established to reduce the impact of this loss and create more habitat for migrating and resident wildlife. Since then smaller pieces of land have been added to create what is now the Steigerwald Lake

"Franz Lake National Wildlife Refuge contains more than 500 acres of river bottomland and upland riparian habitat with numerous springs, seeps and creeks, grasslands, hardwood and upland forests. Franz Lake is one of the few remaining natural wetlands in the Columbia River Gorge. The refuge provides critical wintering habitat for tundra swans and other waterfowl and year-round habitat for a variety of wildlife species." -- Courtesy U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service The refuge, one of five units in the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge Complex, lies along the banks of the Columbia River about 15

"Pierce National Wildlife Refuge consists of 336 acres of river bottomland habitat with riparian areas, wetlands, grasslands and hardwoods. The refuge provides habitat for Canada geese, a variety of other waterfowl and numerous other wildlife species. Hardy Creek supports one of the last remaining chum salmon runs in the lower Columbia River drainage.” -- Courtesy U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service The refuge, one of five units in the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge Complex, lies on the banks of the Columbia River just east of Beacon Rock State Park in Washington. It is closed to the public

Oneonta Gorge hike has been closed to visitors since the 2017 Eagle Creek Fire. A narrow slot in the basalt carved by Oneonta Creek leads to the 70-foot-high Oneonta Falls. Abundant plants and wildflowers that thrive in the cool, moist microclimate have led the Forest Service to designate Oneonta Gorge a 'special botanical area.'

"Located at the western gateway of the Columbia River Gorge, Lewis & Clark State Park appropriately honors its legendary namesakes who camped and explored here in November, 1805. The park is situated near the mouth of the Sandy River where it spills into the mighty Columbia River and at one of the entrances to the Historic Columbia River Highway. A flat, grassy, tree-dotted park invites blankets and sun-lovers to come spend a leisurely day. One of the most popular swimming spots on the Sandy River is adjacent to the park, as well as a public boat launch. A trail climbs the cliffs to Broughton

"Simon Benson was a lumber magnate, philanthropist, and one of the principal promoters of the Historic Columbia River Gorge Highway. Located one mile west of Multnomah Falls on I-84 at milepost 30 (eastbound access only), picnickers love this park; there's even a disc golf course and a reservable shelter for groups. Try your luck catching some of the thousands of rainbow trout stocked each month into the lake between March and October. This is a non-motorboat lake, so it's perfect for rowboats and swimmers." -- Courtesy Oregon Parks and Recreation Department

Many areas in the John B. Yeon Scenic Corridor remain CLOSED due to the 2017 Eagle Creek Fire. Please refer to the Oregon State Parks website for details. "John B. Yeon Scenic Corridor honors a man who gave generously of his time and professional skills. He was one of the principal architects of the Historic Columbia River Highway (US 30); a major portion of the scenic highway joins I-84 westbound at Yeon State Park. Here is a hiker's paradise with a gentle rising trail that permits access to two of the most beautiful and secluded waterfalls in the Columbia River Gorge: (lower) Elowah Falls

“Three miles of sandy beaches bring out the crowds at Rooster Rock State Park. One of the largest swimming areas near Portland serves visitors who want a natural experience. It's even more natural the further east you go at Rooster Rock (where you’ll find one of Oregon’s two designated nude beaches). By design, the nude beach area is completely separate and not visible from the clothing-required area of the large park. The two areas coexist in harmony. Covered picnic shelters and tables serve families and groups of all sizes. Rooster Rock's boat ramp is located in the scenic lagoon at the base

Jutting out 733 feet above the Columbia River on the Oregon side, Crown Point arguably offers the most spectacular view in the Gorge. It is fitting that the Columbia River Highway, a thoroughfare as important for its access to scenic wonders as for its transportation pragmatism, was dedicated here in 1916. Samuel C. Lancaster, the Multnomah County highway engineer who oversaw the highway’s construction, first proposed a building here as both a rest stop for travelers and a monument 'to the trials and hardships of those who had come into the Oregon country.' Vista House was built in 1916-17 at