The Eagle Creek fire has been declared 100 percent contained, authorities announced Thursday.

That doesn't mean the wildfire is out, as it's possible there are hot spots smoldering in rugged, remote terrain, said Rachel Pawlitz, spokeswoman for the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. But authorities are comfortable that the fire isn't active and won't grow, she said.

The 48,831-acre fire, which started in September in the Columbia River Gorge, had been listed as 50 percent contained since October.

The jump from 50 percent to 100 percent containment comes as the public gets its first glimpse at gorge landmarks that had been closed for months because of the fire.

The iconic Multnomah Falls Lodge opened Wednesday, though much of the surrounding area remains off limits, and a stretch of highway that unlocks access to Vista House, Guy Talbot State Park and Bridal Veil State Park opened last week.

Many trails remain closed.

-- Jim Ryan

jryan@oregonian.com

503-221-8005; @Jimryan015