By JIM RYAN

The Oregonian | OregonLive

Don’t do it.

The prospect of uncrowded wilderness, breathtaking views and that perfect photograph may seem enticing, but venture into areas closed by the Eagle Creek fire and you may regret it.

Authorities have handed out $280 trespassing citations to about 49 people and have warned hundreds. And while not broken down by location, about half have been issued since Multnomah Falls Lodge reopened in late November.

Some people just can’t seem to resist.

A fence blocks the public from reaching a lower viewing platform where people often stop to gaze up at the falls. But some have skirted it to take photos from the platform or start toward a burned bridge on the pedestrian path to the falls, said Rachel Pawlitz, Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area spokeswoman.

So if you’re still dreaming of that perfect photo of the iconic Benson Bridge, Multnomah Falls cascading in the background, it’s going to have to wait.

The closure, Pawlitz said, is “for your own safety and for the safety of others.”

And while the lower platform is expected to open early this year, some gorge trails could be closed for years.

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Jim Ryan | The Oregonian/OregonLive

Dangers

Officials say hazards such as landslides, falling trees and tumbling rocks persist in the aftermath of the historic blaze, which began in early September and covered nearly 49,000 acres.

But other less obvious dangers lurk, as well.

Pawlitz said logjams that have formed on streams and above waterfalls could burst. Flash floods could develop. And changing conditions — such as rockfall that blocks a trail — could leave hikers trapped in the wilderness.

Search and rescue efforts, authorities say, would be expensive and dangerous.

Lt. Marc Shrake, a Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office spokesman, said the burn area remains so dangerous that the agency’s Green Hornet trail rescue team hasn’t yet trained there.

The fire itself is 100 percent contained, but Pawlitz said authorities saw smoldering stumps as recently as December.

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Jim Ryan | The Oregonian/OregonLive

Trespassers

Pawlitz said that aside from Multnomah Falls, other hot spots for trespassers include Eagle Creek and Larch Mountain.

Authorities have also cited some “social media scofflaws” who posted photos online bragging about being in the closure area, she said. They’ve verbally warned almost 600 people about trespassing since Sept. 19, according to figures provided Wednesday by Pawlitz.

Whether someone gets cited or warned depends on the situation, Pawlitz said.

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Dave Killen/Staff

Closures

The lower Multnomah Falls viewing platform — where some trespassers are taking photos — is expected to reopen early this year.

It could be summer before the public can get to Benson Bridge. And there’s no timeline for when visitors can trek to the top of Oregon’s tallest waterfall for a sweeping view of the gorge.

Some trails in the heart of the burn area could be closed for up to five years, Pawlitz said.

She said authorities plan to reopen trails on the east end of the closed area first but that no details about what trails will be ready to reopen — and when — are available.

Crews have assessed some trails and begun work, Pawlitz said.

The National Scenic Area closure area hasn’t changed since Multnomah Falls Lodge reopened, she said. Mt. Hood National Forest officials expect to issue an updated order that reduces their closed area as soon as next week.

The Historic Columbia River Highway remains closed from Bridal Veil to Ainsworth State Park.

The public can access Vista House and Multnomah Falls Lodge, which are among the gorge's best-known landmarks. Guy Talbot and Bridal Veil state parks are also open.

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Read more

Read more recent coverage of the Eagle Creek fire and its aftermath:

— Jim Ryan

jryan@oregonian.com

503-221-8005; @Jimryan015

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Mark Graves/Staff

Aerial photos

View aerial photos of the gorge by clicking here.