The historic Benson Bridge at Multnomah Falls will remain closed indefinitely for safety reasons until it can be repaired, officials with the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area said Friday.

Early in the morning of Jan. 10 a

and railing.

The bridge damage also forced the closure of the Larch Mountain trail No. 441 from the Multonomah Falls viewing plaza near Multnomah Falls Lodge to access to Gorge trail No. 400, scenic area spokesman Stan Hinatsu said. The Wahkeena to Multnomah Falls loop trail is also impassable due to the bridge closure.

The

--which is open from 9 to 5 every day--was closed when the rock fell.

The bridge is part of the Historic Columbia River Highway and on the National Register of Historic Places. As such, repairs will align with the historic character of the site, officials said. The U.S. Forest Service is working to generate funds to make the repairs.

The closure could last several months, officials said.

--Stuart Tomlinson