Historic Columbia River Highway reopens, with access to Columbia Gorge waterfalls Updated May 05, 2021; Posted Apr 30, 2021 Hikers stop to look at Wahkeena Falls, a popular waterfall in the Columbia River Gorge just west of Multnomah Falls. The Wahkeena Falls trailhead is open again after a four-month closure.Jamie Hale/The Oregonian Facebook Share A section of the Historic Columbia River Highway that has been closed since January has reopened to the public, the Oregon Department of Transportation announced Thursday, granting access to one of the most scenic drives in the region as well as several waterfalls that have been off-limits all spring.