The Benson Bridge and surrounding trails at Multnomah Falls will reopen by the end of next week, in time for Memorial Day weekend, Columbia River Gorge officials announced Thursday.
A reopening ceremony is scheduled for 10 a.m. May 30 in the lower plaza at Multnomah Falls — several days after the bridge will actually open to the public, according to the U.S. Forest Service.
The bridge has been closed since January, when a falling rock damaged the century-old span that carries visitors over the lower portion of Multnomah Falls. Battle Ground-based contractor Catworks Construction led the repair of the bridge, which began in April.
The opening of the bridge means the popular Wahkeena Falls to Multnomah Falls hiking loop will again be passable. Visitors also will be able to take the hike from the Multnomah Falls plaza to the top of the falls.
Multnomah Falls, one of the Northwest’s most popular recreation destinations, is about 30 miles east of Portland off Interstate 84.
