The Gorge Accessibility Project at Cape Horn represents a visionary initiative to expand access to nature, enhancing recreational opportunities for individuals of all abilities. Spearheaded by The Friends of the Columbia Gorge and key partner US Forest Service, landscape architects Mayer Reed enlisted DAO in the development of three new structures reflecting a holistic approach to ecological restoration and inclusive recreation. Situated on a prominent 12-acre site along the Cape Horn Trail on the Washington side of the Columbia River Gorge, these new buildings are carefully integrated into the landscape, nestled within restored oak groves and wildflower meadows. Constructed of durable, timeless materials, they reflect the rugged beauty of the Gorge and its dramatic basalt formations.

The Gathering Pavilion, a centerpiece of the project, serves as an event space designed to harmonize with its surroundings. Its vertical board form concrete walls, which create bold, shifting shadow lines, evoke columnar basalt formations that tell the story of the great floods and the Gorge’s volcanic history. The mass timber and steel truss frames, combined with zinc-clad gable roofs, subtly reference the region’s agricultural vernacular. The Pavilion houses an indoor-outdoor great room, complete with a fireplace, prep kitchen, restrooms, and storage spaces. Overhead doors, clerestory windows, and skylights allow natural light to flood the space, enhancing its flexibility and making it suitable for a variety of events year-round.

A separate accessible Restroom Building serves the entry plaza, parking area, and trailhead, providing essential amenities for visitors. The Viewpoint Shelter, located near the Gorge’s rim, offers a panoramic vista of the National Scenic Area’s steep canyon walls and the Columbia River below. With its battered and textured concrete walls, built-in seating, and weathering steel roof, the shelter is positioned to focus attention on the river, while framing glimpses of the surrounding landscape through strategically placed openings and notches.

Each of the project’s structures incorporates artwork inspired by indigenous patterns, local flora, or geological forms, adding cultural and natural significance to the designs. By prioritizing accessibility, the project ensures that a wide range of visitors can engage with and appreciate the stunning landscapes of the Columbia River Gorge, fostering environmental stewardship through equity and inclusion.