​​After years of planning, the Indian Creek Trail project has reached an important step: 9 acres of open space along the trail corridor have been secured through a conservation easement and land donation, placing the property in public hands under Hood River Valley Parks & Recreation District (HRVPRD) ownership.

This was made possible by a donation from Kenn Francis of PRA/Brookside LLC, who has worked with HRVPRD over the past year and a half to conserve this land. We’re grateful to Kenn, his operating partner Reco Prianto, neighbors who have been key allies, and everyone involved in getting this phase of the project across the finish line. We are equally grateful to the HRVPRD for managing this process. 

What this means for the trail

For decades, this gap in the corridor has separated the community from a fully connected Indian Creek Trail. This generous land donation removes that barrier, bringing the long-envisioned trail connection significantly closer to reality and ensuring this corridor remains a community asset for generations to come.

Once built, this section will connect downtown Hood River to Barrett Park on the Westside, creating a continuous pedestrian and biking corridor stretching over four miles. The completed trail will also provide a safe route for students traveling between Hood River Valley High School and Columbia Gorge Community College.

Where funding stands

Through our first fundraising campaign, community donors contributed more than $120,000. Those funds are earmarked for the next critical steps in the process: initial design, engineering, and permitting work that must be completed before construction can begin.  

We still need your help

While this land acquisition is a tremendous accomplishment, it’s not the finish line. Completing the final missing link of the Indian Creek trail is nearly certain to cost much more than the $120,000 raised to date. The Foundation is considering a Phase 2 Indian Creek Trail Fundraiser once HRVPRD refines the trail construction budget. 

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We are grateful to the residents who advocated for this trail connection and land conservation, the donors who have helped bring it closer to reality, and Kenn Francis who donated both the land and a conservation easement to our community. 

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~HRV Parks & Rec Foundation, in partnership with HRVPRD, September 2026