With Labor Day around the corner, visitors to the Gorge are encouraged to plan ahead to avoid congestion on the waterfall corridor and stay on the trail for safety.  The Ready, Set, Gorge campaign recently launched by the Scenic Area offers tips on how to avoid congestion in areas such as the popular waterfall corridor of the Historic Columbia River Highway that runs from Bridal Veil to Dodson.  Arrive before 10 a.m., carpool, or take transit.  For something different, explore the less-discovered, equally beautiful trails and picnic areas in the eastern Gorge or on the Washington side.  Hikers should wear appropriate footwear, tell someone where they are going and when they expect to be back, and bring the 10 essentials: sun protection, extra clothing and rain gear, a light, first-aid kit, fire starter and matches, knife or multi-tool, extra food, water and a way to purify it, and an emergency shelter.  Interactive maps, alerts, and information on Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area recreation sites are available on-line at the Scenic Area website.