The Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail from Hood River to Mosier will reopen Thursday.  It’s been closed since late July due to the Microwave Tower Fire.  Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area officials say fire suppression activities in recent days successfully put out an old disposal site hotspot that burned close to the trail and emitted noxious smoke into the area.  Other area closures associated with the Microwave Tower Fire remains in effect on all National Forest System lands within the fire perimeter.  Public entry to areas outside the trail is still prohibited, including entering the disposal site.  People intending to hike near the fire area, or any recently burned area, should always remain alert and be aware of increased hazards, particularly recently burned or dead trees.  Dead or dying trees that remain standing after a fire are unstable, and loose rocks and logs can be present in a burned area and are unpredictable, creating a falling hazard.  Additionally, burned vegetation can also contribute to landslides, mudslides and erosion when rain occurs.