The Columbia River Gorge Commission serves as the primary regional planning agency and one of the chief stewards of a national treasure – the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, in partnership with Washington, Oregon, six counties, thirteen communities, the United States Forest Service, the four Native American Treaty Tribes, residents and citizens. Created under the National Scenic Area Act and an interstate compact between Washington and Oregon, the bi-state Gorge Commission is mandated to protect and enhance the scenic, natural, cultural and recreational resources of the Columbia River Gorge and to protect and support the economy of the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area area by encouraging growth in existing urban areas and by allowing economic development consistent with resource protection. Among its many roles, the Commission develops and implements policies for land use and resource protection and is responsible for coordinated and consistent implementation of the National Scenic Area Management Plan and land-use ordinances. The Commission is also responsible to hear and resolve appeals of land-use decisions in the National Scenic Area. The Commission's programs are based on its federal statutory responsibilities described by the National Scenic Act, and in the bi-state Columbia River Gorge Compact.

The mission of the Columbia River Gorge Commission is to establish, implement, and enforce policies and programs that protect and enhance the scenic, natural, recreational and cultural resources of the Columbia River Gorge, and support the economy of the area by encouraging growth to occur in existing urban areas and allowing economic development consistent with resource protection.