Deschutes National Forest
Spring Trail Access and Conditions Update KNOW BEFORE YOU GO!
Updated June 4, 2014
Spring Trail Highlights Weather forecast: Mostly sunny and warm thru the weekend. Hwy 46 beyond Dutchman Flat is now open for the summer season. Snow will block trailheads and recreation sites along Dutchman to Devils Lk section until late June Road 16 to Three Creek Lk now open with temp. rd detour at the snow park. Skyliner Trailhead is closed until further notice. Limited parking
available along roadway. Northwest Youth Corps crewmembers working heavy brush Tumalo Falls road/trailhead are now removal on Jefferson Lake Trail late May. 2.3 miles of the open for the season. Snow blocks trails. 8 mile trail is now passable to hiker traffic. Remaining Summer trails under 0-80” snow depth miles are blocked. Possibly fully brushed by end of summer. with elevations below 5,300-6,300’
generally snow free/accessible. “Mud factor” on trails near snow line is moderate …avoid muddy sections! Dutchman Sno-park is down to bare ground and no longer accessible for snowmobiling. Winter trail signing on snow poles is being removed for summer. Seasonal closures of Hwy 242 and 370 Road are in effect until further notice. Watch weather forecasts closely.
Go prepared with your Ten Essential
Spring runoff from melting snow creates water and mud Systems: hazards that warrant extra caution; especially for horse Navigation (map and compass) riders. This hazard extends for 130’ on Metolius Windigo Sun protection (sunglasses/sunscreen) Trail just 1 mile NE of Winopee Lk Tr has no opportunity Insulation (extra clothing) for a reroute by stock users. Avoid until further notice! Illumination (headlamp/flashlight) First-aid supplies Fire(waterproofmatches/lighter/candles) Repair kit and tools Nutrition (extra food) Hydration (extra water) Emergency shelter GENERAL SUMMER TRAIL CONDITIONS AS OF JUNE 4:
Most Wilderness access over 5,500’ is currently limited to skis or snowshoes with Green/Moraine Lakes and South Sister area under 4-8’ of snow.
Summer trails below 5,300-6,300 ft are generally snow free. Patchy or sectional snow may yet be found on some trails near this elevation range. The closer to the Cascade Crest you are, generally the lower the current snow line. Use on snow free summer trails is on the increase so heads up and be ready to share the trail and watch out for each other. Down tree reports are coming in with a general picture being painted of light to moderate blowdown on summer trails. However, a few trails thru beetle or fire kill areas might have higher numbers of downed trees. Trail clearing will be approaching full swing over the next few weeks as volunteers and trail crew become increasingly available.
Most Wilderness trailheads are now accessible and wilderness trails to approx. 5,300-5,700’ generally snow free.
Variable low elevation trail conditions! Most low elevation summer trails below 4,700’ are currently in fair, good or improving condition. Late-spring season conditions do exist and trail clearing by volunteers is in the early stages. Expect to find some blowdown as well as increasing snow to muddy trail conditions as you approach the snow line.
Using soft to muddy trails severely impacts our summer trails, causing long term tread damage and trail erosion. PLEASE, AVOID USING TRAILS THAT ARE IN A SOFT TO MUDDY STAGE OF THAWING. If you’re leaving tire or shoe impressions, you’re damaging the trail tread and setting the trail up for rough tread and rutted conditions into the summer months.
Muddy Conditions?
Please Stay Off the Trails!
It’s too muddy when…
Your tires leave ruts, or Your shoes sink in the ground, or There is standing water over much of the trail, or It’s warm during the Winter or Spring thaw conditions. Consider using dirt roads instead.
Thank you for your Cooperation!
Early season conditions with potential for down trees blocking some trails.
Trail volunteers increasingly hitting the trails for logout and general maintenance. Each year, hundreds of trail volunteers put in thousands of hours towards maintaining over 2,000 miles of Deschutes National Forest trails; summer and winter! Without volunteers, your public access trails would not be as enjoyable as they are. Remember to “Thank” our volunteers!
Prescribed Burn Completed in the West Bend Project Area near Phil’s Trailhead
Reopened Marvin’s Garden bike trail thru prescribed burn area
A recent prescribed burn just south of Phil’s Trailhead was successfully completed with the temporary closures on Marvin’s Garden Trail and area roads reopened to non-motorized travel.
The West Bend Vegetation Project is being implemented through a partnership with the Deschutes Collaborative Forest Project (DCFP), an organization bringing a diverse group of stakeholders together with the Forest Service to design and plan treatments for highly valued and historically controversial areas. The DCFP was created through the Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration (CFLR) Program in 2010 which awarded the Deschutes National Forest with a 10-year, $10.1 million grant to restore 145,000 acres of forest in Central Oregon. In the summer of 2013 the restoration area was approved for an expansion, bringing the total to approximately 257,000 acres stretching from Black Butte and Bend to Sunriver and Mt. Bachelor.
For more information, visit the Central Oregon Interagency Dispatch Center (COIDC) website at http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/centraloregon/fire and follow us on twitter @CentralORFire.
Northwest Youth
Corps crews
complete finishing
touches on variety
of Metolius River
restoration
projects.
DESCHUTES NATIONAL FOREST SUMMER TRAILHEADS/TRAILS:
Summer trail access is increasing with the rising snowline and spring melt. Wilderness trails are increasingly becoming accessible with the approach of summer.
Bend/Fort Rock Ranger District summer trails/access:
Phils TH area trails are snow free, being maintained, becoming a bit dusty, increased use, and in good condition. Ben’s and Phil’s Trails are now one-way trails See map and additional information below! For more information on COTA, who they are, what they do and how you can help, go to: http://cotamtb.com/
Tumalo Falls Trailhead is open for the season. North Fork Trail is snow free for approx. 1.75 miles with patchy to solid snow beyond; limited clearing in progress. North Fork Trail is uphill only for bikers and will likely be blocked by snow to Happy Valley/Met-Win Trail until mid-late June. Reminder for bikers, biking is permitted in the uphill direction only on North Fork and when snow free to the Metolius-Windigo Trail for a downhill, return trip on Mrazek. Bridge Creek Trail is hiking only and closed to bikes, stock animals and dogs, as it passes thru the Bend Municipal Watershed. North Fork Trail is open to hikers, dogs and bikers (uphill only). South Fork trail to Swampy trail system likely has light blowdown and moderate snow. Flagline Trail, is CLOSED until Aug. 15, for elk calving. Be aware of water line construction in progress along Skyliner Road to Tumalo Falls Trailhead. Heavy equipment in area, Skyliner TH temporarily closed with limited parking along roadway beyond Skyliner TH.
Tumalo Creek/Mrazek Trails out of Shevlin Park are snow free to approx. 5,500’, expect blowdown. Trail maintenance in progress with moderate down trees reported higher up.
Deschutes River Trailheads/Trails are snow free and in good condition from Entrada to Benham Falls and on to Sunriver. Some downed trees with clearing in progress. New trail construction in progress from Sunriver to Lava Lands with a new paved trail scheduled to open Fall 2014. Please avoid this construction work, especially effecting sections of Blackrock Trail to Lava Lands which has a detour just out from Benham East Trailhead.
The seasonal DOG LEASH regulation along the Deschutes River Corridor is in effect May 15 thru Sept. 15. During this time, due to high use and potential for user conflicts, dogs are required to be on leash when in the corridor between Meadow Picnic and Benham Falls East. This includes all the River trails and recreation sites between these two locations. Dogs are permitted off leash in the river. See below under Wilderness for the July 15 to Sept. 15 seasonal DOG LEASH regulation on high use Wilderness trails around Todd Lake, Broken Top, Green and Moraine Lakes and South Sister.
Lava Lands is now open on weekends.
Wanoga Mt. Bike Trails are snow free with maintenance in progress. Patchy to increasing snow will be found above 5,800’.
Swampy Lake Trails has patchy snow and increasing above with moderate blowdown. Flagline is closed until Aug. 15 for elk calving.
Tumalo Mt. – Trail is snow covered.
Todd Lake Trailhead and parking area are blocked by 2-3’ of snow. Todd Lake basin is snow covered with up to 3’ drifts. Road 370 is blocked by snow and closed to hwy vehicles until approx. early July. This includes access to road 380 which provides vehicle access to the Broken Top Trailhead.
Todd Creek Horse Camp – Blocked by snow. Access on the Metolius-Windigo Horse trail southbound to Quinn Meadow and northbound is blocked by patchy to solid snow.
Sparks Lake Trailhead – Trailhead and trails blocked by snow/blow down.
Ray Atkison Trailhead and Sparks Lake boat ramp – Blocked by snow with est. snow free access in mid June.
Green Lakes/Soda Creek Trailhead – Blocked by snow. See Wilderness sections below!
Devils Lake/South Sister Trailhead – Blocked by snow. See Wilderness sections below!
Quinn Meadow Horse Camp area trails – Patchy to sectional snow. Met/Win trail mostly cleared of blowdown 1 mile south of camp to Little Cultus Lake. Beware of a 130’ flooded/mud bog section of trail approx. 1 mile northeast of junction with Winopee Lk Trail. No recommended for stock crossing until dried out.
Metolius-Windigo Trail is blocked by snow from just SE of Trapper Ck HC to just north of Quinn Meadow HC. Trail clearing in progress at low to mid elevations. Trail sections are cleared or light blowdown/passible from Bear Valley TH to Trapper Ck and then cleared approx. 1 mile south of Quinn Meadow HC to a mud bog approx. 1 mile NE of junction with Winoppee Lk Trail at Big Cultus Lk. Then cleared from that junction to Little Cultus Lk./Deer Lk. No clearing yet in progress south of Deer Lake.
The very hazardous 200’ muddy section of Met/Win Tr. just north of the road 1514 crossing (SW of Sisters), just out of the gravel pit has mostly dried out and is being check for safe stock passage. A user detour is possible by traveling along the closed/rehabbed section of the 900 road west to 1514, then left for approx. ¼ mile on 1514 to the gravel pit or south bound again on Met/Win. Do be extra cautious of road traffic as vehicles may be traveling at moderate to high speeds with a curve. This mud section is now easily passible by hikers and bikers. A permanent reroute of the seasonal mud bog is being considered.
Cultus Lake and Winopee Lk TH - Accessible. Expect blow down/patchy snow beyond the TH. Deer Lk TH is snow free and accessible.
Lemish Lake TH – Unknown access. Road access to Little Cultus Lake, bumpy but good.
Charlton Lake TH – Accessible with PCT cleared north to junction with Harrelson HC Trail. Lily Lake Trail from PCT has not been cleared for approx. 10 yrs with approx. 150 trees down, is brushy and difficult to follow and not passible by stock. Volunteers will attempt to clear this access to Lily Lk by the end of the season.
Osprey Point TH – Accessible and light blowdown likely with high water reported.
Fall River Trail – Light blowdown likely.
South/North Twin Lakes area trails – Snow free with light blowdown likely.
Horse Butte to Swamp Wells area trails – Horse Butte to Swamp Wells area trails – Area trails are snow free and mostly in good condition, but expect to encounter snow/blowdown at approximately 6,300’ towards Newberry Caldera. This is a primary use horse trail; bikers if you do use these trails, yield to equestrians, use extra caution around horses, remove litter and help prevent user conflicts. Be aware of recent prescribed burn activities along some trails.
Newberry Caldera trails access is patchy in the caldera floor and sectional to moderate snow near or at the rim. Paulina Lakeshore, Silica, Little Crater and Paulina Falls trails have light patchy snow and light blowdown. The road to Paulina Peak is blocked by snow.
Peter Skene Ogden Trail - Snow free and cleared of blowdown. Bikers are allowed in uphill direction only.
Lava Cast Forest Trailhead – Trailhead and trail are accessible and free of blow down.
PCT – Trailhead access good/improving to approx. 5,400’; snow likely blocking above 5,400’. No reports on blowdown due to limited access. Some trail clearing in progress with Charlton Lk north to Harrelson HC Trail junction cleared. Hwy 242 currently closed to motor vehicles due to snow with opening in mid-June. Go to: http://www.pcta.org/
Wilderness Trails – See special wilderness trails section below.
Sisters Ranger District summer trails/access:
Black Butte Trail – Road to TH snow free and in good condition. Hiker use only on both upper and new lower Black Butte Trails. Upper/lower trails now cleared and snow free.
Metolius River Trails – Snow free and in fair to good condition. An ongoing trail project involving rock hardening of eroding river bank from Head of the Metolius to Bridge 99 has begun and will continue into fall. Please avoid walking thru the many trail and river side restoration sites. Hiker only trails.
Metolius River Restoration with Northwest Youth Corps.
Peterson Ridge Trails Area trails and trailheads are mostly fair to good conditions to approx. 5,700’. Above 5,600’ expect patchy snow/ice and increasing. Trail maintenance in progress.
Suttle Lake Trail is in fair to good condition. Recent year’s shoreline/trail stabilization project to repair shoreline trail erosion continues. Watch for ongoing trail restoration work and rock materials that have been moved onto the trail for repairs. Please, do not move or play on any of this rock as it may move unexpectedly.
Lake Creek Trail may have light blowdown and is open to biker/hiker use along its entire length from Suttle Lake Resort to Camp Sherman. This trail is mostly located on closed roads and makes for mostly easy, family friendly biking and hiking. Watch your head when going under the Hwy 20 bridge and with its limited vertical clearance of less than 6 ft. Approximately 2 miles of the mid-section are open to horse traffic with access from the Metolius-Windigo Trail.
Metolius-Windigo Trail - SEE DETAILS IN BEND/FORT ROCK RANGER DISTRICT ABOVE! Recently two
Head of Jack Creek Trail – Snow free but expect blow down from horses became the trailhead and the campground to the head springs area. The mired to their hiker only foot bridge at the head of the Jack Creek has been removed due to poor condition. Please stay on trail in this area and bellies in mud for avoid walking in the remaining fragile riparian area. five hours along
PCT – SEE PCT DETAILS IN BEND/FORT ROCK RANGER section of DISTRICT ABOVE! Metolius Windigo
Wilderness Trails – See special wilderness trails section below. Horse Trail near road 1514.
Crescent Ranger District summer trails/access:
PCT – SEE PCT DETAILS IN BEND/FORT ROCK RANGER DISTRICT ABOVE!
Oldenberg Trail conditions unknown but likely snow free but increasing with elevation.
Summit Lk Trail – conditions unknown but likely patchy snow and increasing with elevation.
Meek Lk Trail – Unknown conditions but expect snow/blowdown.
Windy Lakes Trail – Unknown conditions but expect snow/blowdown.
Windigo Pass – conditions unknown but likely sectional snow and increasing with elevation.
Whitefish Horse Camp is snow free. Unknown conditions on Whitefish Ck Trail; expect snow/blowdown.
Metolius-Windigo Trail - SEE DETAILS IN BEND/FORT ROCK RANGER DISTRICT ABOVE!
Maiden Peak – conditions unknown but likely sectional snow and increasing with elevation.
Wilderness Trails – See special wilderness trails section below.
Special Deschutes National Forest Wilderness Trails Report: Updated 6/4/14
Most Deschutes National Forest Wilderness trailheads are now snow free and accessible and trails mostly snow free to 5,300’ and snowline rising above. Very limited trail clearing in progress but will increase in coming weeks.
BEWARE! Since 2003 Brush Ck, Minto Lake, northern end of Jefferson Lake and Sugar Pine Ridge Trails have been in a "no current maintenance" condition. With heavy blowdown, dense brush, lack of identifiable trail surface and erosion due to B and B Fire damage, these trails are considered impassable and are not recommended. In recent years several hikers have reported becoming lost trying to follow these trails from the west, with a few turning into search and rescue missions. Jefferson Lake Trail is currently extremely difficult/challenging (likely impassable) for hikers beyond mile 2.3 and impassable for stock as well due to dense brush and blow down.
Jefferson Lake TH – Jefferson Lake Trail Dense brush has been cleared for 2.3 miles of this 8 mile trail. Limited clearing of down trees has also occurred with “step overs” to 24” high remaining. Beyond the cleared section the brush is again very dense, up to 8’ high and impassable except for the most experienced hikers interested in a big challenge with hazardous trail travel. Ticks have been heavy along this trail.
Brush Creek TH – TH accessible. Brush Creek Trail currently impassable to all traffic. Trail maintenance is scheduled to occur with possible reopening by late Fall.
Cabot Lake TH – Snow free and accessible to TH. Trail reported snow free with light blowdown to Cabot Lk and unknown to Carl Lk. See Jefferson Lk TH above for heavy blowdown/brush warning on Jefferson Lk Trail.
Bear Valley TH – Accessible, Rockpile Lake Trail reported mostly snow free for 4.8 miles to 5,700’ with 87 trees down. Snowline begins at 5,700’. Minto Lake Trail is impassable to all traffic due to erosion, brush, blowdown with no maintenance since the 2003 B and B Fire.
Jack Lake TH – TH accessible with patchy snow then trails blocked by snow likely around 5,600’.
Round Lake TH – Accessible, light blowdown and snow free to Square Lk.
PCT – SEE PCT DETAILS IN BEND/FORT ROCK RANGER DISTRICT ABOVE!
Mt. Washington Wilderness:
Dry Creek TH – Dry Creek trail has not been maintained for years and has heavy blow down through extensive fire kill forest. This trail is under a non-maintenance condition.
PCT – SEE PCT DETAILS IN BEND/FORT ROCK RANGER DISTRICT ABOVE!
Three Sisters Wilderness:
PCT – SEE PCT DETAILS IN BEND/FORT ROCK RANGER DISTRICT ABOVE!
PCT TH at Irish and Taylor Lakes – Currently inaccessible and conditions unknown.
Many Lakes TH – Unknown conditions.
Deer Lake TH – Trailhead accessible, trail cleared of blowdown to the Wilderness Boundary. Patchy snow/blowdown likely beyond that.
Winopee Lake TH – Accessible with Winopee Lk Trail snow free and mostly cleared of blowdown to Winopee Lake with some minor flooding and mud on the trail. Trail on to Snowshoe Lakes light blowdown with some brush encroaching.
Corral Swamp TH – Accessible TH. Trail cleared to Met/Win. See Met/Win section for conditions and nearby mud/water blocking.
Lucky Lake TH – Accessible with trail cleared to Lake and snow free. Senoj Lk Tr. Likely blocked by blowdown/patchy snow.
Six Lakes TH – Accessible with trail likely patchy to solid snow to Blow, Doris Lks and PCT.
Elk Lake TH – TH and trails likely patchy to solid snow to PCT..
Mirror Lk TH – TH and trails blocked by snow. Campfires prohibited within ¼ mile of Mirror Lakes management area.
Devils Lakes TH – Hwy 46 open, TH and trails blocked by snow.
South Sister Climbers – See parking access under Green and Devils Lk Trailheads above. Plan to snowshoe or ski the area. As climbers trail is currently under 2-10’ of snow, you are following an unmarked snow route. The summer trail/climbing route is not marked for snow travel. Have a map and navigation equipment, compass/GPS. Booting alone may be challenging as “postholing” is likely at some point in the day. Have the backcountry skills for recognizing/assessing avalanche, ice fall, cornice, rock fall and other spring backcountry dangers. Avoid crossing frozen lakes and watch for dangers in snow bridging across streams.
South Sister with Moraine Lake iced over with 6-8’ snow in general area on May 11, 2013. Expect similar conditions with a bit less snow today!
Green Lakes TH – Hwy 46 open, TH and trails blocked by snow.
Middle Green Lake iced over with 6-8’ snow in general area on May 11, 2013. Expect similar conditions with likely less snow currently.
Todd Lake TH – Blocked by snow, 2-4 feet of general snow depth on road and in lake area.
Broken Top TH – Not accessible with 7-8 ft. of snow.
Tam Rim/Three Creek Lake area Trailheads – Just becoming snow free, 16 road gate now open with a reroute thru snow park due to road washout.
Park Meadow TH – Accessible with patchy to sectional snow, blowdown. 16 road gate open with reroute.
Pole Creek TH – Trailhead accessible, expect snow beginning approx. 5,600’ and blowdown on trails.
Scott Pass and Millican Crater Trailheads – Trailheads accessible, expect patchy snow beginning 2 miles of TH. Light-moderate blowdown.
Black Crater TH – Hwy 242 closed, TH under snow. Trail to summit blocked by snow and blowdown.
Lava Camp Lake TH – Hwy 242 closed, TH under snow.
Diamond Peak Wilderness:
PCT – SEE PCT DETAILS IN BEND/FORT ROCK RANGER DISTRICT ABOVE!
Pengra Pass TH – Accessible. South/Northbound trail unknown conditions.
Yoran Lk TH - Accessible, Trail to Yoran Lk patchy snow beginning approx.. 5,500’, not cleared.
Fawn Lk TH is accessible with Fawn Lake/Pretty Lake trails patchy snow/not cleared of blowdown.
Whitefish Horse Camp is accessible, Whitefish Trail patchy/sectional snow/blowdown.
Summit Lk/PCT – Road access from Crescent Lk blocked by snow to Summit Lk.
One-Way Trails Ben’s/Phil’s Loop: Ben’s Trail will be uphill only from the trailhead to Road 300. Phil’s Trail will be downhill only from Junction #18 (at Kent’s Trail) to the trailhead. Phil’s Trailhead
The one-way loop trail will:
Increase safety by reducing user collisions. Reduce user conflict by reducing high-speed passing. Provide better continuity by reducing stopping to allow others to pass. Increase the feeling of solitude. Even in high use areas, directional trails can make it seem like there are fewer people on the trails. “Keep single track single”. Trails will be less impacted by users riding off-trail to pass each other going in opposite directions. Allow for more challenging mountain bike rides. Directional trails allow riders to challenge themselves with fewer interruptions.
For additional information: Visit the COTA website at www.cotamtb.com Contact the Deschutes National Forest: 541-383-4700
GENERAL SNOW, WINTER TRAIL CONDITIONS AS OF JUNE 4:
All Deschutes National Forest snow parks are snow free and no longer useable by snowmobile. Dutchman Snow Park too is now snow free around the perimeter with no snow access for snowmobiles. Snow depth in the general Dutchman Flat area is 1-2 ft. with some bare ground beginning to show. Higher elevations may have 5-8 ft. of snow. Winter sign removal has begun and will continue with all temporary winter poled signs expected to be removed by late June. Snowmobile access currently limited to Todd Lake road and soon that will be inaccessible for snowmobiling. All motorized boundaries enforced. Be aware that strong/fast moving spring storms can change conditions very quickly. Check weather forecasts closely and go prepared! Current weather forecast: http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?site=pdt&textField1=44.0600&textField2=-121.3100&zone=1
Know before you go!
“LEAVE NO TRACE” REMINDER:
PLEASE, PRACTICE THE SEVEN LEAVE NO TRACE PRINCIPALS:
Plan Ahead and Prepare Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces Dispose of Waste Properly – See photo and information below on wrong disposal and effects! Leave What You Find Minimize Campfire Impacts Respect Wildlife Be Considerate of Other Visitors
For details on the 7 LNT Principals: http://lnt.org/learn/7-principles
SEASONAL ROAD CLOSURES/OPENINGS:
Hwy 46 Fully open from Bend to Crescent Cutoff Road. Due to 1-2’ of snow Cascade Lks along plowed hwy; trailheads and recreation sites from Dutchman to Hwy Mirror Lk Trailhead are currently blocked by snow with no parking available until Elk Lake. Recreation sites within this 5 mile section (including: Sparks Lk, Green Lk TH, Devils Lk) are currently blocked by snow with limited parking along the Hwy. DO NOT PARK IN TRAVEL LANES! Elk Lk area has good snow free access to recreation sites. Road 370 CLOSED from Hwy 46 to Roads 4601 and 16 due to 1-7’ of snow.
Tumalo Falls OPEN to Tumalo Falls Trailhead. North Fork Trail snow free for Road first 1.75 mile, some blowdown with maintenance in progress.
Road 21 OPEN; Road to Paulina Peak closed until snow melts off. Good Into Newberry access to recreation sites and lower trailheads with some patchy Cauldera snow possible. Trails above cauldera floor, increasing snow to rim.
Hwy 242 Mckenzie Pass, CLOSED with remaining snow melting off. Earliest opening date for motorized traffic is the third Monday in June; Mckenzie Pass unless other road maintenance or late snow conditions require later opening. Bikers/hikers, use extra caution and avoid snow blowing operations. Be aware of ice, debris and other bikers/hikers on roadway. ODOT vehicles on roadway! Road 16 Road open from Upper Three Creek Sno-Park to Three Creek Lakes To Three Ck Lks with a detour in place at the snow park due to road washout.
Road 60 OPENED, expect snow blocking roads/trails above 5,500’ elevations. Around Crescent Lake
Know before you go!
All trail and backcountry users: be aware that your responsibilities include: going prepared for the conditions, looking out for your safety and that of others, if you can render assistance in event of an accident, familiarize yourself with the area thru maps and other media, and look out for and abide by signing and area regulations.
Spring snow hiking in the Cascades has its rewards and adventures, but can also be difficult and result in injury. Postholing, or breaking thru can result in joint or muscle strains. And of course, summer trails cannot be seen or are easy to lose. SPECIAL TRAIL EVENTS AFFECTING TRAILHEADS,TRAILS AND SNOWPARK USE:
No special events expected to affect trail use over the next week.
Do be aware we are in to the spring prescribed burning season and some area burning to reduce summer fire hazards does occur near trailheads and across trails. Temporary trail closures may be in effect over the coming weeks. For more information, visit the Central Oregon Interagency Dispatch Center (COIDC) website at http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/centraloregon/fire and follow us on twitter @CentralORFire
TEN ESSENTIAL SYSTEMS:
“What are The Ten Essentials?” ”The Ten Essentials are items The Mountaineers recommends everyone carry on all trips. The Pacific Northwest is a beautiful place that can be wild and unpredictable. Being prepared for anything is essential. This is as important on short, local trips as it is on long, backcountry trips. It is easy to forget first aid kits and warm layers short trips, but a short trip can quickly turn to a long trip if you get lost or injured.”
“The Ten Essentials started as a list of ten simple items and is now a systems approach that guides you in preparing for any trip in any season. The two basic questions are: (1) Can you respond positively to an accident or emergency? (2) Can you safely spend a night or more out? Here is a list of The Ten Essential Systems:
1. Navigation (map & compass) 2. Sun Protection (sun glasses, sun screen, lip balm) 3. Insulation (extra clothing) 4. Illumination (flashlight or headlamp, spare bulb & batteries) 5. First-Aid Supplies (gauze, tape, etc.) 6. Fire (fire starter, matches, lighter) 7. Repair Kit (knife, duct tape, tools, spare parts) 8. Nutrition (extra food) 9. Hydration (extra water, water purification) 10. Emergency Shelter (tarp, garbage bag)
Further details on the “Ten Essential Systems”: http://www.rei.com/expertadvice/articles/ten+essentials.html?s_kwcid=TC|13029|ten%20essentials||S|p|7499840765&cm_mmc=ps_goog le_CH-_-Category%20-%20Camp%2fHike-_-Camping%2fHiking_GeneralTerms_Essentials-_- ten%20essentials&gclid=CNq_h8Xbsq4CFQN8hwodYhH-PQ
SPECIAL SAFETY NOTES:
Go prepared for changeable weather conditions. Spring to summer season conditions exist! Be sure to go prepared with plenty of warm clothing, water, and food as well as other emergency essentials. For further Deschutes National Forest winter or summer trails information, please call: Deschutes National Forest Headquarters: (541) 383-5300 Bend/Fort Rock Ranger District: (541) 383-4000 Sisters Ranger District: (541) 549-7700 Crescent Ranger District: (541) 433-3200 Find this weekly trail access and condition report in the Deschutes National Forest Website at: http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5299503.pdf
Have a safe Spring trails season!