Deschutes National Forest
Summer Trail Access and Conditions Update KNOW BEFORE YOU GO! Updated August 1, 2013 Summer Trail Highlights High fire danger and recent lightning fires result in Public Use Restrictions on the Deschutes and area, campground road and trail fire closures are in effect along the Metolius River near Wizard Falls Hatchery. http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/centralo regon/home/?cid=stelprdb5297376 For more wildfire information and trail/road closures: http://www.inciweb.org/
Snow is no longer an issue on area
Dense brush continues to be a challenge on several Mt. trails. Light to moderate blowdown Jefferson Wilderness trails as shown here on the Cabot Lk remains on a few trails. Wilderness Trail. See Mt. Jefferson Wilderness section below for Permits required. those trails blocked by brush; some impassible to all users. Broken Top TH and 370 Road from Todd Lake to Road 4601 are closed until unexpected winter road damage is repaired; likely early-mid August. Friday-Sunday special biking, running and swim events may create traffic/crowding along Hwy 46, Elk Lk and Devils Lk areas. Tumalo Mt. Trail passible. PCT clearing in full swing with approx. 70% in Central Oregon Cascades now cleared. Go prepared with your Ten Essential Systems: Navigation (map and compass) Sun protection (sunglasses/sunscreen) Insulation (extra clothing) Illumination (headlamp/flashlight) First-aid supplies Lemish Lk Trail bridge is removed due to decay and winter Fire(waterproofmatches/lighter/candles) damage and replaced with user friendly ford. Repair kit and tools Nutrition (extra food) Hydration (extra water) Emergency shelter
GENERAL SUMMER TRAIL CONDITIONS AS OF AUGUST 1:
Youth Conservation Corps members assist with trail brushing.
Over the past week temperatures have been warm to hot. Forecast for the next week calls for chance of thunderstorms and mild to warmer temperatures. Trail use is reaching peak summer levels so heads up and be ready to share the trails and watch out for each other.
Deschutes National Forest’s summer trails are snow free. Across the Forest, approximately 75% of those trails to be cleared this year have been cleared.
Trail volunteers and a few trail crew personnel are clearing into the higher elevations areas now that snow is no longer an issue. Do bear in mind that not all trails are cleared each year. Limited trail personnel and volunteers normally focus clearing efforts on higher use trails of the nearly 900 miles of summer non-motorized trails on the Deschutes NF. Trails in areas hard hit by wildfire and beetle kill and involving heavy blowdown (perhaps 50-100 trees/mile) may not be cleared each year; with a few that have become extremely difficult to clear of blowdown and dense brush that are essentially, “put on the back burner” and have become impassible and unsafe to follow.
Except for Broken Top, Crater Ditch, Pole Creek, Scott Pass, Chus Falls, and Millican Crater all Wilderness trail heads are now accessible. Trail clearing within the Deschutes NF Wilderness areas is gaining momentum with approx. 65% of Wilderness trails cleared of blow down for this season. Do expect to find some trails with moderate to heavy downed trees and some even difficult to impossible passage.
High Fire Danger and recent lightning fires result in issuance of Public Use Restrictions and trail/area/road closures due to hazardous wild land fires. Due to high fire danger, Public Use Restrictions go into effect Aug. 2 at midnight. Campfire, vehicle and smoking restrictions involved, for further details: http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/centraloregon/home/?cid=stelprdb5297376
With hundreds of recent lightning strikes in Central Oregon, new fire starts are expected in the days and weeks ahead. If you detect a wildfire in the backcountry, provide for your own safety and call 911!
Currently due to a wildfire on Green Ridge - area, road and trail closures are in effect for some campgrounds, trails and roads in the Wizard Falls Hatchery area of the Metolius River. Additional closures due to wildfire are possible, likely and can occur without notice as the fire season progresses.
August 1, a heavy haul helicopter begins bucket hauling water from Metolius River at Bridge 99 to a lightning fire on Green Ridge, near Wizard Falls Fish Hatchery.
Wilderness Permits Required
Wilderness permits are required within all Deschutes National Forest Wildernesses. Please be sure to read trailhead information and fill out the free, self-issue permit at the permit station.
“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
20' from shoreline of Horse Lake in Three Sisters and about 15' from the campsite. Human waste is a commonly documented issue anywhere where people camp. - There are over 100 species of bacteria, virus and protozoa that live in human feces that can make us sick - Many of the critters in poop can persist for over a year including over winter. - Burial of poop does almost nothing to accelerate the decomposition of poop, but it does reduce the likelihood of transmission of disease via the following vectors: INSECTS/ANIMALS DIRECT CONTACT WATER
One research project reported that soils not characterized by gravel (highly porous) or clay are effective at filtering out nasty poop critters with 1.5 meters of soil (after burial). Highly porous and clay dominated soils do almost nothing to filter out the nasty critters. Think of pumice dominated soils as highly porous. Please, dispose of human and pet waste properly and Leave No Trace!
POLE CREEK BURN AREA NOTICE: Hazardous tree conditions exist within the Pole Creek burn area. Use within the Wilderness sections of this burn is restricted to the trails; no cross country travel and no camping until you exit the burn area boundary. 95% of the Wilderness trails within the burn have been cleared of blowdown. Burn area boundaries are posted with maps and signing indicating either entering or leaving the burn area. You cannot legally access lower Snow Creek from Snow Creek Ditch or Park Meadow Trail. The Ditch has been removed and placed in restoration, not passible and closed.
Example of area closure map for Pole Creek Burn. Area within the Wilderness area of the burn is closed except for travel limited to the trails; no off trail use or camping permitted.
DESCHUTES NATIONAL FOREST SUMMER TRAILHEADS/TRAILS:
Bend/Fort Rock Ranger District summer trails/access:
Phils TH area trails are reported in great shape, but the dust factor will vary. COTA (Central Oregon Trail Alliance) volunteers have been busy with trail maintenance and the evidence is on the ground. Heavy use reported on the weekends with parking exceeding capacity. 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 and cleared of blow down to Happy Valley. North Fork Trail is uphill only for bikers and now open with return options of Mrazek or nearby roads. Bridge Creek Trail is hiking only, snow free, logged out 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 snow free. Flagline Trail, is CLOSED until Aug. 15, for elk calving. Metolius/Windigo Trail in Happy Valley area likely has a few patches to sectional snow with some blowdown.
Deschutes River Trailheads/Trails are in good condition from Entrada to Sunriver and on to Lava Lands. Heavy use on weekends/holidays. Bikers using the primary design “hiker trail”, try to avoid this heavy use primary hiker trail on weekends/holidays and always ride extra cautious; yielding to pedestrians/equestrians. Reminder, there is a primary biker trail that does parallel much of the primary hiker.
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.
Tumalo Creek 2 Trail just upstream of Shevlin Park is in good condition, “hiker only”.
Wanoga Mt. Bike Trails are snow free and cleared of blowdown.
Swampy Lake Trails are snow free and trail clearing in progress. Flagline is closed until Aug. 15 for elk calving.
Tumalo Mt. – Trail is in good condition but may have a tree or two down. Hiker trail only!
Todd Lake Trailhead Snow free and accessible. Todd Lake trail and basin is snow free but the north end trails are reported muddy. Road 370 received erosion damage from the spring melt off and will remain closed until repairs can be made to culverts and other tread work. This includes access to road 380 which provides vehicle access to the Broken Top Trailhead. We hope to have repairs made and the road open before mid-August and appreciate your patience.
Todd Creek Horse Camp – Accessible to the camp and trailhead. Access on the Metolius- Windigo Horse trail southbound to Quinn Meadow is snow free with blowdown likely. Northbound Met/Win from Todd Creek may have a patch or two of snow to Happy Valley, not yet cleared.
Sparks Lake Trailhead – TH accessible but blow down likely on trail.
Ray Atkison Trailhead and Sparks Lake boat ramp – Fully accessible and cleared of blowdown.
Green Lakes/Soda Creek Trailhead – TH accessible , trails are snow free and only 1-2 trees remaining on trails. See Wilderness sections below!
Devils Lake/South Sister Trailhead –Accessible, crowded on weekends with limited parking. See Wilderness sections below!
Quinn Meadow Horse Camp area trails – Accessible, recent OET work party cleared approx. 5 miles of trails out from the Camp.
Metolius-Windigo Trail is snow free and approximately 95% has been cleared of blowdown from Bear Valley Trailhead south to Three Creeks Lake area. Here and there trail clearing in progress south of Three Creeks area, light blow down likely in Happy Valley to Todd Lk. Some trail clearing in Quinn Meadow HC area. Cleared from Winopee Lk TH to Wilderness boundary and then on to Muskrat/Winopee Lakes. Partial clearing from West Cultus to Many Lks, Lemish Lk and south to Moore Creek. Stock users be aware the bridge near Lemish Lk and a ford constructed with a currently dry crossing. M/W Trail cleared from Moore Creek to Oldenberg Lk above Crescent Lake then light blow down likely to Windigo Pass. The new Odell Creek Bridge was hit by a windblown tree and handrails damaged. Bridge is open with temporary repairs in place.
Section of Metolius Windigo Trail in Pole Creek Fire Odell Ck bridge damage – use caution!
Cultus Lake and Winopee Lk TH - Accessible with Winopee Lk Trail cleared to Winopee and Snowshoe Lk. Expect blow down northbound to the PCT. Non-wilderness section of the Cultus Lake loop between Little Cultus Lake and West Cultus boat-in camp has moderate blowdown and same for the Many Lakes Trail in Three Sisters Wilderness. Deer Lk TH is accessible with partial clearing. Trail clearing in this area is delayed and unknown when it will be completed.
Lemish Lake TH – 600 road access from Little Cultus is very rough (high clearance 4x4) but accessible to Irish Taylor Lks and PCT Trail head. Rd condition on to Waldo Lake is unknown. Lemish Lk Trail and connections to Charlton Lake are cleared..
Charlton Lake TH – Accessible from east on Road 4290 with light blowdown on trails. PCT cleared of blowdown, north from Road 4290 to Rd 600 near Irish/Taylor Lks and partially cleared south to Hwy 58.
Osprey Point TH – Accessible and light blowdown likely.
Fall River Trail – Free of blowdown.
South/North Twin Lakes area trails – Cleared of blowdown and in good condition.
Horse Butte to Swamp Wells area trails – Mostly good to fair trail access, expect light blow down south of Swamp Wells. Road to Swamp Wells is fair. Moderate or possibly heavy blowdown closer to Crater Rim Trail.
Newberry Caldera trails access is good with all trails in the Caldera (including Crater Rim and Paulina Creek Trails) now cleared of blow down and snow free. The road to Paulina Peak is now open.
Last few down trees were removed from Newberry Caldera area trails this week. All trails within the Caldera are now cleared of blowdown. Week of July 22-26 there will be heavy drainage work on the northwest corner of Crater Rim Trail.
Peter Skene Ogden Trail - Cleared from Ogden trailhead to Paulina Lake. Bikers are allowed in uphill direction only.
Lava Cast Forest Trailhead – Trailhead and trail are accessible and free of blow down.
Hoffman Island Trailhead – Accessible and trail cleared.
PCT – Snow free except for one small lingering patch north side of Three Fingered Jack. You can keep an eye on the snow levels by visiting the SnoTel website at http://www.or.nrcs.usda.gov/snow/maps/oregon_sitemap
Trail clearing by PCT stewards is in progress along many sections with mostly light to moderate blow down reported. Cleared sections include but not limited to: Windigo Pass to Summit Lk, 8 miles south of Hwy 58, clearing in progress with some sections complete to Irish/Taylor Lks. Island Meadow south to 6 Lks Tr has less than 6 trees down. Mostly cleared conditions reported north of Island Meadow to Collier Cone and likely light to Hwy 242. 4 trees down from Santiam Pass to north side of Three Finger Jack. Heavy blowdown reported in Koko Lks to Minto Pass section. Road 600 from Little Cultus Lk is snow free and passible to Irish. Road is very rough and recommended only higher clearance 4x4. http://www.pcta.org/
Wilderness Trails – See special wilderness trails section below.
Sisters Ranger District:
Black Butte Trail is hiker only and in good condition. Trailhead is accessible with road improvement and new restroom. The new summit trail improvements now provide improved public access to the very summit and its grand views of the Cascades and Central Oregon area. An old trail section has been closed and restored to a natural setting. Please pay attention to all signing at the summit and help reduce negative impacts to the fragile environment on the butte by staying on designated trails. Plan for heavy trail traffic on weekends and even some weekdays. The lookout tower and residence cabin are off limits to public access, please do not distract the lookout’s fire spotting employee. Northern half of Upper Butte Loops Trail was cleared of heavy brush and blowdown 2 years ago, but expect new blow down.
Metolius River Trail – SEE AREA, ROAD AND TRAIL CLOSURES due to wildfire on Green Ridge above. Open trail conditions are good and trails cleared. 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.
Suttle Lake Trail is in 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.
Most recent rock retaining wall on Suttle Lk Trail, completed by Deschutes NF trail crew.
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.
Peterson Ridge Trails are in good condition, becoming dusty. Big thanks to the volunteers involved in these maintenance projects. For more information on COTA, who they are, what they do and how you can help, go to: http://cotamtb.com/
Metolius-Windigo Trail - SEE DETAILS IN BEND/FORT ROCK RANGER DISTRICT ABOVE!
Horse trails out of Sheep Springs Horse Camp – Metolius-Windigo Horse Trail has been mostly cleared of blowdown with brushing in progress along this section. Rock Pile Lake trail reported to have heavy blow down towards PCT.
Head of Jack Creek Trail – Snow free but expect blow down from the trailhead and the campground to the head springs area. The 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 avoid walking in the remaining fragile riparian area.
PCT – SEE DETAILS UNDER BEND/FORT ROCK RANGER DISTRICT ABOVE!
Wilderness Trails – See special wilderness trails section below.
Crescent Ranger District:
PCT – SEE DETAILS IN BEND/FORT ROCK RANGER DISTRICT ABOVE!
Oldenberg Trail cleared of blowdown to Windigo Pass.
Summit Lk Trail – Snow free and cleared of blow down from Summit Lk to Windy Lks TR, road snow free/accessible/very rough to Summit Lk and Crest (recommended high clearance four wheel drive).
Meek Lk Trail – Snow free, 2.5 miles cleared of blowdown.
Windy Lakes Trail – Snow free, 4.5 miles cleared of blowdown.
Windigo Pass – Snow free, bumpy road.
Whitefish Horse Camp is snow free. Snow free conditions on Whitefish Ck Trail; expect blowdown.
Metolius-Windigo Trail - SEE DETAILS IN BEND/FORT ROCK RANGER DISTRICT ABOVE!
Maiden Peak – Trailhead accessible, trails are snow free with likely light blow down.
Wilderness Trails – See special wilderness trails section below.
Special Deschutes National Forest Wilderness Trails Report: Updated 8/1
Pole Creek Fire severely impacts 15+ miles of Three Sisters Wilderness Trails:
Attention: The northeast corner of Three Sister Wilderness (within the Pole Creek Fire) was severely impacted by wildfire and for resource protection public use restrictions are in place. Lifting of some trail/Wilderness access restrictions within this area are now in effect; but road access to Millican Crater, Scott Pass, Chus Falls and Pole Creek Trailheads remain CLOSED until roadside hazards are removed. Off trail travel and camping within the burned area of Wilderness is prohibited and remains in effect for this season and until further notice. The burned area is snow free and 95% of trails in the burn are cleared of blowdown. For latest Pole Creek Fire trail, road and area closure information go to: http://www.fs.usda.gov/news/centraloregon/news-events
Trail crew members and volunteers have removed over 1,100 trees and burned remnants from trails within the Pole Creek Burn area. Another ~100 trees remain to be removed with remaining trees passible.
Pole Creek Trail, Oct. 2012 Green Lakes Trail south of Pole Creek Tr, 10/12
Metolius Windigo Horse Trail in the Pole Creek Fire area, Oct. 2012
Trail restoration will be continuing thru the summer months on 20+ miles of trail in the Pole Creek Burn area. Some use restrictions will remain in effect thru the summer season. Details: http://www.fs.usda.gov/news/centraloregon/news-events and in future reports!
Wilderness Trailheads and Trails Access:
Nearly all Deschutes National Forest Wilderness trailheads are snow free and accessible. Exceptions: Broken Top and Crater Ditch due to erosion damage to road 370, to be repaired in near future; and a few Pole Creek Fire effected trail heads noted below. The majority of Wilderness trails have been cleared with clearing continuing into the Fall season. Road access to Scott Pass, Chus Falls and Pole Creek Trailheads in the Pole Creek Fire are currently closed until further notice.
Mt. Jefferson Wilderness:
BEWARE! Since 2003 Brush Ck, Minto Lake, Sugar Pine Ridge Trails and northern sections of Summit Trail 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 has become extremely difficult (impassable) for hikers and impassable for stock as well due to dense brush and blow down.
Jefferson Lake TH – Accessible with no trail clearing/brushing in progress; expect heavy brush and blow down on Jefferson Lk Trail, starting 1 mile in; trail impassable by stock and hikers. Sugar Pine Ridge Trail also impassable to all traffic. Trails reported with heavy brush and no clearing from this trail head are strongly NOT recommended for any trail users.
Brush Creek TH – No longer accessible. Brush Creek Trail impassable to all traffic.
Cabot Lake TH – Accessible with trail clearing in progress. Blowdown mostly cleared to Carl Lk except for 1 log that may block pack stock. Heavy brush removal is complete for this year. Trail north of Carl to Table Lakes has not been cleared for 3 yrs and likely very difficult for stock. A volunteer is planning to clear this section later in August. See Jefferson Lk TH above for heavy blowdown/brush warning on Jefferson Lk and Sugar Pine Ridge Trails.
Bear Valley TH – Accessible, Rockpile Lake Trail reported cleared of blow down to Wilderness boundary then over 125 trees across trail with heavy brush to Rockpile Lk and PCT, impassible by stock, very difficult for hikers. Partial logout in process, brush is another story! Minto Lake Trail is impassable to all traffic due to erosion, brush and blowdown with no maintenance since the 2003 B and B Fire. Aug. 3, 2012 photo of a 6’ 2” trail volunteer in deep snowbrush on Rockpile Lake Trail. 2013 report indicates denser brush and heavy blowdown (approx. 125 trees remaining after a volunteer group cleared 100 trees) within Wilderness section, currently considered impassible to most users. Possibility of losing trail increases if you are not careful. Continued clearing of blowdown on Rock Pile Lk Tr, Wilderness section is unknown at this time. Dense brush clearing not currently scheduled.
Jack Lake TH –Canyon Creek loop trail is now cleared and snow free. Mosquitos are light. Wasco Lake trail to PCT at Minto Pass also cleared of blowdown by volunteers. Old Summit Trail south has been cleared of blowdown to Santiam Pass but does have sections of heavy brush (passible).
Round Lake TH – Accessible, trail is blow down free.
PCT – SEE DETAILS UNDER BEND/FORT ROCK RANGER DISTRICT ABOVE! Go to: http://www.pcta.org/
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 with trailhead signing/boards removed.
PCT – SEE DETAILS UNDER BEND/FORT ROCK RANGER DISTRICT ABOVE! Go to: http://www.pcta.org/
Three Sisters Wilderness:
Three Sisters Loop – This popular loop involves approx. 45 miles of the PCT, Scott Pass Trail, Green Lakes Trail, Moraine Lake Trail and Wickiup Plains Trail. The loop is reported snow free. Clearing of blowdown is nearly complete with a few down trees just south of the Pole Creek burn to Park Meadow. PCT section was recently reported with only a few down trees and remainder of loop is in good condition.
July 15-Sept. 15 Wilderness Dog Leash Regulation in effect for: trails and trail corridors on Todd Lake, Broken Top, Soda Creek, Green Lakes, Moraine Lake (between SS Climbers trail and Fall Creek) and South Sister Climbers Trails. Leashes are also required within the management areas of Todd Lake, Green Lakes and Moraine Lake basins. Leash exception for dogs swimming or cooling off in water. Please maintain your dog leashed while on these trails during the leash season.
PCT – SEE DETAILS UNDER BEND/FORT ROCK RANGER DISTRICT ABOVE! Go to: http://www.pcta.org/
Many Lakes TH – Accessible with blow down on trails.
Deer Lake TH – Accessible with light to moderate blowdown on nearby trails, some trail clearing in progress.
Winopee Lake TH – Accessible with Winopee Lk Trail cleared to Winopee Lk.
Corral Swamp TH – Accessible, trail conditions unknown but likely moderate possibly heavy blow down, with Met/Win moderate blowdown north to Quinn Meadow cutoff and south to Cultus Lk.
Lucky Lake TH – Accessible and mostly cleared of blow down to Lucky Lake. Moderate- heavy blow down to Senoj Lk. Six Lks Trail back to Six Lks TH is mostly cleared and passible. Mosquitos moderate!
Six Lakes TH – Accessible, trail snow free, very passible and only a few downed trees remaining to PCT. Mosquitos becoming light!
Elk Lake TH – Accessible, trails to the PCT cleared of blowdown and trails cleared to Horse Lk. Light blowdown south on PCT to 6 Lks TR and cleared north to Wickiup Plains. Mosquitos in Horse Lk area may be moderate.
Mirror Lk TH – Accessible, trail cleared to Mirror Lk. Campfires prohibited within ¼ mile of Mirror Lakes management area.
Devils Lakes TH – Accessible. Light blowdown reported to PCT and no blowdown to Moraine Lk.
South Sister Climbers – Good (but limited) parking access at Green and Devils Lk Trailhead. Climber’s trail is hiker only and free of blowdown; expect a snow field or two above 7,500’. Have a map and navigation equipment, compass or GPS. South Sister Climbers Trail from trailhead to summit is closed to stock. The 6.2 mile and 5,000 ft. elevation gain climb to the summit is a difficult climb and can be very hazardous with changing weather or inexperience. All climbers should go fully prepared physically and mentally for this climb. Hazards include but are not limited to: altitude sickness, dehydration, exhaustion, losing the trail, rough trail, falls, rocks, snow fields, severe weather, etc. The Moraine Lk designated campsites are snow free. “Camping in designated campsites only” at Moraine and Green Lakes and campfires prohibited in the lake basin areas. Wickiup Plains/access to PCT is snow free.
A small wildfire (detected July 13) is being allowed to burn in the Three Sisters Wilderness just northwest of Moraine Lake, approx. 3 miles from Devils Lake on (just west of) the South Sister Climber’s Trail. This high elevation (7000’) wildfire on the southern slope of South Sister has minimal potential for rapid or extensive spread and provides a good opportunity to safely allow a natural process to maintain ecosystem health. This wildfire is being monitored on the ground by personnel. Presently, the area is not closed to public entry however, should you pass thru this area please use extra caution and stay on the trail. Do not approach the fire area, falling snags are a hazard! The Moraine Lake area and designated campsites and South Sister Climber’s trail are not in any danger from this incident.
Green Lakes TH – Accessible. Trails are snow free and with the exception of 1-2 passible downed trees, clear of blow down on Soda Ck, Green Lks and Moraine Lk Trails. Camping within the Green and Moraine Lakes basins is permitted only in designated campsites marked with a campsite post. Campfires are prohibited in Green and Moraine Lake basins.
June 28 glimpse of Three Sisters from Broken Top Summit.
Todd Lake TH – Accessible and snow free in lake area. North end trails thru the meadows are soft to muddy in places. Road 370 gate is closed at Todd Lake parking area with opening delayed until approx. mid-August, due to unexpected road maintenance.
Broken Top TH – Not accessible by vehicles due to erosion damage and roads 370 and 380 are closed until approx. mid-August, due to unexpected road maintenance. Trail is free of blowdown.
Tam Rim/Three Creek Lake area Trailheads – Tam Rim TH is accessible, Tam Rim trail snow free with light, minor blow down on trails; clearing in progress. Likely a few blowdown on trails around Three Ck Lk.
Park Meadow TH – Parking accessible, trails currently open in the Pole Creek Fire with restrictions in place. Light blow down remains and partial trail clearing in progress, trails snow free. A small foot bridge across Snow Creek was removed due to fire damage. The water level is easily forded. Use within the Pole Creek Fire area of Three Sisters Wilderness is restricted to the trails. Off trail travel/camping are prohibited for this season. For full details: http://www.fs.usda.gov/news/centraloregon/news-events
Pole Creek TH – Trailhead road access currently closed due to road hazards. Use within the Pole Creek Fire area of Three Sisters Wilderness is restricted to the trails. Trail clearing 95% complete on trails and passible within Pole Creek burn area. Off trail travel/camping are prohibited for this season. For full details: http://www.fs.usda.gov/news/centraloregon/news-events
Millican Crater TH – Trailhead road access currently closed due to road hazards. Millican Crater, Tie, Scott Pass and most of Green LakesTrails cleared of blowdown. Use within the Pole Creek Fire area of Three Sisters Wilderness is restricted to the trails. Off trail travel/camping are prohibited for this season. For full details: http://www.fs.usda.gov/news/centraloregon/news-events
Scott Pass TH- Trailhead road access currently closed due to road hazards. Millican Crater, Tie, Scott Pass and most of Green LakesTrails cleared of blowdown. Use within the Pole Creek Fire area of Three Sisters Wilderness is restricted to the trails. Off trail travel/camping are prohibited for this season. For full details: http://www.fs.usda.gov/news/centraloregon/news-events
Black Crater TH – Accessible, trail cleared of blowdown and snow free.
Lava Camp Lake TH – Accessible, trail cleared of blowdown and snow free.
Diamond Peak Wilderness:
PCT – SEE DETAILS UNDER BEND/FORT ROCK RANGER DISTRICT ABOVE! Go to: http://www.pcta.org/
Pengra Pass TH – Accessible.
Yoran Lk TH - Accessible, light to moderate blow down not cleared.
Fawn Lk TH is accessible with Fawn Lake Trail cleared of blow down and Pretty Lake Trail partially cleared; with clearing in progress.
Whitefish Horse Camp is accessible, Whitefish Trail snow free and moderate blow down possible. Snell Lk 1.5 miles and Meek Lk 2.5 cleared of blowdown. For Met/Win Trail, see Met/Win above.
Summit Lk/PCT – Road access from Crescent Lk is snow free but very rough. PCT is snow free and trail clearing nearly complete in Diamond Peak.
SEASONAL ROAD CLOSURES/OPENINGS:
Hwy 46 OPEN for the summer season. Road 370 CLOSED, snow free and open from Hwy 46 to Todd Lake TH then gate is closed due unexpect runoff damage and erosion. Will open when repairs are complete, approx. mid-August. Road 380 to Broken Top TH also closed due to future repair needs on Road 370. Road 370 is open from intersection with rd 4601 to Road 16 near Three Creek Lks.
Tumalo Falls OPEN– Tumalo Falls Trailhead and access road is now open for the Road season.
Road 21 OPEN for the summer season from Ten Mile Sno-Park to east end of Newberry Caldera. Road to Paulina Peak now open for the season.
Hwy 242 Mckenzie Pass, OPEN for the season. Road 16 Road open and snow free to Three Creeks Lake.
Pole Creek Fire Partial road closures within the Pole Creek Fire Closure: area road http://www.fs.usda.gov/news/centraloregon/news-events will remain in closures effect thru the summer season. Lifting of some closure is occuring as roads are manged for hazard trees.
Road 60 OPEN. Roads to Windigo Pass and Road to Summit Lake are snow free, open but rough.
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 WE’VE MOVED! The Bend/Fort Rock Ranger District Office and the Deschutes National Forest Supervisor’s Office have moved into one office complex in the northeast part of Bend. New address: 63095 Deschutes Market Road, Bend. Have a safe summer!