Deschutes National Forest

Summer Trail Access and Conditions Update KNOW BEFORE YOU GO!

Updated July 10, 2015

Summer Trail Highlights  Fire danger is extreme and Public Use Restrictions on campfires, wood burning, BBQ, smoking, and chainsaw use begin 7-10 at 00:01.  Summer trails are now snow free with most trails either cleared of downed trees or light to moderate. Expect downed trees on several trails.  July 11/12, bike race out of Wanoga Sno-Park with possibly 250 riders.  Tumalo Falls Road/Trailhead, all trails into TH and all access to the Falls and viewpoints now closed to all vehicle, foot and bike traffic until further

notice. Pipeline construction in YCC crews help improve “defensible space” around Shooting Star Nordic Shelter by removing excess brush and trees progress thru the area. surrounding the shelter.  5/15-9/15 dogs on leash only on Deschutes River Trails. 7/15 – 9/15 dogs on leash only on several high use Wilderness trails.  Hwy 46 (Cascade Lks Hwy), Road 21 into Newberry/ Paulina Peak Road, Road 16 to Three Creeks area and Hwy 242 open for the season. Road 370 beyond Todd Lk on or before 7/11; vehicles on open roadways only.  Go prepared with your Ten Essential Systems: Navigation (map and compass) Sun protection (sunglasses/sunscreen) Insulation (extra clothing) Illumination (headlamp/flashlight) Volunteers are hitting their stride with trail clearing. Approx. 70% of Deschutes NF trails are now cleared of First-aid supplies down trees. Thank you volunteers and trail crew! Fire(waterproofmatches/lighter/candles) Repair kit and tools Nutrition (extra food) Hydration (extra water) Emergency shelter GENERAL SUMMER TRAIL CONDITIONS AS OF JULY 10:

HOT, dry and mostly sunny weather has created dusty trails, dry creeks, lowered lake levels and elevated fire danger. All Deschutes NF trails are now snow free with just patchy snow possible above 9,000 ft.. The majority of trails have been cleared of blowdown but expect to find a few yet waiting their turn. Higher numbers of downed trees possible in fire/beetle kill sections. A few trails in the Mt. Jefferson Wilderness continue to be considered “IMPASSIBLE” due to extremely heavy blowdown and brush blocking them. See Mt. Jefferson Wilderness section below! All trailheads, except for a special construction closure of at Tumalo Falls, are snow free and accessible.

Peak summer use can be expected on many summer trails, including Wilderness areas. Expect high use on popular trails and backcountry areas, even on weekdays and especially during hot weather. Share the trail!

If you are not interested in crowds and looking for a low trail traffic experience, avoid the high traffic summer trails and lakes like: Green/Moraine Lakes, South Sister, Sparks Lake, Hosmer Lake, Todd Lake, Mirror Lakes, Pole Creek, Deschutes River, Canyon Creek Meadows, Black Butte, Tumalo Mt., Tumalo Falls (currently closed), etc. These areas each typically see hundreds of users on weekend days and even some weekdays.

This large ponderosa currently blocks the Metolius River Trail ¼ mile downstream of Canyon Creek Campground. A trail reroute is currently in place and the tree will be monitored for this season due complicated removal in the river and riparian area. The reroute is steep and narrow and may not be recommended for some hikers.

Weather conditions can change rapidly so be sure to watch closely for most recent weather forecasts.

On July 7, lightning struck these 4 large hemlock trees near the Crater Rim Trail in the Newberry Caldera. One of these, a 38” diameter tree was reduced to splinters. Just hours before a trail crew was working on the trail 100 yards away. With unsettled weather and summer thunderstorms, use extra caution and try to avoid being exposed to lightning hazards.

North West Youth Corps Volunteers installing check steps to reduce effects of erosion on trails.

Trail volunteers are 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!

Fire Restrictions begin in Central Oregon

Due to extreme fire danger, Public Use Restrictions are now in effect and as of July 10 at 12:01 a.m.: campfires, warming fires and cooking fires, including charcoal fires, portable propane campfires, biomass or particle wood-burning stoves, and wood pellet grills or smokers, are prohibited on Forest Service and BLM lands, except in established fire rings at designated campgrounds.

Wilderness: These campfire restrictions apply to all wildernesses on Forest Service and BLM lands. Please note that biomass or particle wood-burning stoves are not allowed in wilderness this year due to the severity of fuel conditions.

For further information on current public use restrictions due to high fire dangers go to: http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/deschutes/news-events/?cid=STELPRD3844504

DESCHUTES NATIONAL FOREST SUMMER TRAILHEADS/TRAILS:

Summer trail access has been 4-5 weeks ahead of average years. Most trails and areas are currently at average mid-late August conditions for fire hazard, and drying creeks and water levels.

Bend/Fort Rock Ranger District summer trails/access:

 Phils TH area trails are fair to good with trails becoming dusty. For more information on COTA, who they are, what they do and how you can help, go to: http://cotamtb.com/

 Tumalo Falls Trailhead and Falls area CLOSURE – Road 4603 from the gate to Tumalo Falls Trailhead and including the trailhead, Falls area and viewpoints, are now closed until further notice to all traffic including pedestrian and bikes. The Falls area is a new closure that was necessary due to many trail users continuing to use the closed trails and trailhead thru the construction area. Until further notice you cannot visit or view the Falls due to hazardous conditions. Also ALL trails into Tumalo Falls Trailhead (TFT) are closed including: Farewell from junction with Mrazek to TFT, North Fork Trail to TFT, South Fork from junction with Tumalo Creek Trail to TFT. Installation of new municipal water line is occurring thru TFT during the next few months. Sorry for any inconvenience but this closure is necessary for worker and public safety and we will have the trailhead, Falls are viewpoints and connecting trails reopened shortly after construction of the remaining pipeline.

 Deschutes River Trailheads/Trails - area trails are in good condition. Use has reached high summer levels and conflicts between users are possible. Bikers, while permitted to use the hiker trails are asked to be responsible and slow down and be aware of other users. Bikers please consider avoiding the primary hiker trail on weekends and holidays when hiker use is at its peak. Be aware that the handrails at the upper and lower viewing areas for Benham Falls are being refinished and will need a few days to setup. Avoid touching them if found to be sticky.

 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.

 Sun Lava Paved Path between Sunriver, Benham East and Lava Lands. Currently good condition; watch for high biker, hiker, stroller use on the path.

 Lava Lands Trails - Lava Lands is open seven days/week. Lava Lands interpretive trails and the trail on Lava Butte are open.

 Wanoga Mt. Bike Trails – area trails are in fair to good condition but some blowdown is possible.

 Swampy Lake Trails are snow free with trail clearing in progress. Flagline Trail is closed until Aug. 15 for elk calving.

 Tumalo Mt. – Snow free and trail is cleared of blowdown.

 Todd Creek Horse Camp – Hwy 46 open and snow free in camp area. Met/Win horse trail has not been cleared yet.

 Sparks Lake Trailhead – Hwy 46 open and open to trailhead. Trail snow free and blowdown possible on trail.

 Ray Atkison Trailhead and Sparks Lake boat ramp – Trailhead/boat ramp open but lake level is rapidly dropping. Boat launching from a trailer may not be possible due to low water. Trail cleared of blowdown. Lake and trails very busy!

 Quinn Meadow Horse Camp area trails – Hwy 46 open. Area trails have light to moderate blowdown and snow free.

 Metolius-Windigo Trail area trail clearing in progress with blowdown likely.

 Cultus Lake and Winopee Lk TH – Fair snow free access. Expect blowdown, limited clearing in progress.

 Lemish Lake TH – Area trails and trailheads snow free but difficult to access over rough roads. Expect blowdown on trails

 Charlton Lake TH – Snow free and accessible. Blowdown on trails with limited clearing in progress. PCT cleared to Lily Lake Trail and trail down to Lily Lake also cleared. Trail between Lily Lk to Lemish Lk Trail has heavy blowdown.

 Osprey Point TH – Trail currently has downed trees and some brush growing into it.

 South/North Twin Lakes area trails – Snow free and cleared of blowdown.

 Fall River Trail – Area trails and trailheads accessible, blowdown reported on some trails.

 Horse Butte to Swamp Wells area trails – Currently good conditions. Swamp Wells trail from horse camp to Crater Rim Trail now cleared of blowdown. These are primary use horse trails; bikers if you do use these trails, yield to equestrians, use extra caution around horses, remove litter and help prevent user conflicts.

 Newberry Caldera trails – Road 21 into Newberry Caldera with access to Monument trails is now open for the season. Area trails snow free and nearly fully cleared of blowdown. Crater Rim, Paulina Lakeshore, Peter Skene Ogden, Parallel, Newberry and most other trails cleared of blowdown. Trail crews will be working on tread and drainage on various trails thru July. Due to very sharp volcanic glass, dogs are not recommended on the Obsidian Trail. Road to Paulina Peak is now open for the season with limited vehicle length and no trailers due to steep and narrow gravel road conditions.

 Peter Skene Ogden Trail –snow free and cleared of blowdown. Bikers permitted only in uphill direction with downhill return on roads.

 Lava Cast Forest Trailhead – Trails in good condition with some cracked pavement under repairs.

 Hoffman Island Trailhead – Trailhead accessible with some blowdown likely on trail.

 Pacific Crest Trail – PCT and connecting trails snow free with trail clearing in progress on several trail sections. Several PCT stewards are clearing their segments as schedules permit. http://www.pcta.org/

 Wilderness Trails – Snow free with approx. 60% of Wilderness trails on Deschutes National Forest have been cleared of blowdown. Due to high fire danger and very early dry conditions campfire and wood cook stove fires are prohibited in Deschutes, Willamette and Ochoco National Forest Wilderness areas. Gas camp stoves are permitted. July 15 – Sept 15, dog leash regulation in effect for Todd Lake, Green Lake, Moraine Lake basins and area system trails from South Sister Climber Trail east to Todd Lake and Broken Top Trailheads. Wilderness permits now required thru October. Obtain the permits (free) at Wilderness trailhead permit stations. Mosquitos for most locations seemed to have dried up early along with many intermittent streams. Go prepared for early drying of many creeks!

Sisters Ranger District summer trails/access:

 Black Butte Trail – trailheads and trails are snow free and cleared of blowdown. Hiker only trail. Butte Loops have varying numbers of blowdown.

 Metolius River Trails –in fair to good condition. Light blowdown. Hiker only trails. A very large tree recently fell across the west Metolius River Trail ¼ mile downstream of Canyon Creek Campground. It has been determined that to clear this tree from the trail that part and perhaps all of it would float downstream and possibly create a fishermen and boater hazard. A steep, narrow and somewhat difficult detour trail is in place and the tree will be monitored in place at this time. The detour trail may not be suitable for some hikers.

 Suttle Lake Trail area trails are in good condition. A five week project to replace some decaying log retaining structures along the trail has finished for the season. Enjoy the improved trail conditions.

Volunteers

receiving

instruction on

rock retaining

wall

construction

along Suttle

Lake Trail.

 Lake Creek Trail - Currently, general trail conditions are good and trail cleared of blowdown.

 Peterson Ridge Trails – area trails are in good condition.

 Metolius-Windigo Trail – light to moderate blowdown across trails with trail clearing in progress.

 Horse trails out of Sheep Springs Horse Camp general trail conditions are fair to good with down trees possible, possibly heavy in burned areas. Trail clearing in progress

 Head of Jack Creek Trail – A few down trees possible.

 PCT – SEE DETAILS UNDER BEND/FORT ROCK RANGER DISTRICT ABOVE!

Crescent Ranger District summer trails/access:

 PCT – SEE DETAILS IN BEND/FORT ROCK RANGER DISTRICT ABOVE!

 Oldenberg Trail - Light blowdown across trails with clearing in progress.

 Summit Lk Trail – Light blowdown across trails with clearing in progress.

 Meek Lk Trail – Light blowdown across trails with clearing in progress.

 Windy Lakes Trail – Light blowdown across trails with clearing in progress.

 Windigo Pass – Light blowdown across trails with clearing in progress.

 Whitefish Horse Camp - Light blowdown across trails with clearing in progress.

 Pretty Lk/Fawn Lake Trails – Trails cleared and in good condition.

 Metolius-Windigo Trail - SEE DETAILS IN BEND/FORT ROCK RANGER DISTRICT ABOVE!

 Maiden Lake and Peak – Light blowdown across trails with clearing in progress.

Wilderness Trails – Snow free with approx. 60% of Wilderness trails on Deschutes National Forest have been cleared of blowdown. Due to high fire danger and very early dry conditions campfire and wood cook stove fires are prohibited in Deschutes, Willamette and Ochoco National Forest Wilderness areas. Gas camp stoves are permitted. July 15 – Sept 15, dog leash regulation in effect for Todd Lake, Green Lake, Moraine Lake basins and area system trails from South Sister Climber Trail east to Todd Lake and Broken Top Trailheads. Wilderness permits now required thru October. Obtain the permits (free) at Wilderness trailhead permit stations. Mosquitos for most locations seemed to have dried up early along with many intermittent streams. Go prepared for early drying of many creeks!

Special Deschutes National Forest Wilderness Trails Report: Updated 7/10/15

Wilderness Permits Required Memorial Day Weekend thru October 31

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. 90% 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 is 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. If you are passing thru the effected burn area closure along the Green Lakes Trail, be aware that there are approx. 8 trail miles you are not allowed to travel off the Green Lakes Trail or camp along. Add these miles to those trail miles before or after the restricted boundaries to calculate your distance between campsites.

“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

Mt. Jefferson Wilderness:

 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 was cleared in 2014 for 2.3 miles of this 8 mile trail. Limited clearing of down trees also occurred on this section 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. Not recommended! Ticks have been heavy along this trail.

 Brush Creek TH – TH accessible. Brush Creek Trail currently impassable to all traffic.

 Cabot Lake TH – Trails snow free to Shirley and Carl Lakes and trail to Cabot Lake cleared of blowdown with trails to Carl and Shirley reported as light. See Jefferson Lk TH above for heavy blowdown/brush warning on Jefferson Lk Trail.

 Bear Valley TH – Snow free and accessible to TH. Heavy blowdown reported on Rock Pile Lake Trail. Minto Lake Trail is impassible to all traffic due to erosion, brush, blowdown with no maintenance since the 2003 B and B Fire.

 Jack Lake TH – TH and trails accessible. Canyon Creek loop trail and trail to Wasco Lk and PCT Tie fully cleared. Trail south on Old Summit Trail reported to have moderate to heavy blowdown. Minto Lake trail impassible.

Volunteers logging

out Canyon Creek

Trail on 6/19/14.

Trail now snow

free and cleared.

 Round Lake TH – Accessible, expect blowdown. Old Summit Trail north and south not cleared.

 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 has been removed from the system and no longer accessible with heavy blowdown and regrowth.

 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 – Road to Irish/Taylor Lks is snow free, has been roughly cleared of blowdown and is in rough condition. PCT clearing in progress.

 Many Lakes TH – TH snow free, accessible with high clearance vehicle. Trails are snow free but with moderate blowdown.

 Deer Lake TH – Accessible with limited trail clearing in progress.

 Winopee Lake TH – Accessible with Winopee Lk Trail cleared for 1.5 mile, blowdown beyond.

 Corral Swamp TH – Access unknown, trail likely muddy with blowdown.

 Lucky Lake TH – Trailhead accessible with trail cleared of blowdown to Lucky Lk. Senoj Lk Trail beyond Lucky is under blowdown.

 Six Lakes TH – Trailhead accessible with trail cleared to PCT, snow free.

 Elk Lake TH – Trails cleared to PCT.

 Mirror Lk TH – Trail snow free, light blowdown. Campfires prohibited within ¼ mile of Mirror Lakes management area.  Devils Lake/South Sister Trailhead –Busy on weekends! South Sister Climber’s trail is pretty much snow free. Avoid climbing in unsettled weather. 3 climbers were rescued on May 16 when they lost the trail on decent in whiteout conditions. They were poorly prepared, lacked experience and did not turn back in degrading conditions. Mountain weather can change rapidly, go prepared and turn back before complications develop! Summit trail above 7,000’ is not recommended for dogs. Volcanic cinders are very abrasive on dog pads, high elevations, dehydration and out of physical conditioning effect hikers and dogs alike. You will be responsible for carrying your dog down the mountain if difficultly arises. Search and rescue crews do not rescue dogs. Dog leash regulation in effect July 15 – Sept. 15.

 Green Lakes/Soda Creek Trailhead – Hwy 46 open and trailhead is snow free. Trails to Green and Moraine Lakes are now snow free and cleared of blowdown. Soda Creek Trail is cleared of blowdown. Stream levels are becoming very low. Dog leash regulation in effect July 15 – Sept. 15.

 Todd Lake Trailhead Road now open ½ mile to parking area. Todd Lake area trails are snow free and mostly free of blowdown. Dog leash regulation in effect July 15 – Sept. 15. Road 370 beyond Todd Lake parking area is scheduled to open before July 11! This open road allows access to the higher elevation trailheads into Broken Top. Be aware the road is very rough and recommended for high clearance vehicles or four wheel drive. Keep vehicles on open roadways and spurs.

 Broken Top TH – Road 370 beyond Todd Lake parking area is scheduled to open before July 11! This open road allows access to the higher elevation trailheads into Broken Top. Be aware the road is very rough and recommended for high clearance vehicles or four wheel drive. Keep vehicles on open roadways and spurs. Trail has not been cleared of blowdown, a few down trees are possible.

 Tam Rim/Three Creek Lake area Trailheads – Road 16 is now open for the season with snow free access to Tam Rim Trailhead. Trail is snow free with most down trees cleared off.

 Park Meadow TH – Road 16 is now open for the season. Trailhead is accessible with trail clearing in progress and only a few blowdown left on trail to Park Meadow. Green Lakes Trail from Park Meadow north to Pole Creek Burn and on to Pole Ck TH is cleared of blowdown. Moderate blowdown to Scott Pass Trail (clearing in progress) with Scott Pass, Trout Creek Tie and Millican Crater Trails cleared.

YCC crew working

on finishing

touches on section

of reconstructed

Park Meadow Trail

in 2014.

 Pole Creek TH – Trailhead accessible, snow free to Camp Lake area with just a few downed trees left to clear towards Camp Lake. Pole Creek Trail cleared to Green Lks Trail and then south to Park Meadow. Green Lks Trail north to Scott Pass Trail has moderate blowdown with clearing in progress.

 Scott Pass and Millican Crater Trailheads – Trailhead accessible, Scott Pass Trail, Trout Creek Tie and Millican Crater Trails cleared to PCT.

 Black Crater TH – Hwy 242 open and trail to summit cleared of blowdown and snow free.

 Lava Camp Lake TH – Hwy 242 open and Millican Crater/Scott Pass Trails cleared. PCT clearing in progress.

Diamond Peak Wilderness:

 PCT – SEE PCT DETAILS IN BEND/FORT ROCK RANGER DISTRICT ABOVE!

 Pengra Pass TH – TH accessible, expect blowdown on PCT and snow on peak.

 Yoran Lk TH - Trailhead accessible, trail snow free and cleared of blowdown.

 Fawn Lk TH - Trailhead accessible, trail snow free and cleared of blowdown.

 Whitefish Horse Camp is accessible, Whitefish Trail blowdown likely with moderate blowdown reported on north end and not passible to stock.

 Summit Lk/PCT – Road access from Crescent Lk snow free. Light to moderate blowdown on area trails and likely snow free.

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

SEASONAL ROAD CLOSURES/OPENINGS:

Hwy 46 OPEN for the season. All trailheads and recreation site access immediately along hwy now snow free and accessible. Be aware of chip sealing project from Mt. Bachelor south, starting July 13 and continuing thru late July. Road 370 OPEN from Hwy 46 to Road 4601. Road is rough and recommended Todd Lake only for high clearance and/or four wheel drive. Keep vehicles on roadways and spurs.

Tumalo Falls CLOSED to all traffic including hiker and bike traffic due to water Road line installation. Closure in effect until further notice. Tumalo Falls Trailhead, viewpoints and access trails into and out of TH also now closed to all use until further notice, for pipeline construction thru the trailhead area.

Road 21 into OPEN for the season into Newberry Caldera; Road to Paulina Peak Newberry also open with vehicle length restriction of 23 ft. and no trailers Cauldera due to steep, narrow, gravel road conditions.

Hwy 242 Mckenzie Pass OPEN for the season Road 16 OPEN to Three Creeks Lake. Three Creek Lk Road 60 OPEN. 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.

New Sun-Lava Trail

from Sunriver to

Benham East and on

to Lava Lands is

open, good conditions

on trail. Heavy biker,

hiker, stroller use.

SPECIAL TRAIL EVENTS AFFECTING TRAILHEADS AND TRAILS:

July 11/12 – Mt bike race out of Wanoga Sno-Park.

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. Hot and dry summer season conditions exist! Be sure to go prepared with plenty of 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 Summer trails season!