Deschutes National Forest
Summer Trail Access and Conditions Update KNOW BEFORE YOU GO!
Updated August 21, 2014
Summer Trail Highlights Additional trail, area and road closures possible due to wild fire activity. Check on area status for possible closures before going. http://inciweb.nwcg.gov Metolius River trail/campgrounds reopened. Bear Butte 2 fire partial closure (Cabot, Carl, Shirley Lks now open) in effect for section of Mt. Jefferson Wilderness near Jefferson Creek. PCT reopened south/north of Mt. Jefferson. Go to: http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/3963/ Muskrat Fire closure west and north of Cultus Lake has been reopened. 370 Road is open for the season and scheduled to remain open until Fall season. Summer trails are snow free. 70-80% of Deschutes National Forest trails are cleared of downed trees. YCC crew members working on “heavy” trail maintenance on July 15-Sept. 15, dog leash requirement in Met/Win Trail thru the Pole Creek Burn. effect for trails to and around Todd Lk, Green/Moraine Lks, Broken Top and South
Sister Climbers Trails. Flagline Trail is open for the season. Green Lks, Moraine Lk basins snow free. Overnight camping permitted only in Designated Campsites; no campfires. Three Sisters Loop is snow free. Mild to cool weather with slight chance of showers . Watch weather forecasts closely. Go prepared with your Ten Essential Systems: Navigation (map and compass) Sun protection (sunglasses/sunscreen) Insulation (extra clothing)
Repeated vandalism to trail signing and trail features along Ben’s Illumination (headlamp/flashlight) and other Phil’s Trailhead area trails. If you have information First-aid supplies regarding vandalism to signing and other facilities on Deschutes Fire(waterproofmatches/lighter/candles) National Forest lands, please call: 541-693-6911. Repair kit and tools Nutrition (extra food) Hydration (extra water) Emergency shelter GENERAL SUMMER TRAIL CONDITIONS AS OF AUGUST 21:
Backcountry trail access is generally good with trail clearing continuing. Approximately 80% of the Deschutes National Forest Trails are clear of blowdown or readily passible to hiker, biker and stock travel. Down trees are possible yet on some trails. However, a few trails thru beetle or fire kill areas may have higher numbers of downed trees. Use on summer trails is on the increase so heads up and be ready to share the trail and watch out for each other.
High Fire Danger! Fire danger is currently high to extreme calling for extra caution. Trail, road and area closures are possible on any given day during this highly active fire season. While crews are able to extinguish most lightning fires; with recent heavy lightning activity, remote access to some starts and limited resources, the possibility for larger uncontrolled fires is always present. Before heading out on your trail adventure, check for local fire conditions, activity and closures. If you encounter a wild fire, provide for you own safety and contact 911. http://inciweb.nwcg.gov
Moraine Lake area on July 27. Camping in Moraine and Green Lakes basins permitted only at designated campsites. Tents must be within 15 ft. of campsite post. Campfires prohibited and please pack out toilet paper. Expect campsites near or at capacity on weekends. If full, camp outside of signed basin.
YCC crew members assist with replacement of puncheon bridges over riparian areas of Swampy Lakes Trail in Happy Valley.
SCA volunteers learning the fine art of clearing trails using crosscut saws and axes.
Trail volunteers 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 Allingham Trail College students learning to appreciate trail drainge are. Remember to improvements using large (heavy) rocks. “Thank” our volunteers!
Northwest Youth
Corps crews
complete finishing
touches on variety
of Metolius River
restoration
projects.
DESCHUTES NATIONAL FOREST SUMMER TRAILHEADS/TRAILS:
Bend/Fort Rock Ranger District summer trails/access:
Phils TH area trails are mostly cleared of down trees, becoming 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/ Deschutes National Forest and COTA are asking for your help in preventing vandalism on public access trails. If you see or have information regarding vandalism on public trails and facilities, please contact local land managers or law enforcement.
Tumalo Falls Trailhead is OPEN. North Fork Trail is snow free and in good condition. The trail is cleared of blowdown and open to bikers in the uphill only direction. Reminder for bikers, biking is permitted in the uphill direction only on North Fork to the Metolius- Windigo Trail for a downhill, return trip on Mrazek and or Farewell Trails. 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 might have light blowdown. Flagline Trail, is open for the season. Be aware of water line construction in progress along Skyliner Road to Tumalo Falls Trailhead.
Mrazek Trail beyond Shevlin Park currently has a short detour due to the Two Bulls Fire. Follow the trail detour signs to the 4609 road. All other trails have reopened with the control of this fire. For further fire information on this and other incidents go to: http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/3889/22042/
Deschutes River Trailheads/Trails are in good condition from Entrada to Benham Falls and on to Sunriver. The new Sun-Lava paved path is now open. Benham Falls day use areas East and West are getting some additional “face lifting” work to trail tread and fencing over the next week. They remain open, but please be careful during this period.
Sun-Lava paved path is now open. These 10 ft. wide paved trails are open to non- motorized wheeled vehicles (bikes, wheel chairs, strollers, roller blades, skate boards, unicycles, etc.) and connect Sunriver to Lava Lands and Benham East day use area. The paths are very popular on weekends with heavy wheeled traffic. Please slow down on hills, at road/trail crossings and in congested areas. Watch for other trail users and be courteous.
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 Trails - Lava Lands is open seven days/week. Lava Lands interpretive trails and the trail on Lava Butte are open. Blackrock Trail to Benham East has reopened with minor reroutes/connections with the newly opened Sun-Lava paved path.
Wanoga Mt. Bike Trails are snow free with maintenance in progress. Be aware of possible special trail events/races over the coming weeks.
Swampy Lake Trails are snow free, possible blowdown on trails. Flagline is open for the season.
Tumalo Mt. – Trail is snow free and cleared of blowdown.
Todd Lake Trailhead and parking area are open. Todd Lake basin is snow free. There are about 15 trees down on the trail around the lake and the meadows may be soft and possible with mud; please stay on trails. Road 370 is open for the season. This includes access to road 380 which provides vehicle access to the Broken Top Trailhead. Road 380 is very rough and high clearance vehicle recommended.
Todd Creek Horse Camp – Snow free access. Access on the Metolius-Windigo Horse trail southbound to Quinn Meadow is good and northbound may have a few down trees to Happy Valley.
Sparks Lake Trailhead – Trailhead is snow free with trail to Met/Win TR cleared and snow free.
Ray Atkison Trailhead and Sparks Lake boat ramp – Snow free access and trails cleared of blowdown.
Green Lakes/Soda Creek Trailhead – Snow free and mostly cleared of blowdown. See Wilderness sections below!
Devils Lake/South Sister Trailhead – Snow free on Climbers Trail. Most trails in area are cleared of blowdown. See Wilderness sections below!
Quinn Meadow Horse Camp area trails – Snow free access with most non-Wilderness trails near the camp now cleared of blowdown. Limited trail clearing currently in Wilderness.
Metolius-Windigo Trail is snow free. Trail clearing in progress at low to mid elevations. Trail sections are cleared or light blowdown/passible from Bear Valley TH (see TH closure below) to Three Creeks HC and then cleared from Todd Ck HC to approx. Moore Creek Trail. Then cleared along Crescent Lake to Windigo Pass. Limited clearing in progress north of Crescent Lake towards Moore Creek.
Cultus Lake and Winopee Lk TH - Accessible. Winopee Lk Trail is snow free and cleared from TH at Cultus Lk to Winopee Lk. Trails beyond Winopee Lk. to PCT possible light to heavy blowdown, snow free. Trails around Cultus to Deer Lk, Little Cultus and on to Many Lakes Trailheads are also cleared.
Lemish Lake TH – Accessible with trail to Lemish/Charlton Lks then west to Many Lks Trailhead snow free and cleared of blowdown. Road access to Little Cultus Lake, bumpy but good with the road to Irish/Taylor snow free and though rough is passable to high clearance vehicles.
Charlton Lake TH – Accessible with PCT cleared north to Irish/Taylor Lakes. A few trees north of Irish/Taylor to Six Lks Trail with likely clearing on 8/22. Also clearing complete on the Clover Meadow and other nearby trails, completed for the Where’s Waldo foot race. 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 some in Fall.
Osprey Point TH – Accessible and light blowdown likely.
Fall River Trail – Light blowdown possible.
South/North Twin Lakes area trails –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. Blowdown either cleared or light north of Swamp Wells CG. Swamp Wells Trail south towards Crater Rim Trail is mostly cleared with blowdown likely within 1-2 miles of Crater Rim Trail. 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. Be aware of recent prescribed burn activities along some trails.
Newberry Caldera trails access is snow free from the caldera floor to the rim with all trails cleared of blowdown. The road to Paulina Peak is now open for the season.
Peter Skene Ogden (PSO) Trail - 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 accesses from the Deschutes National Forest approach are snow free and accessible except for Bear Valley with road work and Jefferson Lake and north Cabot Lake Trails are closed due to nearby fire activity. PCT trail clearing completed or in progress along most sections. Hwy 242, Mckenzie Pass open for the summer season. PCT Trail Closure from Shirley Lk Trail north to Cathedral Rocks (Mt Jefferson Wilderness) and to the north of Mt. Jefferson has reopened. Go to: http://www.pcta.org/ and http://inciweb.nwcg.gov 3 lost hikers recently rescued near Mirror Lake. Trio of lost hikers were found very near the trail after becoming disoriented when leaving the trail. If “directionally challenged”, not experienced in backcountry settings, unfamiliar with area, etc.; stay on trails!
Wilderness Trails – See special wilderness trails section below.
Sisters Ranger District summer trails/access: Black Butte Trail – Trailhead is accessible. Hiker use only on both upper and new lower Black Butte Trails. Upper/lower trails now cleared. Caution, fire traffic in area with new fire starts just reported from recent thunderstorms! Watch for possible road/trail access restrictions if fire situation becomes difficult.
Metolius River Trails – Fair to good condition. Lower Metolius River Trails and campgrounds reopened after Bridge 99 fire. Some area/road closures in place yet on 1490 and 1499 roads. http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/3963/ 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. Trail maintenance in progress with most trails cleared of blowdown. Rodeo ground tie trail horse ford on Wychus Creek is now cleared for fording.
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.
Lake Creek Trail 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. Recent report of a medium sized hawk exhibiting protective measures for her young. CAUTION, Trail users have reported the hawk taking aggressively close passes. 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!
Head of Jack Creek Trail – Accessible and cleared of 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 PCT DETAILS IN BEND/FORT ROCK RANGER DISTRICT ABOVE!
Wilderness Trails – See special wilderness trails section below.
Crescent Ranger District summer trails/access:
PCT – SEE PCT DETAILS IN BEND/FORT ROCK RANGER DISTRICT ABOVE!
Oldenberg Trail snow free with trail cleared from Whitefish HC to Windigo Pass.
Summit Lk Trail – Access to Summit Lake from Crescent is snow free but rough road. First 3 miles of trail cleared with light to moderate blowdown beyond.
Meek Lk Trail – Unknown conditions but expect blowdown.
Windy Lakes Trail – Trail conditions of moderate blowdown with clearing in progress.
Windigo Pass – Snow free with rough road.
Whitefish Horse Camp – Whitefish Trail mostly cleared and very passible from Horse Camp to Trapper Ck TH and Oldenberg trail cleared to Windigo Pass.
Metolius-Windigo Trail - SEE DETAILS IN BEND/FORT ROCK RANGER DISTRICT ABOVE!
Maiden Peak – Cleared of blowdown.
Wilderness Trails – See special wilderness trails section below.
Special Deschutes National Forest Wilderness Trails Report: Updated 8/21/14
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
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 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.
Deschutes National Forest Wilderness trailheads are accessible except as noted below. Approx. 75% of Wilderness trails have been cleared or are in progress.
Mt. Jefferson Wilderness: Active wildfire currently burning in northern area of Mt. Jefferson Wilderness. Area, trail and road closures in effect. Go to: http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/3963/
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 Currently closed due to active wildfire in area: http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/3963/ 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.
Brush Creek TH – TH accessible. Brush Creek Trail currently impassable to all traffic. No trail maintenance scheduled at this time.
Cabot Lake TH – Trailhead and trails to Cabot Lake, Shirley Lake, Carl Lake and Junction LakeTrail are mostly cleared and open. An overhanging tree with 6 ft. of clearance may be a challenge for taller stock and riders. Cabot Lk Trail north of Junction Lake, Sugar Pine Ridge, and Jefferson Lake Trails are closed due to wild fire. See Jefferson Lk TH above for heavy blowdown/brush warning on Jefferson Lk Trail.
Bear Valley TH – Road and trailhead closure in place for fisheries improvement project and may last into early Fall. Beware of wildfire activity just to the north with closures on other area trails: http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/3963/ Rockpile Lake trail has 87 trees down with no clearing scheduled due to road closure to trailhead. 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 trails snow and mostly blowdown free. Canyon Creek loop trail has been cleared. Mosquitos are variable. Beware of wildfire activity just to the north with area/trail closure on Cabot Lk and Jefferson Lk Trails. http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/3963/ Trail to Wasco Lake and PCT cleared. PCT reopened from Minto Pass to Olallie with possible closure in place just north. Old Summit Trail south currently under 70 downed trees to Booth Lk with clearing scheduled for August 7.
Volunteers logging
out Canyon Creek
Trail on 6/19.
Trails
snow/blowdown
free.
Round Lake TH – Accessible, trail cleared to Square Lk. Old Summit Trail cleared of blowdown.
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. Considered impassible! This trail is under a non- maintenance condition.
PCT – SEE PCT DETAILS IN BEND/FORT ROCK RANGER DISTRICT ABOVE!
Three Sisters Wilderness:
Three Sisters Loop – Trail snow free. Eastside trails are mostly cleared of blowdown. PCT may have downed trees yet. If you are passing thru the effected Pole Creek 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 8 miles to those trail miles before or after the restricted boundaries to calculate your distance between campsites.
PCT – SEE PCT DETAILS IN BEND/FORT ROCK RANGER DISTRICT ABOVE!
PCT TH at Irish and Taylor Lakes – Road to Irish/Taylor Lks passable to high clearance vehicles with road in rough condition. PCT for some distance north and south is mostly cleared but, there are 2 downed trees between Dennis Lake and Cliff Lake on the PCT currently blocking stock travel. Personnel hope to remove these trees on 8/22.
Many Lakes TH – TH accessible with Met/Win Trail cleared to Lemish and on to Moore Ck and towards Cultus Lk and on to Todd Lake area.
Deer Lake TH – Trailhead accessible, trail cleared of blowdown to Many Lakes, Little and Big Cultus Lakes.
Winopee Lake TH – Accessible with Winopee Lk Trail cleared of blowdown to Winopee Lake. Trail on to Snowshoe Lakes light blowdown with some brush encroaching.
Corral Swamp TH – Accessible TH. Trail cleared to Met/Win and for some distance north and south on Met/Win.
Lucky Lake TH – Accessible with trail cleared to Lake. Senoj Lk Tr. cleared.
Six Lakes TH – Accessible with trail cleared to PCT.
Elk Lake TH – TH accessible and trails to PCT free of blowdown.
Mirror Lk TH – TH accessible and trails snow free. Campfires prohibited within ¼ mile of Mirror Lakes management area. Limited clearing in progress. 3 hikers recently rescued near Mirror Lake. Trio of lost hikers were found very near a trail after becoming disoriented when leaving the trail. If “directionally challenged”, not experienced in backcountry settings, unfamiliar with area, etc.; stay on trails!
Devils Lakes TH – TH accessible and trails snow free and mostly cleared of blowdown. Wilderness Permit registration station on Wickiup Plains Trail moved to just west of culvert under Highway.
South Sister Climbers – Trailheads accessible with Climbers Trail: Have a map and navigation equipment, compass/GPS. Also pack all of your “Ten Essentials”. Be aware of possible thunderstorm activity and avoid; mountain weather can change with little warning.
Green Lakes TH – TH accessible and trails snow free and clear of blowdown to Green Lakes on Fall Ck Trail. Soda Ck Trail cleared of blowdown.
Todd Lake Trailhead and parking area are open. Todd Lake basin is snow free. There are about 15 trees down on the trail around the lake and the meadows are currently saturated with muddy sections of trail. Mosquito count is variable. Road 370 is open. This includes access to road 380 (very rough, high clearance only) which provides vehicle access to the Broken Top Trailhead. Do not block closed gates!
Broken Top TH – Road 370/380 open, high clearance vehicles only on road 380.
Tam Rim/Three Creek Lake area Trailheads – TH accessible and trails snow free. May be a few trees down on the upper section of Tam Rim trail.
Park Meadow TH – Accessible with trail cleared for 4 miles then a few trees on trail to the meadows. Trail snow free. 1 mile section of trail has been reconstructed into single track from the old road bed, with improved drainage for erosion control. 16 road gate open.
YCC crew working
on finishing
touches on section
of reconstructed
Park Meadow
Trail.
Pole Creek TH – Trailhead accessible with trail clearing in progress with trail cleared to Green Lks Trail then south on Green Lks Trail to the ponds or boundary of the Pole Ck Burn and Green Lks Trail cleared north to Scott Pass Trail. Limited trail clearing to Camp Lk. with one large tree reported to be challenging for stock. Scott Pass Tr cleared of blowdown to PCT.
Scott Pass and Millican Crater Trailheads – Trailheads accessible, Scott Pass Tr, Trout Creek Tie and Millican Crater Trails cleared of blowdown.
Black Crater TH – Hwy 242 open, trail to summit snow free and cleared of blow down.
Lava Camp Lake TH – Hwy 242 open. TH accessible, some blowdown possible to North Mathieu Lk.
Diamond Peak Wilderness:
PCT – SEE PCT DETAILS IN BEND/FORT ROCK RANGER DISTRICT ABOVE!
Pengra Pass TH – Accessible. South/Northbound PCT snow free and trail clearing in progress.
Yoran Lk TH - Accessible, Trail to Yoran Lk. may have blowdown.
Fawn Lk TH is accessible with Fawn Lake/Pretty Lake trail cleared to lakes.
Whitefish Horse Camp is accessible, Whitefish Trail cleared except for 4-5 easy “go- arounds”. Oldenberg Trail cleared from Camp to Windigo Pass.
Summit Lk/PCT – Road access from Crescent Lk clear to Summit Lk and to the pass. 3 miles of Summit Lk trail is cleared with blowdown beyond.
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 Fully open from Bend to Crescent Cutoff Road. Cascade Lks Hwy Road 370 OPEN from Todd Lake parking area to Road 16 (Three Creeks area). Sections of road very rough, high clearance recommended. Please keep vehicles on open roadways and parking spurs.
Tumalo Falls OPEN to Tumalo Falls Trailhead. Road Road 21 OPEN; Road to Paulina Peak also open. Good access to recreation Into Newberry sites and lower trailheads. Cauldera Hwy 242 Mckenzie Pass, OPEN for the season! Mckenzie Pass Road 16 Road open from Sisters to Three Creek Lakes. To Three Ck Lks Road 60 OPENED 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.
Section of new paved
trail connecting Sunriver
to Benham East and on
to Lava Lands is now
open. Please watch for
trail traffic and road
crossings. Maintain safe
speeds on downhill
sections, bikers wear
helmets and avoid
distractions, ie. phone
use while biking.
SPECIAL TRAIL EVENTS AFFECTING TRAILHEADS AND TRAILS:
No special events over the next week that will effect trail use. Labor Day however is just around the corner and will bring with it heavy use for many area trails.
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 Summer trails season!