WILDERNESS TRAILS

The Green Ridge Fire near the Metolius River Trail is contained. Access to the trail is open to the public. Eighty-five percent of wilderness trails scheduled to be cleared of tree blowdown are currently cleared. Portions of the Metolius-Windigo trail still have variable blowdown. The Flagline Trail, on the northeast side of Tumalo Mountain, will reopen Thursday to hikers and mountain bikers. A section of the Mrazek Trail east of Forest Road 4601 will be closed for at least three weeks due to brush control. A detour will be posted. The South Sister Climber Trail and other major trails are expected to have peak use this week.

The Pole Creek Fire area restrictions remain in effect although most trails are open. Access roads to major trailheads are still closed to motorized vehicles for public safety. Crews were able to clear blowdown on Rockpile Lake Trail. A section of dense brush remains but is passable.

ROAD UPDATE

Road 370 to Todd Lake opened last week after repairs to erosion control culverts were completed. High-clearance vehicles are highly recommended and four-wheel-drive may be needed.

LIGHTNING SAFETY

Lightning storms may occur in the coming week. If caught in a lighting storm: stay away from exposed areas; get to lower ground if possible; don’t stand next to tall trees; if ground strike seems imminent (you feel static in the air, your hair starts to rise and you hear a buzzing) drop anything metal and crouch low, with your boots on the ground but no other part of your body.

WILDERNESS ETHICS REMINDER

Users must have wilderness permits before entering trails, follow trail regulations and leave no trace guidelines, and stock owners must use weed-free feed. Public-use restrictions remain in effect for high fire risk in the area. No fires are allowed within 100 feet of a trail, body of water or areas posted as closed to fires. This restriction includes the use of wood-fired camp stoves or charcoal. Restrictions are not in effect in wilderness areas. If a fire is used, keep it small and extinguish completely.