The weather forecast calls for mild temperatures with some showers over the weekend. The solid snow line east of the Cascade Crest is generally between 6,000 to 6,700 feet. Snow lines west of the Crest could be 1,000 to 1,500 feet lower. North facing aspects and cool drainages are more likely to have snow. There are reports of early-season users on snow-covered trails having moderate to serious difficulty with “postholing,” or breaking through the snow to knee and even waist level. One party of three backpackers on the Pacific Crest Trail had to be rescued this month due to exhaustion from postholing.

Summer trails below 5,600 to 6,000 feet are generally snow-free and accessible. Avoid muddy sections, especially around the snow lines. Limited trail clearing is in progress, so expect downed trees on many trails.

Construction of a rock retaining wall continues around Suttle Lake. Use caution and watch out for work crews when using the trail.

The road into Tumalo Falls is closed during pipeline construction. Access to the falls is open via the Tumalo Creek and South Fork trails or Mrazek and Farewell trails. Parking is available at the Skyliner Trailhead.

Now through Sept. 15, dogs must be leashed on Deschutes River trails from Meadow Picnic to Benham Falls East.

The road to Paulina Peak remains closed.

McKenzie Pass (state Highway 242) remains closed to motorized vehicles. Biking is allowed.

There is increasing wilderness trail access, but less than 10 percent of wilderness trails have been cleared of blown-down trees. Wilderness permits are now required. The permits are free and available at wilderness trailheads.

In the Mt. Jefferson Wilderness, beware. Since 2003, Brush Creek, Minto Lake, the 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&B Complex 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 extremely difficult (likely impassable) for hikers beyond mile 2.3 and impassable for stock as well, due to dense brush and blowdown.

For additional trail conditions and wilderness safety information, visit www.fs.usda.gov/deschutes.