Several trails in the Deschutes National Forest popular with hikers and mountain bikers are set to close temporarily for thinning and mowing of brush, scrub and small trees to reduce fuel for wildfires.

The closures begin on Monday.

Affected trails include:

Ben’s Trail — Closed from the start of Ben’s Trail at Phil’s Trailhead west to the junction with KGB Trail; Ben’s connector (Junction 5) to Skyliner Road will also be closed.

Kent’s Trail — Closed from the start of Kent’s Trail at Phil’s Trailhead west to the junction with KGB Trail.

MTB Trail — Closed from junction with Ben’s Trail south to junction with Kent’s Trail.

Voodoo — Closed from junction with Ben’s Trail south to junction with Phil’s Trail

Trail access is open on Saturday and Sunday and federal holidays.

Jaimie Olle, a spokesperson for the U.S. Forest Service, said the timeline for completing the projects is unclear due to various factors that can potentially slow down work. The Forest Service will update the public when trails are slated to reopen.

In addition to these trail closures, other trails in the Deschutes National Forest are also affected by fuel reduction work. They include the following:

Mrazek Trail remains closed between the junction with Forest Road 370/4601 trailhead east to the junction with Forest Road 700. Farewell Trail is closed between the Farewell Trailhead and the junction with Mrazek Trail. These closures are also in effect Monday through Friday.

On the south side of Cascade Lakes Highway, Tyler’s Traverse and Tyler’s Uphill remain closed between the junction of Tyler’s and Larson to the junction of Tyler’s and Forest Road 41. The closures on these trails are in place seven days a week. Operations may be occurring on any given day, including weekends.

For more information about the closures, individuals can contact the Bend-Fort Rock Ranger District at 541-383-5300.