Current Conditions

Updated October 20, 2011

Summary ~ General Access ~ Forest Road Access
Full Deschutes Trail Report ~ More: Weather, Campgrounds, OHV, etc

As it is the fall season, reported conditions can and will change without notice!

Backcountry skiing on the Deschutes National Forest - October 2011

Summary:

• Fall season conditions are in effect and trail conditions may change daily.  Watch weather forecasts closely before hitting the trail and go prepared for shorter daylight and colder temperatures.
• Over the coming weeks, plan for snow closures of roads and trails. Recent winds have brought down trees across some trails.
• Road 370 is presently open but will close with little to no notice due to snow; recommended only for high clearance vehicles.
• Paulina Peak road has been closed for the season.
• Wilderness permit stations are in winter shutdown and have been removed at most trailheads.  Be aware that most Wilderness regulations remain in effect and please, Leave No Trace.
• With adequate snow, this report will transition to winter trail updates.

Go prepared with your Ten Essentials which should include: map, compass, first aid kit, fire starter, food, water, extra clothing, emergency (space) blanket, repair kit, and sun glasses.

New Kwohl Butte Shelter ready for Winter 2011

General Access:

All trailheads are presently accessible unless involved in the Shadow Lake fire closure area south of Santiam Pass.  Trails are presently snow free but as Fall progresses, expect to see snow falling and accumulating at the higher elevations over the coming weeks/months.  Expect trail and backcountry conditions to change without notice.  Avoid being a search and rescue statistic, go prepared for the change in seasons and weather!

Very limited trail clearing will continue on a few trails over the coming weeks.  Approximately 85% of Deschutes National Forest trails are cleared of blow down.  Recent winds have brought a few trees down across previously cleared trails.  Unless deemed necessary, these new downed trees are not normally cleared until next year.  Increasing storms into fall and winter will bring additional trees down!

Volunteers and Deschutes Trail crew are scheduling winter trail maintenance and shelter wood stocking parties over the coming weeks.  Check in with your local winter trails club to find out how you can help!

Even though peak summer trail use season has passed, expect moderate to high use on some trail during weekends of good weather.  Reminder to be ready to share the trail, yield as necessary and watch out for each other.  Likely areas of continued moderate to heavy weekend trail traffic include the following trailheads:  Phil’s Trailhead, Green Lakes, Devils Lk/South Sister, Todd Lake, Jack Lake, Pole Creek, Three Creek area.

The Shadow Lake Fire area closure is yet in place, though reduced in size.  Be aware of it if you are planning to visit Mt. Washington Wilderness on the Deschutes and Willamette National Forests.  For more information go to:
http://www.inciweb.org/incident/2550/

Hunting Season Safety Note:  Various hunting seasons are or will be in effect over the coming months.  Most areas of the Deschutes National Forest are open various hunts, including Wilderness areas.  During these seasons it is advised to wear bright colors in order to be better seen by hunters.  Also advised if you see hunters in the area to let them know your presence by calling out or using a bell or whistle.  Click here for further information on hunting seasons and regulations.

Special Trail Events:

There are no special trail events scheduled for this week!

Forest Road Access:

• Hwy 46 is OPEN until closed due to snow.  All trailheads and other recreation sites along Hwy 46 are open and accessible.  See specific trailheads below for further parking/access details.  Go to: http://www.hoodoo.com for area campground openings/access.
• Road 370 is open to motorized use beyond Todd Lake parking area, until closed due to snow.  This includes access to road 380 which provides vehicle access to the Broken Top Trailhead.  These roads recommended only for high clearance vehicles, please drive slow and keep vehicles on open roads and parking spurs only.
• Road 21 into Newberry Crater is open until closed due to snow.  For camping access in the Crater, contact Hoodoo at hoodoo.com.  Trail maintenance in the Crater area is now complete.  The road to Paulina Peak is closed for the season.
• Road to Tumalo Falls is opened until closed due to snow.
• Road 4601 (north of Tumalo Falls) has an ongoing hazard tree removal project into the fall.  The road remains open but be aware of possible traffic delays during tree felling operations.
• Hwy 242, McKenzie Pass, Highway is open to normal summertime traffic with length restriction in effect but will close at some point in the coming weeks due to snow.
• 16 Road is open to Three Creek Lake with trailheads and campgrounds accessible, until closed due to snow.
• On Crescent Ranger District, roads to Summit Lake, Immigrant Pass and Windigo Pass are open until closed due to snow.  Roads are rough and high clearance vehicle recommendation.

Deschutes PDF Trails & Wilderness Report

Trails Access & Conditions Updates - This is the full PDF Trail Report for the Deschutes National Forest, includes Wilderness information and some road information.

More Current Conditions Resources:

Weather - Our Weather page is filled with useful links from local forecasts to recent trends.

Hoodoo Recreation Campgrounds - Many of the campgrounds on the Deschutes National Forest are managed by concessionaire, Hoodoo Recreation. Current conditions for these concessionaire-managed campgrounds can be found on their website. http://www.hoodoo.com

OHV Newsletter and Conditions - This is a PDF report of OHV conditions in the central Oregon area

Alerts & Notices - This is the page where we post current Public Use Restrictions (Can I have a campfire?), Fire Closures (closures caused by active fires), Recreation Closures, Blue Green Algae warnings, Industrial Fire Precaution Levels, and so forth.

News & Events - Recent public notices are at the top of the page and a list of upcoming events is at the bottom.

Phone Numbers and Addresses for central Oregon Forest Service Offices - You can call us or drop in! We are here to help you.

Can't find what you need? Please use the Feedback Form on our Contact Us page. We appreciate your input! Thank you.