National Forest visitor advisories for Memorial Day weekend
By Shannon Weidemann (McKone) on Friday, May 27th, 2022 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
NORTHEAST OREGON – As we pause to remember America’s fallen service members this Memorial Day, many will choose to spend time in nature on America’s public lands.
Because the holiday weekend also marks the unofficial start of the summer recreation season, U.S. Forest Service – Pacific Northwest Region officials remind everyone that while many recreation opportunities exist on federal lands, National Forests also have inherent hazards and are “use at your own risk.”
Burned Area Hazards:
More than half a million acres of forests and grasslands burned across Washington and Oregon in 2020 and 2021. As we prepare to reopen more fire-affected areas to public access, we ask everyone to remember that a reopened area is not a safe area.
Areas in and below recently-burned areas are at increased risk of falling trees, falling rocks, landslides, flash floods, and hidden ash pits (formed by burned-out stumps or roots) for up to a decade after a fire.
Dead and damaged trees may remain standing for several years before decayed roots or erosion take their toll. Wind, rain, and snow increase the likelihood of treefall, rockfall, landslides, and flooding in fire-affected areas.
Water Safety:
Recent snow and rainfall have resulted in unusually swollen rivers and streams. Where rivers and lakes are fed by snowmelt, these waters are also exceptionally cold.
Rising water levels and debris from recent fires may increase in-water obstructions down-stream. Logs carried by strong currents can strike swimmers and boaters, or create low-head dams and strainers that may entrap them in dangerous currents.
The combined hazards posed by strong and complex currents, in-water obstructions, and potential for cold shock (a reflexive cardiovascular reaction to sudden immersion) and hypothermia, increase risks for recreation activities in or around water.
When engaging in water recreation, including paddleboards and rafts, arrive prepared with knowledge about potential hazards. Wear appropriate cold-water gear, and use a personal floatation device that is well-fitted to your body and appropriate for your sport. Your safety is your responsibility.
Crowded Conditions:
The spring rains and late snowfall feeding many rivers and lakes has delayed the opening of some campgrounds, especially at higher elevations. Deep mud and impassable snow drifts have limited access and delayed seasonal maintenance and cleanup at some locations.
While many campgrounds are open, including some with first-come, first-served camping opportunities, holiday weekends are usually extremely busy; expect competition for campsites at the most popular spots.
Before planning your trip, visit the forest’s website or contact the local Ranger District to find out what’s closed and what’s expected to be open. If you plan to camp without a reservation, make sure you have a backup plan if your preferred site is unavailable.
Visitor alerts for Memorial Day weekend
In Washington,
OLYMPIC NF: Visitors are reminded that alcohol, camping, campfires, and overnight parking are prohibited along Forest Service Road 24 and Forest Service Road 2451, in the Lake Cushman corridor on the Olympic National Forest. Portions of Forest Service Roads 29, 2922, and 30 are closed until further notice due to winter flooding and storm damage.
GIFFORD PINCHOT NF: Winter weather has delayed necessary work by Forest Service and campground concessionaire employees to open some lower elevation campgrounds for the season. Check the current conditions report to learn which campgrounds are open. For updates about concessionaire-operated campgrounds contact Rocky Mountain Recreation by calling 661-702-1420.
MT. BAKER-SNOQUALMIE NF: Lower-elevation roads and trails are open, but there are many snow-packed roads and trails, and road closures, especially at higher elevations. The Forest Service staff are working diligently to assess and repair winter road and trail damage where sites are accessible; however, this process will take time and public access to many recreation areas is still limited. Recreation conditions are available on the forest website.
OKANOGAN-WENATCHEE NF: Cedar Creek and Cub Creek fire closures on the Methow Valley Ranger District are being reviewed to determine which areas may reopen, starting June 2. Unstable soil, flash flood risks, and hazard tree removal needs continue to contribute to closures of some campgrounds. Closure information and links to recreation site conditions in each district can be reviewed on the forest website.
COLVILLE NF: Snow or deep mud may be present at higher elevations. For current conditions, visit the forest website.
In Washington and Oregon,
COLUMBIA RIVER GORGE NSA:
Seasonal timed-use permits are required to access Multnomah Falls Waterfall Corridor (off I-84 exit 28 at Bridal Veil to exit 35 at Ainsworth) between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. daily, beginning May 24. Permits are also required to park at the Multnomah Falls recreation site during these hours. Hikers headed to Dog Mountain on Memorial Day (May 31) and weekends through June 13 must obtain an online visitor permit. For permit requirements and more information, visit the forest’s website.
In Oregon,
MT. HOOD NF: Extensive road and area closures are in effect on lands impacted by large fires in late 2020, including large portions of the Clackamas Ranger District. However, a portion of Highway 224 has reopened, and a few river access sites along the Clackamas River have recently reopened. For current recreation site status information, visit the forest website.
WILLAMETTE NF: The Kwis fire closure area has been reduced, restoring access to Salmon Creek Campground, Salmon Creek Trail, and several roads (more information is available here). Several other closures remain in effect in the Kwis Fire area, as well as areas affected by the Beachie Creek, Lionshead, Holiday Farm, Knoll, Middle Fork Complex, and other fires. For detailed information about fire-related and other closures, visit the forest website.
DESCHUTES NF: Snow depths along popular routes, such as the Cascade Lakes Highway, vary from one-to-four feet. Several campgrounds are closed due to continued snow. Reservations have been cancelled through June 16, with a new tentative opening date of June 17, for these facilities. Visitors with reservations received an email from Recreation.gov notifying them of their cancelled reservations. You can find more information and a list of affected campgrounds here. Motorists are reminded that Forest Service roads are not plowed or maintained for winter weather, and that roads are considered closed until the snow has melted and deep areas of standing water or mud have dried.
OCHOCO NF: Many areas are open or are expected to reopen for the season in time for the upcoming holiday weekend. Visit the forest’s website for the latest recreation conditions report.
FREMONT-WINEMA NF: The forest has been heavily affected by large fires in recent years, including the Bootleg fire in 2021. Visitors to recently burned areas should use caution as falling trees, falling rocks, and flooding hazards may persist for several years after a fire. Current developed recreation conditions can be found here.
ROGUE RIVER-SISKIYOU NF: Bear Camp Road will be cleared of snowdrifts and open for public travel beginning May 27th. U.S. Route 199 and U.S. Highway 101 are recommended year-round for motorists travelling with trailers, motor homes, and oversized vehicles. On the Siskiyou Mountains Ranger District, the Siskiyou Crest Loop has a snow drift at McDonald Basin that prevents visitors from driving Forest Service Road 20 from Mt. Ashland to Upper Applegate Road. A seasonal alcohol restriction is in effect within ¼ mile of the Illinois River, from the forest boundary to an area near McCaleb Ranch (including the area surrounding Cedar Camp). Information about open campgrounds is available on the forest website.
SIUSLAW NF: Western snowy plover nesting season restrictions are in effect on designated beaches; during nesting season, dog-walking and activities on dry sand and dunes is restricted to protect the nesting shorebirds (walking on the wet, hard-packed sand near the water is permitted). In the Cascade Head area, portions of Forest Service Road 1861 are closed until further notice due to landslides. Rainforest Trail remains accessible on foot from Three Rocks Rd and Highway 101 Hart’s Cove trail is seasonally closed through July 15. For more information, visit the forest’s website.
UMPQUA NF: Hemlock Lake & Hemlock Meadows will open May 25 on a first-come-first-served basis. Canton Creek will open first-come-first-served on May 26, with reservations available starting May 28. Campground reservations at sites at Diamond Lake & Broken Arrow campgrounds are cancelled through early June, 2022 due to the huge volume of snow still on the ground. For more information about recreation conditions, visit the forest’s website.
MALHEUR NF
Most areas are open, but visitors should be prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions at high elevations. For more information about camping on Malheur National Forest, download the forest’s 2022 Camping Brochure. For current recreation site conditions, visit the forest’s website.
UMATILLA NF
Forest visitors are cautioned that not all roads, trails and campgrounds are open, due to late-season snow. Shaded areas and cut banks on roads at higher elevations may still have impassible snowdrifts, and most hiking and motorized trails have not yet been maintained. Campgrounds remaining closed for the holiday weekend include Big Creek Meadows, Big Springs, Godman, Jubilee Lake, Mottet, Midway, Misery, Olive Lake, Target Meadows, Teal Spring, Umatilla Forks, Wickiup, Winom, Woodward and Woodland. Most other campgrounds are open and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Bull Prairie Lake, Jubilee Lake, North Fork John Day, and Olive Lake campgrounds are available by reservation at Recreation.gov.WALLOWA-WHITMAN NF: Beginning June 1, seasonal fire restrictions go into effect within ¼ miles of wild and scenic portions of the Snake River, from Hells Canyon Dam downstream to the Oregon/Washington border. Fires are prohibited in the restriction area, unless fueled by charcoal contained in a firepan, fueled by liquid petroleum, or contained in a woodstove with a chimney and spark arresting screen.
