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Latest news and posts from our world in the Willamette National Forest.

The McKenzie River Trail is “Fully Open”

 |  admin
New trail bridge restores access between Trail Bridge Campground and Deer Creek watershedRead Full Release from the Forest Service

McKenzie River Trail – Under Threat from Lookout Fire – Evacuation Ordered – Area Closed

 |  admin
Please stay away from the area until the fire is gone & the area is declared safe.Even with a large number of fire crews the fire is growing quickly.We are hoping that the fire does not reach the MRT and the towns nearby. If the fires do hit the trail, they will likely be closed until the USFS cleans up the trails and feel they are safe.We will work to keep people updated here on this website.Fires have impacted the local communitiesThe Lookout Fire currently has the town of McKenzie Bridge evacuated. The town of Blue River was COMPLETELY destroyed by Holiday Farm Fire in 2020. These 2 towns have provided support and care for the MRT in a big way – please consider making a donation to help with the recovery work.Both guide services operate out of …

McKenzie Pass – One of Oregon’s Top Scenic Bikeways

 |  Chris LaVoie
McKenzie PassSisters to McKenzie BridgeThis information provided by Oregon State Parks 4/23map and cue sheet | Ride with gpsStart in Sisters and follow an 1860s wagon route that includes views of Mt. Washington and lava flows. The steep descent to Belknap Hot Springs has switchbacks through dense, verdant Cascadian forests. This bikeway is closed to motor vehicles each spring for car-free riding. Snow and car free riding updateBest season to ride: summer and fall. Road closes due to snow each winter. Video: https://youtu.be/F1PZ8OG_S_I

Trail is Now Open!!

 |  admin
Trail Condition: The trail closure from Trailbridge to Deer Creek is now Open!!

MRT Trail Closure – From Trailbridge to Deer Creek (5 miles) – No Ride Around Options

 |  Chris LaVoie
The MRT remains closed from Trailbridge down to Deer Creek (5 miles). The forest Service is working on building a new bridge. This is a little more complicated than usual due to the groundbreaking fish habitat restoration being completed on Deer Creek. We are told they are trying to get a soft passthrough while waiting on the bridge rebuild that gets you safely over the creek without interfering with the habitat restoration project.

Terwilliger Hot Springs

 |  Chris LaVoie
AKA Cougar Hot SpringsCougar Hot Springs is now open.Last Fall the road was closed by falling rocks onto Hwy 19 – cutting off access from the McKenzie side (Hwy y126).Terwilliger Hot springs is a very special way to relax after a big ride.Terwilliger Hot Springs features multiple pools each slightly cooler from the one above. A small cold water creek runs alongside to cool you down if you get too hot.The setting is a gorgeous heavily wooded spot. You even pass a pretty waterfall as you walk about an 1/8 of a mile on the path to the pools.Terwilliger Hot Springs and the creek feed into Cougar Lake, the reason it’s often nicknamed Cougar Hot Springs. During the summer Cougar Lake gets a lot warmer and you can swim in it.Tip: Early mornings or late aftern…