MRT – Partial Trail Closure (5 miles)
The MRT is closed from Trailbridge down to Deer Creek (5 miles).
The Knoll Fire took out a bridge near Deer Creek
For your safety, the Forest Service has closed a section of the trail. The original closure area was from Blue Pool trailhead to Frissell Boat Launch is closed. #7 – #11 (now #9) on our free downloadable map. Now the affected closes only 5 miles of trail.
You can still bike, hike and/or run the Upper Trail (10.7 miles) or the lower 10 miles.
Traffic has been Light this year – great time to ride or hike
The Forest Service says we should expect this closure may remain in effect through the 2022 season.
They also would prefer you do NOT try bike or hike along the highway to bypass the closed section as too many people along the busy highway pose a safety risk to yourself and drivers.
InciniWeb
You can follow the fire on InciniWeb.
As of this writing, The Knoll Fire hasn’t been updated on InciniWeb since Aug 15. The expect the fire to be contained by Aug 25th. When our staff has visited the area there is no visible sign of a fire from the highway or trail. There is no noticeable smoke from this fire.
Updates
9/11/21 Update The fire appears to be mostly out. Skies have been clear with good air quality last couple days. We got a little rain.
Trail usage has been very light this year. It’s a good time to hike, bike or run in spite of the closure.
We will continue to update this post when we learn more.
Our sponsor, Mckenzie River Mountain Resort and Shuttle has clearance from the Forest Service to offer shuttles for the upper part of the trail and the lower part. Special discount rates are in effect until further notice.
2021 Shuttle Options
- Lower 10 miles – Start at Deer Creek: Skill Level: Med. Beginner to Strong Beginner –
- This ride is great for more casual riders and families.
- Its a beautiful stretch of trail along the river.
- Rate: Flat $40 for up to 3 people.
- Upper 1/2 of the trail: 10.7 miles; Skill Level: Intermediate to light Expert
- Gorgeous Hike or ride past Clear Lake, Sahalie and Koosah Falls and Tamolitch Blue Pool
- This is a more difficult ride with lava flows and more difficult drops (easy for more experienced riders – really hard for beginner riders)
- Rate: Everyone gets the group discount rate $25 per person ($10 surcharge for shuttles with only 1 rider.)
- O’Leary Trail: Check out this awesome IMBA epic ride!! It’s nearby and not affected by any of the fire activity.
- Length: 19 Miles. Skill Level: Strong Intermediate or better. Ollie Trailhead.
- Rate: $20 per person ($10 Surcharge with only 1 rider on shuttle). Discount for Ollalie Trailhead only.
Shuttle # 541-822-6272
Rates are published as a convenience only – rates subject to change. Check with vendor for latest rates and ride options.