The MRT remains closed from Trailbridge down to and including the Deer Creek trailhead.
News Update 6/22/22
Forest Service expects the MRT to be fully open by July 22, 2022!
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. We are super excited about the restoration of the natural watershed and the potential impact on the native fish and our eco system. We are also eagerly anticipating riding the entire trail soon.
As noted in our previous report:
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.
Update – Ride Around Option Closed 6/13/22
Deer Creek Restoration Project closes off highway Ride Around option
The area, visible from the McKenzie River Trail footbridge over Deer Creek and from various locations along Deer Creek Road, will be closed between June 13 and July 22, according to a U.S. Forest Service news release. The closure covers about 1.5 miles of Forest Road 2654 (Deer Creek) from the junction of Highway 126 north on Road 2654 to Road 2655. The closure includes both sides of the road along that stretch.
Register Guard 6/13/22
The good news is that they expect the MRT to be fully open by July 22, 2022!
Another great thing about the project is that natural fish habitat is being restored!
“During fall 2017, spring Chinook salmon were seen spawning in Deer Creek for the first time since the early 90s.”
Register Guard 6/13/22
[Please disregard the following option – 2654 is closed from 6/13/22 until 7/22/22]
Ride Around Map
Gravel Roads (mostly): Take 713 to 2655 to 2654 (see map below)
Highway: Pop off the trail at the Blue Pool Trailhead and ride down the highway to Deer Creek Rd. – the trail head is on the west side of the river.
In this image you can see the back road option for riding around the closure.
The Forest Service would prefer you take the back roads and stay off the highway for safety. Local shuttle operator (and our sponsor), McKenzie River Mountain Resort, also encourages you to take the safest route possible. It should also be noted that McKenzie Highway is one of the main Trans America Bikeway routes and locals are used to many cyclists on the highway here during the main riding season, the highway is also the suggested bail out routes should you encounter problems while riding the trail.