You can’t use the closest route via Whitewater Road or trailhead because both are closed. “As fire-impacted areas reopen, they may have unmarked hazards and may be more challenging in rescue situations.” Challenging and complex trip to reach iconic spaces Jeff Park and Opal CreekĪ trip to Jefferson Park, the iconic alpine meadow of wildflowers and alpine lakes, will be anything but simple. “Play it safe by choosing activities that are within your comfort zone,” the news release said. That means you can access places like Opal Creek and the northern Jefferson wilderness, but reaching those areas could be a major challenge. The rub is that many of the roads leading to places people want to visit are closed and likely will stay that way for a while. The Forest Service said all the land and trails are open within the two wilderness areas except the Pacific Crest Trail, which is expected to reopen in late August. The backcountry and places such as the Opal Creek and Mount Jefferson wilderness areas are open as well, but the situation is complex. (Story continues below) Wilderness travel in Opal Creek, Jefferson complicated by road closures The popular North Fork Road into the Little North Santiam Canyon, along with access to Opal Creek from that area, will remain closed.
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Mount Hood National Forest remains closed and gated for now. In addition, Breitenbush Road 46 is open to cars for about 11 miles before it transitions to non-motorized travel to the border of Mount Hood National Forest. The hike to Gold Butte Lookout is open, although the lookout won’t be open for rental this year. In addition to the campgrounds, beloved routes such as Stahlman Peak and Tumble Ridge Trail above Detroit Lake are now open.