High country trails still accessible, but for how long?

When last week's early snowstorm turned everything white, a lot of hikers feared that the hiking season might be over. However, according to a status report released last week by Forest Service trails specialist Chris Sabo, that's not necessarily the case.

For the rest of the season, of course, everything hinges on the day-to-day status of the weather. At last report, most trails below 6,000 feet were not only passable but in good condition. In fact, the moisture went a long way toward mitigating much of the interminable dust that forms late in the season.

While most trails are in good shape, further clearing of wilderness trails is pretty much finished for this year. Sabo said that trail clearing was about 70 percent complete when operations ceased.

Regarding snow conditions, Sabo said, "Higher elevation trails and some trails on north aspects or shaded locations will likely retain patchy snow." He cautioned, "Expect some patchy snow on South Sister if you plan to climb over the next week."

So, although we're seeing snow on the mountaintops again, the trails are still out there and beckoning. Not only have the summer crowds thinned, but rifle hunting for mule deer ends October 14, so fewer people are in the woods now, further enhancing the wilderness experience.

With the possibility of rain or higher elevation snow in the forecast, hikers are reminded to exercise caution and pack wisely. Packing the 10 essentials is always the smart thing to do, but this time of year such precautions are even more important. Always tell someone where you plan to hike, and carry plenty of warm clothing, too. Plan for an emergency, and pack for the possibility of being forced to spend the night in the woods.

If you aren't familiar with the 10 essentials, you probably shouldn't be hiking more than about 100 feet from the road. Just to make sure you have everything, it's worth your while to Google "ten essentials." You'll find that there are actually more than 10, but just getting all the stuff together will make you think about consequences and, hopefully, reduce your chances of ever needing emergency supplies in the first place.

If you'd rather not risk the wilderness this time of year, there are still plenty of great hiking opportunities. Probably the best nearby hike for fall colors is the flat, five mile loop around Clear Lake. Only six miles beyond the Santiam "Y" on Highway 126, beautiful Clear Lake lives up to its name. Clear Lake's colorful vine maples provide a stunning backdrop to the already beautiful setting; and be sure to check out Great Springs, a deep blue pool near the northeast corner of the lake that gives birth to the lake - and, ultimately, the McKenzie River.

The Metolius River trails are all open and also provide some wonderful fall hiking. Another possibility to consider is the Sisters Trails complex, which presents many close-by hiking options. Trails at Smith Rock State Park are usually snow-free - even when Sisters is blanketed in white.

It's certainly not yet closing time for the trails, but it might be time to start planning for "last call."