Some higher elevation hiking opportunities are opening up

A light mid-elevation snow pack this past winter is resulting in a potentially early hiking season this year. Up until last week's brief cold snap, there had been virtually no mountain snowfall since early April, and hiking trails are becoming snow-free considerably earlier than usual this year. Still, there are a number of constraints that hikers should consider before heading out onto the trail system.

Extensive snow may still be found at some elevations above 5,500 feet and even lower in some shaded areas or slopes with northern exposures. Other areas are bare of snow almost to the 7,000-foot level. Last week's colder temperatures temporarily slowed the upward march of the area's snowlines, but additional trail mileage continues to open up with each passing day.

Sisters hikers heading south into the Pole Creek Burn this past weekend encountered no snow whatsoever until reaching the 5,800-foot elevation level. The trail was completely buried and lost at 6,000 feet.

Access continues to be limited to many of the areas affected by last year's Pole Creek Fire south of Sisters, and current local closure information can be obtained by contacting the Sisters Ranger District of the Deschutes National Forest at 541-549-7700. Do not enter closed areas because habitat rehabilitation and safety work are still underway. Some trails in closed areas are, or will be, open; but foot traffic is limited to a narrow corridor along the trail route.

The popular trailheads at Chush Falls and Pole Creek are technically open, but the roads leading to them are not. So, while the Pole Creek trail may be used, the access road is closed to vehicle traffic five miles to the north, adding 10 miles to any potential round trip! There is significant blowdown and erosion from fire damage, particularly on the lower portion of the trail nearest to the trailhead; and the trail is sometimes difficult to follow.

Similarly, the 600 Road leading to the Chush Falls Trailhead is closed, adding another six miles to that round trip. Some major permanent trail changes have been inaugurated on this trail due to the impact of the fire, including a road closure that will permanently add about three miles to that round trip. There is significant blowdown on this trail, as well, but the fire impact to the areas around the falls is not nearly as severe as at Pole Creek.

As trails emerge from the snow, many other trail locations are obstructed by heavy tree blowdown, especially in areas affected by the many previous wildfires of years past. Trail crews and volunteers are already putting in time to clear the fallen trees and debris, but the recent wild weather has been responsible for numerous trail blockages.

Trails in areas burned by the B&B Fire of 2003 tend to be severely affected by blowdown, since those trees have been dead for nearly ten years and are falling with increasing frequency. Some trails are seriously impacted, to the point of making equestrian passage extremely difficult or even impossible. Forest trail users should also be cognizant of the weather while in the woods, because high winds can quickly create hazardous conditions from falling dead trees.

The Forest Service is also cautioning early trail users to try to lessen their impact on the land. As the snow recedes, soft, spongy, and muddy sections of trail are likely to be encountered, and trail users are being asked to tread lightly and avoid damaging trail areas that will continue to be soggy as the land dries out. Forest officials are urging patience, and hope that trail users will refrain from premature, and potentially damaging, use. The use of alternative routes, such as old dirt roads, is being strongly suggested.

Most wilderness trail use is still limited by snow and soggy conditions. Other local trails that are already in good condition and hiker-ready include the trails at Black Butte, the Metolius River, Suttle Lake, Lake Creek, Peterson Ridge, Alder Springs, and upper and lower Whychus Creek. Other possibilities include even lower-elevation trails on the Crooked River, Smith Rock, and the upper McKenzie River.

As always, trail users are reminded to be safe, exercise caution, follow Forest Service requirements, and always carry the 10 Essentials.