With the USFS lifting some restrictions on the Mt. Hood National Forest, starting Friday May 29th we will be removing the barriers at the bottom of our access roads to provide for parking at trail heads on those roads.
https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/mthood/alerts-notices/?aid=56931
The gates to all of our parking lots will stay up with access limited to authorized vehicles only. Please respect these gates even if they are open. If you are intent on hiking for turns in our permit area please review the following:
- All of our buildings and facilities are closed.
- Park on the access road and do not block gates.
- You are on your own and we strongly encourage that you recreate elsewhere.
- There is currently no patrol or other MHM assistance available. Be mindful that any rescue will tax county resources.
- There are no hazard markings. There are many unmarked snow dozing projects throughout the permit area.
- Please stay clear of the Sahale construction zone and other facilities.
- As always, sledding is not allowed.
- This policy could change depending on USFS guidance and Hood River County’s phased opening. Please check our website for updates before you head up to hike for turns.
Guidelines for responsible outdoor recreation include:
Prepare before you go:
• Limit your recreation activities, and recreate only with people in your own household.
• Check what’s open before leaving home. Your favorite trail or camp site may remain closed, or need to be closed on a temporary basis, to prevent crowding and protect public health.
• Plan ahead and come prepared as service levels may be different than you are accustomed to.
• Visitors may find limited restroom services available. Plan to bring your own soap, water, hand sanitizer, and toilet paper.
• Bring a mask to cover your nose and mouth. Visit less crowded areas, visit during off-peak times, and have a back-up plan.
• Not feeling well? Don’t go. If you have symptoms of a fever, cough, or shortness of breath, stay home.
Take care when you get there:
• Be safe and responsible by choosing activities within your comfort zone.
• Leave no trace, and pack out what you pack in.
• Maintain your own personal hygiene like washing your hands often, bringing your own water, hand sanitizer, soap, and toilet paper.
• Avoid crowds. Be prepared for last minute changes to ensure the safety and health of others.
• All of the standard ways to protect public health apply in the outdoors too, like maintaining physical distance.
• Keep at least 6 feet between you and other Oregonians enjoying the outdoors. Launch one boat at time to ensure other Oregonians have enough space to launch safely and securely.
• Leave at least one parking space between your vehicle and the vehicle next to you.
• It is wildfire season. Please remain safe and vigilant to ensure forest health and safety. Do not start fires in undesignated areas. Check if your campground or park allows outdoor fires before you strike a match. If permitted, make sure you are building a campfire properly and that you have water or an extinguisher on hand. Before you leave, ensure the campfire is out. If it's too hot to touch, it's too hot to leave.