Mt Hood National Forest Campfire Ban

Posted on August 5, 2020 by 44trails

August 5, 2020: The USFS has announced a campfire ban on the Mt Hood National Forest. The ban applies to all camping – developed or not – in and around the 44 Trails zone. The trails remain open and rideable!

Campfires prohibited on Mt. Hood National Forest

Due to dry and hot conditions, campfires are now prohibited across the Mt. Hood National Forest, including in developed campgrounds.

All campfires, charcoal or briquette fires, pellet fires, or any other open fires are prohibited under a Forest Order. Portable cooking stoves and lanterns using liquefied or bottled fuel are still allowed as they can be instantly switched off.

July was much drier than average, and August and September are predicted to have higher than average temperatures. These conditions will continue to increase the risk of wildfire- especially on the east side of the forest. At the same time, Mt. Hood is experiencing extremely high visitation, increasing the number of preventable fires.

Forest Service crews extinguished over 100 abandoned campfires across the Mt. Hood National Forest in July. With the current dry, hot conditions any wildfire start poses a greater threat to firefighter safety, public safety, and personal property. This year every preventable fire also increases our firefighters’ risk of exposure to the COVID-19 virus, which could impact our ability to respond to fires as the season continues.

“We know campfires are a big part of camping, but this year especially we all need to do our part to prevent wildfires,” said Dirk Shupe, Fire Management Staff Officer for the Mt. Hood National Forest. “Fires caused by abandoned or escaped campfires create unnecessary risk for firefighters, our communities, and the forest.”

More forest information and the full text of the Forest Order is on the Mt. Hood National Forest website at:https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/mthood/fire. The forest also shares recreation, fire, and safety updates on its Facebook and Twitter accounts at: @MtHoodNF.

For more information about the local and regional fire outlook visit: https://gacc.nifc.gov/nwcc/predict/outlook.aspx

USFS Opens Day Use – 44 Trails Status

Posted on May 29, 2020 by 44trails

The Mt. Hood National Forest is reopening most developed day-use and trailhead sites to recreational users beginning Friday May 29, 2020. This includes the 44 mountain bike trails!

Recreation Managers are coordinating with campground concessionaires, completing spring maintenance, and training seasonal staff. Several sites will not open immediately, including most campgrounds. These sites will open slowly as they are assessed for public and employee safety.

For a complete list of open and closed recreation sites, please check the Mt. Hood National Forest’s website: www.fs.usda.gov/goto/mthood/conditions

Some facilities, such as vault bathrooms, may not be maintained daily. It is recommended that all visitors be prepared to provide for their own sanitation and be as self-contained as possible while recreating.

As far as 44 Trails status – the following trails have been logged out and are rideable:

SuperConnector #449

Lookout #450 (upper elevation still has snow)

44 Trails is 100% volunteer run – all donations go directly to trail maintenance

Please remember E-bike use is prohibited on non-motorized trails within the Mt Hood National Forest – read more about E-bike regulations

Go Beyond Racing Donates $1K to 44 Trails Association

Posted on August 16, 2018 by 44trails

Go Beyond Racing – Wy’East Wonder Event Donates $1k to 44 Trails Association

Wy’East Wonder 50M / 50K – image courtesy Go Beyond Racing

Go Beyond Racing held the first annual Wy’East Wonder 50M and 50K trail run event in June. The event, a point-to-point race run mostly on two ridges, featured Gunsight Ridge and Surveyor’s Ridge trails on the 44 Trails network.

It attracted 250 athletes (the max number) and went off without a hitch. Todd and Renee from Go Beyond Racing stepped up to help with trail maintenance before the event and made a generous $1K donation to the 44 Trails Association (as well as the Hood River Valley High School cross country team) after the event.

Thank you Go Beyond Racing for appreciating the 44 Trail network and the work required to keep the trails clear and well maintained!

Go Beyond Racing Wy’East Wonder donation to 44 Trails and Hood River Valley Highschool Cross Country Team

44 Trails is run entirely by volunteer support and all financial contributions go directly toward trail maintenance and infrastructure costs like signage, armoring materials and contract labor.

Mt Hood National Forest E-Bike Closure Rules

Posted on July 17, 2018 by 44trails

E-bike closure policy for Mt Hood National Forest and 44 Trails

As e-bikes gain popularity around the country, it is important to understand that all non-motorized trails on the Mt Hood National Forest – including the 44 Trails network – are closed to e-bike use.

The USFS considers all classes of e-bikes to be “motorized” and e-bikes are permitted only on motorized OHV trails and roads within federal land.

Follow this link to read the full 2016 USFS memo on electric bikes and trail management.

So, this means that the 44 Trails network is closed to all classes of e-bike use. And it does not matter whether you are “using” the e-assist or not. The USFS is posting new signs (pictured above) this week at all trail heads on the 44 network.

Where can e-bikes be used on the National Forest?

E-bikes are permitted on roads and trails in our National Forest that are designated for motorized OHV use. There are several locations on the Mt Hood National Forest including Rock Creek OHV and McCubbins Gulch OHV as well as the National Forest road system. The 44 Trails Association encourages e-bike users to consult local bike shops and the USFS Hood River and Barlow district offices for more details on the OHV areas – see links below.

What should you do if you encounter riders on e-bikes?

Well, most importantly, be nice. We are not looking to add to any divide or create one of our own. But it is important to let e-bike users know that essentially all non-motorized trails on National Forest Land are closed to all e-bike use, but that there are places on the National Forest where e-bikes can be ridden – namely any trail or road designated for motorized OHV use..