New signs, conditions and trail etiquette

Posted on June 3, 2015 by 44trails

New Trail Signs and Trail Etiquette Reminder

We got some cool new signs up on the trailhead boards around the 44 zone recognizing our partnership with the USFS for trail maintenance on the 44 trails.

Look for ’em next time you are up for a ride! Here’s one posted on the trailhead board at the Dog River / Surveyor’s junction (it’s the blue sign on the right).

The trails are in perfect condition right now (June 1). There has been just enough rain in the hills to keep the soil moist but no so much as to make ’em wet.

Here’s a quick reminder on trail etiquette: Please remember that all of the 44 Trails are multi-use, non-motorized trails. They are open to hiker, biker and equestrian use. Some trails see more than others from certain user groups, but all are open to everyone and all trails are for two-way traffic. There are no designated downhill only routes. Please be cautious of the multi-use nature and ride with care and control in all situations! Yes, gravity is fun, but to ride at 44 means respecting all users.

Thanks!

44 Trails Conditions Update May 2015

Posted on May 17, 2015 by 44trails

Here’s a heads up for the 44 Trails System:
ALL TRAILS along the 44 corridor have been cleared this spring and are OPEN.

Thanks to Ranger Thornton, and both Barlow and Hood River Ranger Districts plus a variety of dedicated help, ALL TRAILS along the 44 corridor are open! This means all the major blowdown that happened over the winter has been cleared. It does not mean that new trees won’t fall. We’ve had two months of wind since the main clearing work took place and, word is, there are a few places with new trees down.

If a tree falls in the forest and no one is there, it still blocks the trail! Jokes, aside, trees fall in the forest year round, and any storm, any time of the year can bring down new trees on the 44 Trails. Many of the same systems that bring the famed wind to the Gorge, deliver winds in the forest, too. In other words, there can be new blowdown any time and on any trail.

Over 1000 downed trees were cleared this season in the 44 Trails corridor. But we all need to be aware and ride with caution, because new trees will come down. We encourage you to send us a note if you encounter new blowdown, so we can work with the USFS to get it cleared.

We understand that most, if not all, forest users realize that conditions change in a forest environment; please help us explain this to those that may be lacking awareness!

And of course ride in control, monitor your speeds and yield to uphill traffic!

Happy trails!

44 Trails Conditions Update

Posted on April 20, 2015 by 44trails

updated 29 April, 2015

Spring is full steam ahead out here in the Hood River Valley and here’s your spring 44 Trails conditions update.

The annual logout of blowdown is nearly finished and you’ll find the bulk of the 44 system ready to roll including:
8-Mile
Knebal Springs
Bottle Prairie
Cooks Meadow
15-Mile including Cedar Creek
Surveyor’s Ridge
Super Connector
450 to snow line
Dog River
Bear Springs Trap Race Course

Stay tuned for more details on Trailgate 2015, more 44 trails conditions updates and summer/fall work party schedule.

8-Mile Parking – temp closure

Posted on August 11, 2014 by 44trails

Hey everyone, the 8-Mile trail parking area (just off 44 road, across from the 450 trail) will be closed on Thursday, August 14 while the USFS works to remove some standing dead trees.