If you have not heard, there is a fire near Badger Lake on the Barlow District of the Mt Hood National Forest.

It’s not directly affecting the bulk of the 44 Trails zone, but there are a number of closures to consider if you are headed up to the area, most notably High Prairie, Gumjuwac, Gunsight and most everything adjacent to Badger lake including the Boulder Lake.

Here’s the latest official info from the USFS. 

Media Information Line: 503-668-1791/503-668-1776
Public Fire Information: (541) 467-2291
Office hours: 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

10/6/15 UPDATE:

The Badger Lake Fire is approximately 60 acres in size and burning in heavy dead and down timber. The fire is located northwest of Badger Lake in the Badger Lake Wilderness. Steep terrain, limited road access and an abundance of snags (standing dead trees) pose challenges for firefighter safety. Retardant was dropped on Forest Road 3550 yesterday with the goal of keeping the fire within the wilderness. Additional retardant has been ordered. Two helicopters continue to work on the fire.

The Badger Lake Fire began on Saturday, October 3, 2015. The cause of the fire is under investigation. Base Camp for the Fire is at Badger Lake Campground.

An area closure is in effect for the area surrounding the fire to protect public and firefighter safety as crews work to contain the fire. The closure includes roads, trails and developed recreation sites. Please contact the Barlow Ranger Station for details or the website address below.

PERSONNEL AND RESOURCES: Approximately 70 personnel, including 2 20 person crews, 4 Type 6 Engines, 1 Type 1 helicopter, and 1 Type 2 helicopter, and 12 rappellers.

SPECIAL MESSAGES/CLOSURES: An area closure is in effect for the Badger Lake Fire. For more information on the closure go to the Mt. Hood NF Closure webpage.

Badger Lake Fire Closure
Effected roads:

• 3500640 Closed
• 3500641 Closed
• 3500642 Closed
• 3500660 Closed
• 3540000 Closed
• 3540011 Closed
• 3540012 Closed
• 3540630 Closed
• 3540640 Closed
• 3540641 Closed
• 3550000 Closed
• 3550620 Closed
• 4860000 Closed
• 4860140 Closed
• 4860160 Closed
• 4880000 Closed
• 4891000 Closed
• 4891120 Closed

Effected Trails:

• 465         PINE CREEK Closed
• 477         BADGER CREEK CUTOFF Portion Closed
• 458         DIVIDE Closed
• 478         CRANE CREEK Portion Closed – North End
• 464         CRANE PRAIRIE Portion Closed
• 466         THREE MILE Closed
• 479A      BADGER LAKE Closed
• 480         GUMJUWAC Closed
• 680         JEAN LAKE Closed
• 467         POST CAMP Closed
• 477A      WEST FORK Closed
• 685B      CAMP WINDY Closed
• 463         BOULDER LAKE Portion Closed
• 493         HIGH PRAIRIE Closed
• 685         GUNSIGHT BUTTE Closed
• 479         BADGER CREEK Portion Closed (West of Bonney Crossing)

Effected Rec Sites are

• Badger Lake C.G. Closed
• Camp Windy C.G Closed
• Bonney Meadows Closed

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!