Tag Archives: 44 Trails

Fire Closure Update for 44 Trails Area

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fire map 8/23 update

fire map 8/22 update

Growth of the Government Flats Fire Complex on August 21 is leading to more road/area closures related to the 44 Trails area. Although the decision is not yet final, today’s morning meeting proposes the closure of the FR 44 east of Highway 35 and north to the forest boundary. This closure will effectively close access Knebal Springs, 8-Mile and Surveyors.

The area is experiencing heavy ash and smoke as well (on 8/22), so really, it’s not a good place to try and recreate, regardless of the closure. West winds will help blow smoke out of the area this weekend and should help reduce threat to the 44 Trails area.

The fire has not burned into the trails proper but the risk of it spreading in the area is high given any east wind events.

Here’s a map of the latest fire location. FR 44 runs east/west in the bottom of the image.

Get the latest fire closure information from the USFS news feed

or

the InciWeb.org fire information page

Fire Closures Affect 44 Trails

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Aerial view of Government Flats Complex fire

Aerial view of Government Flats Complex fire

Temporary road closures due to the wild fire in Mill Creek (Government Flats Fire Complex) are affecting the 44 trails area.

As per the USFS:Temporary Road and Recreation Area Closure due to Government Flats Fire

The Government Flats fire began to encroach on Forest Service lands Monday, August 19th. To facilitate fire crews and engine traffic the following roads and recreational areas will be temporarily closed as of August 20 until further notice:

Knebal Campground due to the closure on the 1720 Road
1722 (east boundary)
4430 (north of 8 Mile CG)
1720 (posted at both east and west ends)
1700.660
1711.630

stay updated at
http://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/mthood/alerts-notices
and
http://www.inciweb.org/incident/3662/ 

44 Trails in Great Shape

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Knebal springs parking lot

Knebal Springs parking lot

With the riding around town in Hood River limited by fire closures, I figured it was a good excuse to take a day away from work and head out for a longer day of riding up in the 44 zone on the Mt Hood National Forest. Sadly, it was only my second day of riding the 44 trails this summer, but that only made the day that much sweeter.

We hit Knebal, Bottle Prairie, Eight-Mile and checked out progress on the new Super Connector trail. Overall condition of the trails is excellent right now. There are a few soft spots, but the vast majority is fast and flowy.

knebal - eight-mile map

knebal – eight-mile map

We also checked in with Ranger Thornton, who spent the day working on trails up in the Boulder Lake area. He said there are still a couple downed trees, but the high country around Boulder Lake will be in primo condition for the fall riding season. He also noted that the ground hornets are starting to get a little ornery, so watch yourself if you take a lunch break or walk out to a vista point.

Riding from town is convenient and good fun, but spending the better part of the day in the high country on the  44 trail system’s classic cross-country trails is the way to make your week.

44 Trails Super Connector

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Thanks to everyone who rallied for the work day on July 14 and thanks to Dog River Coffee, and Dirty Fingers Bike Shop for their support! Trail construction continues, rock work was laid and more tread built.

Mark your calendars, the next round of trail work is scheduled for September 14 to be followed by a fundraising event at Double Mountain Brewing. More details to follow.

Super Connector Trail Work Day #3 – July 14

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July 14 Trail Work PosterIt’s time to put tools to dirt again on the Super Connector trail. Sunday July 14, 2013 is the date for the next trail work day. We’ll be building tread on the trail. Meet up at 9am at the Little John SnoPark off Highway 35. There will be fresh coffee courtesy of Dog River waiting for you at the parking lot.

Helmets are required (bike helmet is perfect) and long pants, too. Bring trail tools – rakes McLeods. Pack a lunch and bring water!

Facebook users! Stay in touch with the latest 44trails news with our facebook page

Work day will be about three hours, so be sure to bring your bike and enjoy a ride post trail work!

Trail Love Video

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Check out this vid from our friends at Central Oregon Trail Alliance (COTA). 44 Trails Association will be posting some “Two-way traffic, yield to up-hill traffic” signs on the National Forest trails around the 44 network during future trail projects. Speaking of future trail projects, future project dates will be posted soon . . .