Widespread storm damage closes roads on Mt. Hood National Forest
Downed trees, rockfall, and slides make many roads impassable or dangerous
Contact Information: SM.FS.mthood_news@usda.gov
Storms over the last few weeks brought heavy rain and high winds across Mt. Hood National Forest. Following the storms many roads and trails are blocked or washed out; saturated hillsides and clogged drainage culverts continue to undermine roads. As a result of the scale of damage, the Forest has closed some roads on the Clackamas River and Zigzag Ranger Districts effective Jan. 6 through Jan. 31, 2026, unless rescinded sooner.
On the Clackamas River Ranger District, Forest Roads (FR) 63 and 70 are closed to motor vehicles, as well as all other roads west and south of FR 46. Portions of FR 45 are also closed. Bagby Hot Springs is inaccessible and closed to public access. Oregon State Hwy. 224 remains closed east of Estacada, temporarily limiting access to any Forest roads beyond that point.
On the Zigzag Ranger District, Still Creek Road (FR 2612) and Salmon River Road (FR 2618) are closed to motor vehicles at the Forest boundary. Multiple landslides completely block both roads and clogged culverts are preventing drainage. Parking is very limited at the Old Salmon River Trailhead. The Salmon Butte and Salmon River Trailheads farther down the road are inaccessible.
On the Hood River Ranger District, Tamanawas Trail #650A is blocked by multiple slides and completely washed out in one section, making Tamanawas Falls inaccessible via that route. The nearby East Fork Trail #650 has a bridge washout north of Tamanawas Trail, along with additional slide damage and obstructions.
Find the Forest Order and accompanying maps on our website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/mthood/alerts/winter-storm-closure-forest-order
During mid-December storms, many areas received nearly 10” of rain and wind gusts exceeding 50 mph. Downed trees and slides are expected to continue over the next month. Areas within the 2020 wildfires are especially prone to falling trees for the next several years.
Forest staff will continue to assess conditions and update closures as conditions stabilize. Many roads may remain closed through spring, particularly once snow arrives and the full extent of the damage is known. Following spring melt Forest engineers will conduct additional assessments forest-wide and begin developing repair plans.
Visitors should take extra precautions traveling on Forest roads. Bring the 10 Essentials, carry a winter car kit, and expect down limbs and fallen rocks on open roads and trails. Be ready to turn around before you get stuck or stranded in an area that is remote, inaccessible, or has no cell service.
View a selection of storm damage photos on our Flickr album: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCFnkr
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