Umatilla National Forest temporarily closes Tucannon River Road (Forest Service Road 47)

PENDLETON, Ore. – In partnership with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Umatilla National Forest has temporarily closed the Tucannon River Road (Forest Service Road 47) on the Pomeroy Ranger District. This closure is in place to be consistent with Washington state’s “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” executive order that closed state campgrounds and ponds along this road. The public is also reminded that the following roads and trails are closed along the Tucannon River due to flood damage:

• Portions or all of Forest Service Roads 47, 4712, 4620 and 4713 are closed, as well as the Meadow Creek Trail #3123, Panjab Trail #3127 and Rattlesnake Trail #3129 (see maps for details). The Little Tucannon bridge is compromised and will need further evaluation to determine the extent of the damage. Water is currently flowing around the bridge at the junction with Forest Service Road 4620, which is a popular road that accesses Lady Bug Campground and the Panjab Trail #3127. Access to Camp Wooten and some other state campgrounds are also restricted and the Tucannon Campground has experienced moderate damage.

Flood repair activities are ongoing and staff will prioritize and complete temporary repair work to gain access to certain parts of the Forest as weather and funding permits. All closure signs will be posted on the ground and detailed maps of the closure information is available on the Forest website and at any Forest office. Umatilla National Forest officials urge visitors to plan ahead and contact their local ranger district prior to starting their trip. Please follow social distancing guidelines when in parking areas and on the trail. Most Forest roads are still not accessible due to mud, snow or snow drifts. In addition, traveling on thawing, saturated, and muddy roads can result in resource damage and serious safety concerns, especially if visitors are unprepared. This is an unpredictable and rapidly changing situation. We are committed to continuing to support our communities and fulfill our mission as we all work together to minimize the impacts and spread of COVID-19.   Additional information about the Umatilla National Forest is available at https://www.fs.usda.gov/umatilla. ###