A popular portion of the McKenzie River Trail will likely remain closed through the end of August. The nearby 58-acre Blue Top Fire is almost fully contained, but it continues to smolder.
Fire spokeswoman Stephanie Gatchell says a 6-mile stretch of trail near Blue Pool is closed to the public because of weakened trees and other hazards. The closure is between Trail Bridge Campground and Carmen Reservoir.
Stephanie Gatchell: “We are trying to hit social media pretty hard. We do have signs posted around town as well as people at those access points explaining other alternatives such as Clear Lake or Sahalie, Koosah Falls and the other portions of the trail that are open to explore, as well as there is always the historic Highway 242.”
Gatchell urges people to use caution driving on Highway 126 as there is increased firefighting traffic.