USFS opens additional access to Tucannon and Patrick Grade
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PENDLETON–The Umatilla National Forest is re-opening additional public access into the Tucannon River watershed after completing hazard tree removal, as well as identifying and signing designated parking areas. Effective Friday, July 24, the Umatilla National Forest will move the closure gate on the Tucannon River Road (Forest Service Road 47) from the Tucannon Campground to the Little Tucannon bridge. Additionally, the Forest has re-opened Patrick Grade (Forest Service Road 4620) from the Forest boundary to the Little Tucannon bridge.
The remainder of Forest Service Road (FSR) 47 will stay closed to motorized access due to flood damage, hazard trees, and ongoing repair work. The Forest is authorizing non-motorized access beyond the bridge, including hiking, horseback riding, or bicycling. Roads and trails within the watershed still have debris slides and obstructions from the flood event, so Forest users are asked to use caution when accessing the area.
In addition, the following roads and trails remain closed along the Tucannon River:
-Motorized access on portions or all of Forest Service Roads 4712, 4620 and 4713, as well as the Meadow Creek Trail #3123, Panjab Trail #3127 and Rattlesnake Trail #3129. Access to Camp Wooten and some other state campgrounds is also restricted.
The Umatilla National Forest experienced substantial road and trail damage in February from region-wide flooding across northeast Oregon and southeast Washington. Flood repair activities are ongoing, and anticipated to increase, as the Umatilla National Forest received approval for Emergency Relief for Federally-Owned Roads (ERFO) funds through the Federal Highway Administration. These funds will be used to complete repairs in the Tucannon, Umatilla, and South Fork Walla Walla River watersheds. Staff are currently completing site-specific damage survey reports to identify specific repair needs and cost estimates within those watersheds.
Contractors completed initial repair work on FSR 47 this spring and the Forest anticipates implementing additional repair work this summer. However due to the extent of the damage, flood repair activities will likely be ongoing over the next couple of years.
The public is reminded that several roads and trails are closed in areas with the most significant flood damage. Detailed closure maps and updates on flood repair activities are available on the Forest website and at any Forest office. Closure signs will also be posted on the ground.
Umatilla National Forest officials urge forest visitors to plan ahead and contact their local ranger district prior to starting their trip. Forest conditions are dynamic this time of year and likely to change throughout the day and week. The public is encouraged to monitor the Umatilla National Forest Facebook page and website for updates on flood repair activities.
Additional information about the Umatilla National Forest is available at https://www.fs.usda.gov/umatilla.
