|
Mt. Hood National Forest
www.fs.usda.gov/mthood
Forest Service News Release
Enjoy the Winter – Safely! – on Mt. Hood National Forest
As we approach the solstice, more and more people are searching for winter adventures on Mt. Hood National Forest. National forests are ideal for sledding, skiing, snowmobiling, and more, but there are necessary precautions to take before heading out. The best way to enjoy your public lands safely is to plan ahead, especially in the winter.
Always check the weather forecast and visit TripCheck.com for highway conditions in Oregon before leaving home. Driving in the winter at high elevations can mean snowy and icy roads, limited visibility, snowplows, and heavy ski traffic. Prepare your vehicle – carry tire chains and a winter weather kit, which should include extra food, water, layers, and blankets. Consider carpooling or using public transit, such as the Mt. Hood Express or Gorge-To-Mountain Express buses.
Most of the Forest has no cell service. Online mapping services are not always reliable, and Mt. Hood National Forest roads aren’t plowed. Many Forest roads are closed seasonally due to snow, winter range wildlife habitat, or resource protection. Motor Vehicle Use Maps are free and show all Mt. Hood National Forest roads, as well as seasonal closures. Pick up a paper copy at one of our offices or download a georeferenced PDF for your smartphone: https://www.fs.usda.gov/goto/mthood/mvum
Sno-Parks are popular for winter recreation and can fill up quickly on weekends. If a parking lot is full, it’s important to have a backup plan. Do not park along the highway, in no-parking zones, or block other vehicles. Emergency vehicles need unobstructed access to operate safely. Vehicles blocking traffic or parked illegally are subject to ticketing and towing. For more information on snow levels, check the weekly Mt. Hood Sno-Park conditions report or follow us on Facebook.
Nearly all Sno-Parks on Mt. Hood require vehicles to display a Sno-Park permit. The Oregon Sno-Park permit program is managed by ODOT (Oregon Department of Transportation) and money earned from permits sales directly funds plowing and maintenance of Sno-Parks. Learn more: https://www.tripcheck.com/Pages/Sno-Parks-Permits
Have a fun and safe winter on the mountain!
|
