CURRENT CONDITIONS

Weather: Follow this link for current Bend weather

SUNRISE: 5:24 SUNSET:  8:52 – June 26, 2009 (15 hours and 28 minutes of daylight!)

SUMMER SOLSTICE – BENDS LONGEST DAY OF THE YEAR – June 21 (15 Hours and 30 Minutes)                

WINTER SOLSTICE – BENDS SHORTEST DAY OF THE YEAR – December 21 (8 hours and 53 minutes

It has been over 7 days now since we have seen any moisture in the Central Oregon area and temperatures continue to bounce between spring-like and summer-like.  Temperatures for this weekend are forecasted to be around 90 degrees with lows in the mid 40’s.  These temperatures are only temporary and then they will fall back down into the 80 degree range for the remainder of the week.  Winds will be mild from the N/NW at 7-10 mph. 

The East Fort Rock is displaying moderate dust at this time as usual for this time of the year.  Temperatures highs for this area will be in the mid 80’s with lows near 40 for the weekend.  As we move into next week, high temps will continue to be close to the same.  Winds will be mild from the N/NW at 6-9 mph.

Millican is quite dry at this time and showing moderate to heavy dust.  Temperature highs for this area will be in the 90’s with lows in the mid 40’s for the weekend.  As we move into next week, high temps will continue to be the same.  Winds will be mild from the N/NW at 6-9 mph. 

No rain is in the forecast at this time.

Remember South Millican is still CLOSED and will not open until August 1, 2009.     

RIDE the conditions! STAY on the trails! And be prepared!

If you run across a tree blocking the trail or other trail hazard please make note of the location (ie; trail number, closest junction, GPS way point, etc) and report the hazard to COHVOPS at 541-383-5641 or the email from this news letter. 

DO YOU HAVE YOUR ATV SAFETY EDUCATION CARD?

January 1, 2009, new safety laws requiring an ATV Safety Education Card went into effect for youth under 16 and their adult supervisors (phased in for all ages by 2014) operating ATVs and off-road motorcycles on lands open to public use. 

The ATV Safety Education Course is the only way to receive the new ATV Safety Education Card (or Operator Permit). In order to make training as convenient as possible, the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department offers this free safety and education program and certification online at this website. www.rideATVoregon.org.  In addition to the On-line training, hands on training will be required for all youth under the age of 16 starting 2012.  While hands-on training is highly recommended, it is not currently required and does not fulfill the ATV Safety Education Course and Card requirement. Previous ASI or MSF Operator Permit holders need to take this course. 

Any youth under the age under the age of 16 operating a quad must also meet all the following minimum physical size requirements (Rider Fit) in relationship to the vehicle:

1. Brake Reach: With hands placed in the normal operating position and fingers straight out, the first joint (from the tip) of the middle finger will extend beyond the brake lever and clutch.
2. Leg Length: While sitting and with their feet on the pegs, the knee must be bent at least 45 degrees.
3. Grip Reach: While sitting upright on the quad with hands on the handle bars and not leaning forward, there must be a distinct angle between the upper arm and the forearm, and;
4. The rider must be able to turn the handle bars from lock to lock while maintaining grip on the handle bars and maintaining throttle and brake control.
5. Disabled riders are allowed to use prosthetic devices or modified or adaptive equipment to achieve rider fit.  

Central Oregon Riding Areas

TRAIL CLOSURES are in effect – know before you go

Please respect these closures and report observations of violations to COHVOPS.  Where available gates are closed and at all points of entry signage has been posted. Be advised that signage does get dislodged for one reason or another but as always, being an informed rider is essential.

OPEN Season – East Fort Rock is open year-around, but access becomes blocked by snow. 

Road 2510 Staging Area – Warm and moderate dust

Road 25 Staging Area – Warm and moderate dust

Camp II Trailhead – Warm and mild dust

Ground Hog Rock Crawl and Play Area – Warm and mild dust

China Hat Campground – Warm

South Lava Trailhead - Warm

OPINE Closure - The OPINE Closure (December 1 to March 31) affects the North and East part of East Fort Rock restricting motorized vehicle travel to EFR trails and these designated routes:  Road 18, 1829, 2016, 2017, 2015500, 23, 2300300, 2312, 2312400, 2313, 2313400, 25, 2510, 2510110 and 2510400.  Travel outside of these routes is considered a federal violation.

Rosland Area – Conditions look good for the Rosland Play area.  Temps will still be warm for the weekend with highs near 90 and lows in the mid 40’s. As we move into next week, temperatures will drop back into the 80’s.  Winds will be mild from the north at 6-9 mph.  The COHVOPS team has completed work at Rosland including grooming the trails, repairing fences, general cleanup and reviewing the project from mid December when COHVOPS teamed up with many generous volunteers and completed the Rosland OHV Play Area Safety Improvement Project.  Lots of dirt was moved around to provide a “safer” experience for riders. If you are interested in learning more on how you can get involved in OHV site improvement projects such as Rosland, please feel free to contact Todd Cardin at (541) 383-4794 or (541) 306-9658.   

OPEN Season - Rosland OHV play area is open year-round.

STAGING AREA CONSIDERATIONS

Alfalfa Curves Staging Area - Includes 1 Portable Toilet, Picnic Tables and Fire Rings, No Water

4-Corners Staging Area - Includes 1 Portable Toilet, Picnic Tables and Fire Rings, No Water

Corrals Staging Area - Includes 1 Portable Toilet, Picnic Tables and Fire Rings, No Water

OPEN Season - Trails are open year around, unless otherwise posted.

OPEN Season - South Millican is open to OHV traffic from August 1 to November 30 annually.

OPEN Season - North Millican is open from May 1 to November 30 annually. 

STAGING AREA CONSIDERATIONS - There are no developed staging areas, but there is some limited parking space available at Harvey Gap.

OPEN Season - The Green Mountain Trail which is 8.5 miles long is open year around. However access to the trail system is limited.  The Mckay Creek Road closure is a year-round closure.  Routes inside the Emergency Closure area that remain open year-around to street legal vehicles include 27, 2705, 2710, 33, 3320, 325 and 350.  Non-street legal vehicles including (motorcycles, Quads, and snow machines) can utilize only the following 3 and 4 digit roads including 2705, 2710, 3320, 325, 350 and the Green Mountain Trail.  Failure to abide by this closure is considered a ticket able offense.

OPEN Season - Henderson Flats is open to OHV Traffic from April 1 to November 30

OPEN Season - Edison Butte has a Seasonal Closure for Class II (Jeeps) and Class III (Motorcycles) from December 1 to March 31.  It remains open to Class I (Quads) year around.

TRAVEL CONDITIONS

Expect Mountain Snow and Winter Driving Conditions

Travel and weather information presented in this newsletter is derived from the most recent forecast available at the time of this mailing. Because travel and weather conditions are subject to dramatic change, information may not be consistent with recent changes. THINK SAFE, THINK SMART.  Before traveling, take the time to consult www.tripcheck.com or dial 511 on your telephone for the most recent travel and weather information. 

Santiam Summit - The Summit of Hwy 20 sits at an elevation of 4817 feet.       Click Here For Weather

Mt. Hood - Hwy 26 at Government Camp sits at an elevation of 3950.                 Click Here For Weather

Hwy 97 South - Hwy 97 at La Pine sits at and elevation of 4200 feet.                 Click Here For Weather

OTHER RIDING INFO

Crooked River National Grassland:  The use of any OHV off of a designated trail is prohibited year round except for the designated trails and play area at Henderson Flat. If a route does not have a trail number, it is closed.

Santiam Pass OHV Trails:  Please read all posted signs and watch for closures.  Contact the Sisters Ranger District before you recreate in the area. 

East Fort Rock and Millican Valley OHV Trail Systems: Travel is allowed on designated OHV trails only.  Please reference maps provided at the entrance of the trail system.  OHV travel on user roads or spur roads not designated on the trail system map is a violation.

Pine Mountain: is part of the Opine closure, travel is only allowed on designated routes.

For more information….  visit our website

Contact Us

To help reduce the potential of accidents and unnecessary injuries to unsuspecting riders, please report trail hazards to the COHVOPS program immediately. (541)383-4000

For additional information Please contact the following locations:

Bend/Fort Rock Ranger District in Red Oak Square (541) 383-4000 or

Deschutes National Forest Supervisors Office (541) 383-5300.

Ochoco National Forest Supervisors Office on NE Third (541) 416-6500 or

Bureau of Land Management on NE Third (541) 416-6700.

Crooked River National Grasslands on SW Highway 97 (541) 416-6640.

Sisters Ranger District on the corner of Hwy 20 and Pine St (541) 549-7700.

McKenzie River Ranger District on the McKenzie Highway (541) 822-3381.

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