Check out the recent openings on the Clackamas River Ranger District

More roads and facilities are opening in the Clackamas River Ranger District as recovery work on the Mt. Hood National Forest pushes ahead after the devastating September 2020 wildfire.

The Highway 224 corridor is open to Lake Harriet and Timothy Lake, after more affected roads open, the latest update from the National Forest Service said.

Forest Road 4631 is open and is temporarily the suggested route between 224 and the Ripplebrook Store and Lake Harriet.

Forest Roads 45 (Memaloose Road) and Forest Road 54 (Fish Creek Road) at the Highway 224 junction both remain closed, however.

“All open campgrounds along Hwy. 224, Forest Roads 63 and 70 are first come, first served this year. Bring cash or check to pay” at the fee station, the update said.

Campgrounds and day use areas open in the Clackamas River corridor include: Alder Flat Trailhead, Bagby Campground and Hot Springs, Kingfisher Campground, Lake Harriet Campground and day use area, Olallie Lake Resort, Raab Campground, Ripplebrook Store, Shellrock Creek Campground and all Timothy Lake Campgrounds and day use areas.

The Hideaway Lake Campground will be opening soon, the Forest Service update said.

In addition Forest Road 4630, or Pipeline Road, is open, but watch for working trucks.

Expect delays if traveling on Forest Road 57. Workers are removing logs and wood. A complete, but temporary closure is expected this summer as the Forest Service is replacing culverts. Recreational vehicles and large trailers should stick to Highway 26 to Timothy Lake.

The Riverside fire, which began in September 2020, burned 138,054 acres on the Mt. Hood Forest. There were 139 structures destroyed and some injuries, but no deaths. It burned dangerously close to Estacada.

Officials urge caution when using newly opened areas that may have been affected by the fires.

“Risks in burned areas include falling trees and limbs, uneven/unstable ground full of holes from burned root systems, falling rocks, difficulty navigating through sections of trail, and possible landslides, debris flows, and flash floods. These are elevated during high winds, and during and after heavy rains,” the Forest Service said.

“While in a burned area, scan for overhead hazards, such as rock or tree fall hazards. Listen for high winds and falling trees, limbs, and rocks. Watch out for stump holes, unstable ground, and increased stream flows,” it warns.