Blue Pool closed by fire

Blue Pool and portion of McKenzie River Trail temporarily closed as firefighters respond to wildfire

MCKENZIE BRIDGE:  Fire crews are responding to the 2-acre Blue Top Fire near Blue Pool and Tamolitch Falls along of the popular McKenzie River Trail (Trail #3507). To protect both the visiting pubic and to allow firefighters to safely manage the fire, the McKenzie River Trail is temporarily closed between the trailhead at Trail Bridge Campground off Forest Road 2600-355 and the trailhead at Carmen Reservoir.

“We realize this is a very popular destination for bikers and hikers.” said Fire Management Officer Randy Harbick. “This closure is in place to protect firefighter and public safety. We will open the McKenzie River Trail and Blue Pool as soon as possible.”

No public access will be permitted to the Blue Bool area. The McKenzie River Trail is still accessible to the west of Trail Bridge Campground and to the east of Carmen Reservoir. Hikers and bikers eager to escape hot valley temperatures and enjoy their national forest are encouraged to explore other beautiful destinations nearby such as Cougar Reservoir or Blue River Reservoir.

Access to Forest Roads 2600-740 and 2600-738 are also closed from Highway 126. The closure is expected to remain through Thursday, July 28 and could continue into the weekend if firefighters need more time to suppress the blaze. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.

The public is reminded that using unmanned aircraft (drones) in the vicinity of a wildfire endangers and/or prevents fire-fighting and is punishable under the law.

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Willamette National Forest Fire information: www.fs.usda.gov/goto/willamette/fire

Image by McKenzie River