Blue Pool Fire update

Blue Pool will remain closed through weekend of July 29 & 30

MCKENZIE BRIDGE: 16:00 hrs: Fire crews are continuing to work the 2.5 acre Blue Top Fire near Blue Pool and Tamolitch Falls. “Our firefighters made great progress today. The fire is playing hide and seek in the steep cliffs and making it impossible for us to simply walk in there” said Randy Harbick, Fire Management Officer. “Instead what we are doing is hooking up a series of hoses and sprinklers, pumping water from portable tanks and essentially making a rain shower; it will take a while, but we are hopeful to have the place open for visitors soon.” The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

All campgrounds on the McKenzie River Ranger District remain open. However, the portions of the McKenzie River Trail (Trail #3507) that access Blue Pool and Tamolitch Falls will be closed through the weekend. The trail closure begins at the Trail Bridge trailhead, extends east (upriver) and ends at the Carmen Reservoir trailhead.

“We realize this area is a very popular destination and so appreciate all the support and understanding visitors have been giving us all day. It would be a great help to us if folks could help spread the word; we are especially concerned about disappointing travelers who have made the trip here. Know that we are working hard to fully secure the fire boundary, reduce the possibility of fire spread and to get the trail open as soon as possible.” said District Ranger Terry Baker. “

No public access will be permitted to the Blue Bool area. Really nice sections of the McKenzie River Trail are still accessible west of the Trail Bridge trailhead and east of the Carmen Reservoir trailhead. Hikers and bikers eager to escape hot valley temperatures and enjoy their national forest are encouraged to explore other beautiful destinations near-by such as Cougar Reservoir, Terwilliger hot springs, Blue River Reservoir, Sahalie and Koosah Falls and others. Highway 242, the old McKenzie Highway, is a great place for cars and small trucks to see the rugged beauty of the Cascades; Highway 242 is closed to any vehicle longer than 35’.

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.