Four miles of McKenzie Trail closed

MCKENZIE BRIDGE: The 544-acre lightning-caused Knoll Fire, located seven miles northeast of McKenzie Bridge was reported as 60% contained this week. Officials say the fire is staying within containment lines, as fire crews continue mopping up and monitoring the fire.

Due to fire impacts and safety hazards, four miles of the McKenzie River Trail will be closed until summer of 2022, and possibly longer. The area extends from the Blue Pool/Tamolitch Falls Trailhead south to Deer Creek.

The trail from Deer Creek to Frissell Boat Launch is currently inside the Knoll Fire closure order but it could be opened when the fire closure is lifted. Recreation sites north of Blue Pool/Tamolitch Falls Trailhead, including Blue Pool, remain open as well as recreation sites south of Frissell Boat Launch.

The closed section of the trail had significant fire damage to the trail surface and structures, includes the Deer Creek Trail Bridge. In additional, the McKenzie River is closed to boaters from the Trail Bridge Reservoir to the Frissell Boat Launch.

While the Knolls Fire closure order continues in effect, recreation sites including Olallie Campground, Deer Creek, Deer Creek Road, Deer Creek Hot Springs and all other uses within the closure area remain prohibited. For more information on the Knoll Fire closure, visit https://go.usa.gov/xFwt9.

Smoke will could still be visible in the McKenzie River area from the Knoll Fire and surrounding fires. For information about the air and smoke quality, visit https://fire.airnow.gov/. Campfires continue to be prohibited on the entire Willamette National Forest due to extreme fire danger and ongoing active fires. Officials are reminding the public to "Know Before You Go" and check local fire restrictions before visiting the forest. For more information on fire restrictions or to find detailed maps and the full text of fire-related closure orders, visit https://go.usa.gov/xFfth.