Successful firefighting efforts on the Horse Creek Fire and the Pothole Fire has led to a reduction in closures in the Willamette National Forest
Springfield, Ore. – Sept. 7, 2023 — The closure order for the Lookout Fire has been reduced due to successful firefighting efforts on the Horse Creek Fire and the Pothole Fire. The lightning-caused Lookout Fire, which was reported on Aug. 5, is approximately 24,417 acres and 25% contained. The closure order, which is for public and firefighter safety, is in effect through Oct. 7, 2023, unless rescinded or modified sooner.
Many popular recreation sites and trails that were closed by the original Lookout closure are now open, including: Castle Rock Trailhead, Kings Castle Trailhead, McKenzie Bridge Boat Launch, and others. Although located inside the closure area, Clear Lake Day Use and Resort and Lost Prairie Group Campground remain open.
Most of the area south of Highway 126 is now outside of the closure area, but portions of some Forest Service Roads remain closed due to firefighter response on the Horse Creek Fire.
Many popular sites along Highway 242, including Proxy Falls and Obsidian Trailhead, remain inaccessible due to a temporary closure by the Oregon Department of Transportation even though they are now no longer inside the Lookout Fire closure area. For the latest information on any road closures, please monitor TripCheck for updates: https://tripcheck.com/
Sites that remain closed include Blue Pool, Sahalie Falls, Mona Campground, the McKenzie River Trail and trailheads, and Sevenmile Horse Camp, and others.
Visit InciWeb for more information on the Lookout, Horse Creek, and Pothole Fires https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident-information/orwif-lookout-fire or follow the “Lookout Fire 2023” info page on Facebook.
For the complete list of recreation sites and roads included in the Lookout Fire Closure Order, visit our website at https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/willamette/alerts-notices/?cid=fseprd552029.
The Willamette National Forest still has fire restrictions in place, including campfires only in designated developed campgrounds, and is in IFPL II. Fire Danger is “Moderate”. For more information, visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/willamette/fire.
