Siuslaw National Forest

Snow Continues to Blanket Marys Peak Road

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Contacts:
541/563-8415, John Zapell

May 16, 2008

Corvallis, OR – Unseasonably high temperatures have been experienced throughout Oregon over the past few days. While summer seemingly has come early to much of the state, old man winter still maintains a grip on Marys Peak.

The road that usually opens April 1 remains closed due to down trees, rocks and other debris on the road, as well as snow on the upper portion. The road between the lower gate near Conner’s Camp and the gate at West Point, while generally snow-free, will need to be cleared of winter debris before it is safe for public traffic.

From the upper gate at West Point, the road remains blanketed by snow averaging 3 to 4 feet deep, with some drifts up to 6 feet deep. Siuslaw National Forest road managers estimate that the road to the summit may not open until mid-June.

The seasonal road closure, which was initiated in 2000, usually runs between December 1 and March 31. Last fall a new gate near West Point, approximately one and a half miles from the top of the Peak, was installed in order to improve people’s ability to find snow. Unfortunately the winter snow did not allow officials to open the lower gate at Conner’s Camp to provide this opportunity.

For more information about Marys Peak or the Siuslaw National Forest visit the web at: http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/siuslaw/ or call 541-750-7000.

USDA Forest Service, Siuslaw National Forest
Last modified Friday, May 16 2008