Oregon Hikers

Monday until at least May 8

https://katu.com/news/local/oregon-stat ... s-pandemic
https://oregonstateparks.org/index.cfm? ... icleId=272


Update for add'l closures:

• Gorge waterfall corridor, HCRH from Bridal Veil to Ainsworth
• Skamania County trails
• Washington State Parks: Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission and the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife announced the temporary closure of all state-managed parks, wildlife areas, and water-access areas
• Washington DNR Managed lands: includes trailheads, trails, roads, free flight launch sites, campgrounds, water access sites, day-use areas, and dispersed recreation (camping, off-trail hiking, hunting, target shooting, etc)
• ENTIRE Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area: "It is prohibited to enter, be within, or park within National Forest System lands in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area" (full order & map)
• Mt Hood National Forest: all campgrounds, day-use sites, trailheads, Sno-Parks, fire lookouts, OHV areas, and other developed recreation sites closed
• Gifford Pinchot National Forest: campgrounds, day-use sites, trailheads, Sno-Parks, cabin rentals and other developed recreation sites closed
• Driving / car access within
  • Pittock Mansion
  • Washington Park (SW Kingston Drive – the road through the park – will be closed; other roads open for Water Bureau project)
  • Hoyt Arboretum (Fisher Lane closed)
  • Council Crest
  • Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden
  • Kelley Point Park
  • Sellwood Riverfront Park
  • Mt. Tabor Park
  • Hillside Park
  • Sellwood Park
  • Powell Butte
  • Add'l parks TBD

They recommend those going to city parks, county parks and other public land do so with the recommendation that they maintain social distancing practices.

That assumes city and county parks will be open. What if city and county parks are closed next?

It's not unthinkable for city or county parks to close at some future point as the pandemic worsens. You ask what then?

I'd say to observe the new rules. Streets and roads should still be available. If they are ruled out, pace the floor, do jumping jacks. Whatever it takes to stay halfway sane, while still doing what's possible to mitigate the spread of this pandemic. If you are inclined to complain about such difficulties, remember the front line medical workers who are already running flat out trying to meet the projected emergency needs of the next few months and be glad if you are not at the tip of the spear.

Here's the Catch-22...

A lot of people ignored the social distancing this weekend at places like Multnomah Falls according to the media. I didn't go, so all I have is hearsay. So, enforcing a physical separation has some merit.

But only some...

We are encouraged by our doctors, our mental health and physical health, and even the politicians, to walk, run or bike...but the closures reduce the number of options available and thus increase the risk of not distancing from strangers while out.

personally, I'd just as soon keep away from the hordes who clustered at Multnomah Falls than having them walk the same space in town I am walking.

Yes, it is a catch 22 because people tend to go to crowded places - most people - thus causing those places to be closed, meaning there are fewer such places to spread out in. And it seems they don't want us driving long distances to get to other uncrowded places.

As always, the tendency of some people to ignore rules impacts those who do play by the social distancing rules. But at a time like this, that is just how it works. If there is anything that the pandemic emphasizes, it is that we are all a part of a society, not just pure individuals.

As of 3/26, ODFW lands (many of which require a parking permit) are still open.

However, I imagine that might change soon.

Aimless wrote: ↑

March 22nd, 2020, 5:16 pm

If you are inclined to complain about such difficulties, remember the front line medical workers who are already running flat out trying to meet the projected emergency needs of the next few months and be glad if you are not at the tip of the spear.

Word. Yes, this sucks. No it doesn't suck as bad as being a nurse at a hospital right now (and at least one forum member is a nurse). So let's stay home for their sake as well as ours, until the public health professionals tell us it is safe to go out again!

"So let's stay home for their sake as well as ours"

This is going to be terrible for people in hospitals - workers and patients both

We need to do everything possible to not add to their load

And I am thankful to anyone willing to do this