Rockslide! Trail Closed

[Beer Town Bill]

Our plan was to do the loop yesterday, but discovered that the trail is closed just beyond the first bridge due to a rockslide further up the trail. Apparently, this is a different slide than the one which closed the trail last year. We ended up doing the Wahkeena "dog bone" instead, which was still fun.

[Grannyhiker]

http://www.portlandhikers.org/forum/vie ... =7&t=20507

[RobinB]

There are a couple ways around it (more info here), which might make the loop possible. But your dogbone seems like a good solution too.

[Eric Peterson]

The good news is there is no actual slide covering the trail. There is some earth sliding above the paved path closer the the Benson Bridge which was enough of a concern to close the trail while it was warmer and wetter, I can't imagine the slide going anywhere right now in the current freeze, but it's still officially closed with barricade and caution tape.

[woodswalker]

I'm wondering if anyone has heard any possible date estimates for reopening. I checked the Nat. Forest site and just a closure was listed, with no dates for repair. Any scuttlebutt drifting around out there?
Woodswalker

[trailupdater]

Forest Service geologist will be looking at this to determine safety on Weds 12/3...stay tuned. Edan

[woodswalker]

Thanks for the update!! A bazillion thank yous to those who maintain the trails.
Woodswalker

[miah66]

Thanks Trailupdater!

[trailupdater]

Upper Trail at Multnomah Falls Reopened
Hood River-The USDA Forest Service Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area has reopened the upper trail at Multnomah Falls that was closed temporarily last week due to a landslide. The Larch Mt. Trail #441 is now completely open past Benson Bridge.
The landslide that caused the temporary closure occurred last Wednesday evening and originated from the top of the cliffs just east of Multnomah Falls. Rocks and debris fell down the face of the cliff into the upper plunge pool. Even though no damage to the trail occurred from the slide, the trail was closed for public safety from potential falling debris reaching the trail from unstable undermined root wads at the top of the slide. The hazard has now fallen from the cliff and the trail is now reopened.
Due to the unique geology of the area and the freeze thaw effect that occurs in the winter months, rock and landslides can occur in the Gorge this time of year. Current closures due to slides include:
• Oneonta Trail #424 is closed due to a slide 1 mile south of the trailhead. This slide prevents access to Triple Falls. The Horsetail-Oneonta loop is open.
A landslide about a quarter of mile up the Wahkeena Trail #420 has washed out part of the trail, but it is passable with caution. The Forest Service and Pacific Crest Trail Association plan on making needed repairs in the next month.
The Forest Service asks hikers to be prepared for changing weather and trail conditions in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. For more information on trail conditions please call (541) 308-1708 or visit www.fs.usda.gov/crgnsa.

[woodswalker]

Fantastic! Thanks for posting the update!
Woodswalker