What is a developed trailhead?

[mjirving]

I see this statement in the news that “developed trailheads” are closed. What exactly are they? Anything with a toilet? Anything with parking? What exactly is a developed trailhead?

Thanks! Mike / “GoalTech”

[johnspeth]

As far as I can tell, it's not defined. I've seen the term written numerous times associated with trail closures but never defined. It appears they rushed out the policy in a legally incomplete way. To further confuse the issue, USFS trails are open but developed trailheads are closed. That leaves a lot of arguable wiggle room in the remote chance of being confronted by an enforcement authority.

[Guy]

I see this statement in the news that “developed trailheads” are closed. What exactly are they? Anything with a toilet? Anything with parking? What exactly is a developed trailhead?

Thanks! Mike / “GoalTech”

I depends on the National Forest for some it's only Trail heads with toilets or requiring the NWFP. I can tell you that around Mt. Hood it's every trailhead! But there are still plenty of options to get where you want to go if you can walk a little further than usual.

[retired jerry]

You can tell that a trailhead is a developed trailhead because it has a "closed" sign by it

For those, you have to park down the road a bit

For any place "closed" or "open", if there's a crowd go someplace else

(just trying to be humorous )

[mjirving]

Thanks. Yeah I haven’t seen any “closed” signs as I haven’t been out there exploring yet.

[drm]

I think all trailheads are "developed" - anywhere an officially maintained trail starts. But if the trail just crosses some forest road, not so. Practically-speaking, probably requires some parking space. But I don't think it is the same as a NWFP trailhead.

[retired jerry]

deduction from very small data set

USFS trailheads are closed

BLM trailheads are not

Based on progress so far, soon, trailheads will be opened

[Aimless]

I see this statement in the news that “developed trailheads” are closed.

I'm not remembering that being the term used by the USFS when discussing the closures. What I recall is a phrase such as 'developed recreation sites, such as campgrounds and trailheads, are closed'.

Anyway, my clear impression is that all trailheads have been closed - at least until recently. Right now, of course, the situation is in the process of getting more fluid and less clear in everyone's minds. In a week or two things are likely to be better defined and easier to sort out.

[mjirving]

This term is being used in the Oregonian as they summarize all open and closed places.

[mjirving]

I’m hoping to do an overnight for my 50th birthday the night of 6/1. I’m open to suggestions if my target site isn’t open by then. Seems that non-gorge Washington might be an option? Thoughts?