Localized Alcohol Ban, Camping, Campfire and Parking Restrictions to be Enacted at a Few Locations on the Detroit Ranger District

Release Date: May 23, 2017

Contact(s): Jude McHugh, 541-915-5372

(Detroit, OR) Following an overwhelmingly supportive response, the Detroit Ranger District has approved localized camping, campfire and parking restrictions at several locations.  In addition, the District will enact an alcohol ban at the Three Pools Day Use Area; the use of marijuana is not legal on National Forest lands.

The District is implementing these restrictions in an attempt to improve the experience of visitors. There are several crowded places where drunken crowds, denuded campsites along waterways and congested parking along roadsides all contribute to unsafe and unpleasant experiences for many users.

“As our beautiful forest becomes more popular, we find there are a few locations that are not able to withstand the impacts from visitors. In addition to litter and human waste at many locations, irresponsible drinking is a problem at Three Pools Day Use Area. We want all people to feel welcome to come enjoy their forest; that means asking everyone to behave considerately of others and the land” stated District Ranger Grady McMahan.

There are approximately 90 parking spaces that provide access to three pools; in order to provide for emergency vehicle access, parking along the access road is not permitted. There are also new parking restrictions for the trailhead to Opal Creek. Parking at the Opal Creek trailhead has previously accommodated visitors for over a half-mile away from the trailhead; the new restrictions will only permit parking for one quarter (1/4) mile. This restriction is in place to attempt to limit impacts to the stream side areas of Opal Creek as well as human waste and litter issues. There are also overnight camping restrictions for portions of the French Creek, Blowout and Breitenbush roads, and Elk Lake.

More details are available here.