August 16, 2017 Update
Effective Immediately:
Grizzly Peak Trail System Back Open
Closure signs and caution tape are no longer at the Grizzly Peak trailhead or its tributary trails. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Medford District jointly with the Oregon Department of Forestry Southwest Oregon District have decided the area is now safe for public access.
Fire and forestry managers quickly closed the trail system August 11th, both to allow fire cleanup efforts to finish and to account for public health and safety. The series of five fires on Grizzly Peak are now 100% contained. Aerial recon will continue as the temperatures warm up in southern Oregon this week.
The Grizzly Peak Trail is on federal land administered by the Bureau of Land Management out of its Medford District office. It is a popular hiking area that attracts several visitors during the summer months. Therefore, we are pleased to reopen the trail system in such a timely manner in order to allow the community the chance to get out and enjoy the remainder of the summer out on the trails.
For additional information, please reach out to the
BLM Medford District office at (541) 618-2200, or the
Oregon Department Southwest Oregon District Medford Unit at (541) 664-3328
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August 12, 2017 Notice to Close.
EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY:
Grizzly Peak Trail System CLOSED to Protect Public Health and Safety
With increased fire activity on Grizzly Peak near Ashland, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Medford District jointly with the Oregon Department of Forestry Southwest Oregon District have decided that a temporary closure of the Grizzly Peak Trail system is necessary in order to protect public health and safety. The closure is effective immediately and will be in place until the area is deemed safe for public access.
Currently, firefighters are still engaged on Grizzly Peak; however, only three of the five fires initially reported are still actively burning. The first two fires were knocked down and 100% contained by early afternoon. Both are less than an acre in size. Firefighters are engaged on the final three fires tonight. The fires range from ¼ acre to 2 acres, and are each at least 30% mopped up and 100% lined. We will continue to work on these fires swiftly and efficiently in order to eliminate any further risk to public and firefighter safety.
Closure signs will be placed at main entry points to the area; however, maps of the closure area can be obtained through the BLM Medford District Office. The Grizzly Peak Trail is on federal land administered by the Bureau of Land Management out of its Medford District office. It is a popular hiking area that attracts several visitors during the summer months. Therefore, we hope this precaution keeps both visitors and firefighters safe as crews continue to make progress on the series of fires on Grizzly Peak.
See the full Emergency Closure Notification.
For additional information, please reach out to the
BLM Medford District office at (541) 618-2200, or the
Oregon Department Southwest Oregon District Medford Unit
at (541 664-3328.