One of the coolest parts about living in the West is each state's propensity to close mountain highways during winter. That may sound like a weird perk given fewer roads means more people on others, which would likely cause traffic, and traffic ain't fun.
But fewer open roads also means the best roads, the mountain roads, the roads we all love as motorcyclists are free from salt, from torn concrete from plows, and free from icing over and causing issues in spring. So once the snow melts, the pavement is perfect. Unlike California where upheavals, salting, and plowing tears up some of the best ribbons of tarmac around.
It also means that snowmobilers can access those same roads, though atop snow and ice instead of pavement. And, usually, it's safer to do so as these roads are groomed and easier to traverse than say your backcountry jaunts. Ask me how I know...
Yet, this year, the good folks over in Oregon may or may not have access to one of their beloved snowmobile routes. Why the confusion? Well, because the state's Department of Transportation (DOT) has issued vague language on the McKenzie Pass Scenic Highway. Language that's thrown many for a loop, including the US Forest Service which manages part of the area.
Ahead of the winter season, ODOT has stated that McKenzie Pass Highway 242 will be closed to all, not just the cars it normally closes the roads for. The new guidance includes snowmobilers, cross-country skiers, hikers, and bicyclists, all of whom have enjoyed recreating along the highway over the last several decades. But rather than make an official ruling, one set with regulations prohibiting travel, along with new signage and enforcement, ODOT is telling everyone that it's closed, but those who do use the highway "do so at their own risk."
Um, what?
The confusion becomes even murkier as the US Forest Service manages a portion of the area where the highway bisects, but hadn't been made aware of any new guidance from the state. Indeed, according to The Statesman Journal which spoke with the US Forest Service, it was under the assumption that it would remain closed for cars and trucks, but that skiers, snowmobilers, and others would still have access.
