Our eclipse countdown clock is ticking away and we can’t
believe there’s only one month to go before we’ll witness this spectacle in the
sky. For those planning on visiting the Siuslaw National Forest to view the
eclipse, here is some additional information to help finalize your plans.
In anticipation of the large numbers of visitors to the
forest to view the August 21 total solar eclipse, forest officials are taking
measures to ensure public safety and clear access for emergency vehicles, while
protecting certain sensitive areas. As announced this spring, private vehicle
access to Marys Peak and Mt. Hebo the day of the eclipse will be by reservation
only (sorry – all reservations were booked by March 30), while access to Forest
Service Road 1861 at Cascade Head will be first come, first served until
maximum vehicle capacity is reached.
Access to these three areas will be temporarily limited in
the days leading up to the eclipse in order to effectively provide for public
safety and resource protection. Eclipse and other visitors should be aware of
the following (details and maps available online):
Marys Peak: Marys Peak Road above Conners Camp closed
to private vehicles nights of Aug. 17 through Aug. 20 (8pm – 6am). Marys Peak Road closed to
private vehicles above Hwy. 34 8pm Aug. 20 to noon Aug. 21; eclipse permit
holders and foot and bicycle traffic permitted beginning 6am Aug. 21. Woods
Creek Road, which accesses the North Ridge Trailhead, will be closed to
vehicles from 8pm Aug. 20 to noon Aug. 21; eclipse permit holder and foot and
bicycle traffic permitted beginning 6am Aug. 21. The small Marys Peak
Campground will be closed Aug. 17 through Aug. 21 to be used as a staging area
for emergency services, staff, and volunteers supporting the event. As always,
camping and campfires are prohibited on Marys Peak.
Mt. Hebo: Mt. Hebo Road (FS 14) closed to vehicles between
Pioneer Indian Trailhead (milepost 5.3) and intersection with FS 1428 (milepost
11.4 just north of South Lake) starting 5pm Aug. 18 through noon Aug. 21. Eclipse
permit holders and foot and bicycle traffic permitted beginning 6am Aug. 21.
All eclipse viewers will be required to stay in a designated viewing area to
protect critical habitat for the threatened Oregon silverspot butterfly. As
always, camping and campfires are prohibited on Mt. Hebo.
Cascade Head: FS 1861 west of Hwy. 101 closed to vehicles nights
of Aug. 17 through Aug. 20 (7pm – 7am). Gate opens at 6am Aug. 21 and will remain
open until parking areas reach capacity limit. As always, camping and campfires
are prohibited at Cascade Head.
For other forest areas, many Siuslaw National Forest
campgrounds are available by reservation and are already booked for the nights
leading up to the eclipse. Some areas of the forest are available for dispersed
camping, yet the steep slopes and dense forests of the Coast Range limit the
availability of suitable camping locations. While access to other forest
recreation sites will be available as usual, standard recreation fees may apply
and crowding and congestion should be anticipated.
