DRIGGS, Idaho — With the change in seasons, snow, mud, sun and rain creates variability on trails in the National Forest. On Tuesday, May 14, the Caribou-Targhee National Forest (CTNF) asked people to be cautious and respectful of the forest’s natural resources through responsible outdoor behavior.
“We ask visitors to be considerate and recreate responsibly,” CTNF said via social media. “Many of the roads are still covered in snow and those that aren’t are in the awkward time between snowmelt, mud and dry conditions and severe resource damage is possible.”
Recent spring weather created a significant runoff event in the Palisades Ranger District in CTNF, resulting in the closure of Bear Creek Road. Water runoff flowed under the roadway, which eroded the road, causing one lane to collapse.
The part of the Bear Creek Road from the 058/076 junction (Snake River Road) to the 058/619 junction (Calamity Road), which provides access to the Calamity Campground and several summer home residences, is closed to all traffic.
The Forest Service urges hikers to stay on designated travel routes and use good judgment regarding travel on roads and trails.
Caribou-Targhee National Forest occupies over three million acres and stretches across southeastern Idaho, from the Montana, Utah and Wyoming borders.
Motor Vehicle Use Maps (MVUM) and visitor maps are available here.
