December 12, 2023 10:00 a.m. 

As of Tuesday, a forest closure order for National Forest System Road 3401, or the road to the Umpqua Hot Springs, is in effect.

The closed gate is located on the Umpqua National Forest just past the junction of NFSR’s 34 and 3401. In addition to the gate closure, a rock berm has been installed.

An Umpqua National Forest release said the closure order is intended to prevent vehicles from getting struck in the snow on the way to the Umpqua Hot Springs, near Toketee. Closing the gate and installing a berm will address public safety by limiting motorized vehicle access to the parking area at the junction of the two roads. This action is in collaboration with the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office and Toketee residents to reduce adverse impacts on DCSO and Search and Rescue personnel.

Visitors wanting to soak in the Umpqua Hot Springs should plan to hike, snowshoe or ski the last 2.5 miles. In addition to recreational travel, persons operating over-snow vehicles are exempt from this order. Visitors should be aware that even if it is not actively snowing, the trail can be hard to navigate for first time users. A compass, map or trail guide is suggested to help with wayfinding.

The release said visitors are encouraged to be prepared for adverse weather and winter road conditions when heading out to enjoy the winter beauty of the hot springs. Temperatures at Umpqua Hot Springs range from 92-102 degrees Fahrenheit. With no trash cans and limited recreation staff in winter months, visitors are asked to practice Leave No Trace principles and pack out trash to keep the hot springs clean and natural.

The forest closure order will be rescinded on April 30, 2024, unless rescinded sooner.

A copy of the closure order can be found at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/umpqua