January 31, 2025 3:30 a.m.

Effective Friday, National Forest System Road 3401, the road to Umpqua Hot Springs, is closed due to the incoming winter storm.

An Umpqua National Forest release said the closed gate is located on the UNF just past the junction of NFSRs 34 and 3401.

The closure is intended to prevent vehicles from getting struck in the snow on the way to Umpqua Hot Springs, near Toketee. Closing the gate will address public safety by limiting motorized vehicle access to the parking area at the junction of NFSR’s 34 and 3401. 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.

The release said visitors wanting to soak in the Umpqua Hot Springs should plan to hike, snowshoe, or ski the last 2.5 miles. Visitors should be aware that even if it’s not snowy near the gate, often roads are icy and snowy further up the road to the hot springs. In addition, if it is 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.

UNF said visitors are encouraged to be prepared for adverse weather and winter road conditions when heading out to enjoy the hot springs. Temperatures at Umpqua Hot Springs range from 92 to 102 degrees. 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.

For more information on the Umpqua National Forest, go to: https://www.fs.usda.gov/umpqua