There is still snow abounding, so please read the update we received from Chris Sabo with the Deschutes National Forest to familiarize yourself with access and availability.
"Hwy 46 is scheduled to fully open this Friday from Dutchman Flat to Lava Lake turnoff. The section from Dutchman Sno-park to Elk Lake will have NO PARKING AVAILABLE OVER THE WEEKEND. Plowing operations along this section only focused on plowing the road open and not the trailheads or other recreation sites. Parking on the Hwy will likely be nonexistent as well. Avoid being a traffic hazard by trying to park between the snow banks and traffic lanes. Elk Lake Resort has plowed out for parking at the Resort and reports the ice is coming off the Lake and should be mostly ice free for the weekend. Limited parking may be found along the Hwy at Elk Lake. Lava Lakes are open and accessible, expect some snow in the campgrounds and around the Lakes.
We continue to get calls about climbing (snowshoes or skis) So. Sister this weekend and warn about not parking along the hwy in a way that will cause traffic hazards; vehicles can be cited. Dutchman Sno-park was already getting weekend campers moving in last night. Yesterday we moved some of the Dutchman Flat motorized closure signs to allow snowmobile access directly from the sno-park. Other than this minor change in the winter motorized closure, ALL REGULAR WINTER MOTORIZED CLOSURES REMAIN IN FULL EFFECT. Sno-park and on the snow patrols will be out this weekend to assist with enforcement."





