Trail Hosts

The Willamette National Forest is recruiting volunteers to serve as trailhead hosts at some of the region’s most popular wilderness access points on the McKenzie River and Detroit Ranger Districts this summer.

Trailhead hosts will spend two weekends during the summer at designated wilderness trailheads, providing information about Leave No Trace principles, wilderness regulations, permit requirements, and trail-specific conditions or concerns. They also answer questions from visitors before they head into the backcountry, promoting safer and more enjoyable wilderness experiences.

In return for their service, volunteers who complete the program will receive a complimentary Northwest Forest Pass as well as a Central Cascades Wilderness Permit for the 2027 recreation season.

Contact the Detroit Ranger Station by June 25 at sm.fs.mf@usda.gov for additional information about training, schedules, and available host locations.

Search & Rescue

June is Search and Rescue (SAR) Month and the Lane County Sheriff’s Office wants to recognize all the people who help keep our community safe while enjoying the outdoors. While the Sheriff’s Office has a few paid SAR employees it is supported by over 170 volunteers who man many separate groups within the program. Each group has specialized training to help in rescue and recovery operations throughout Lane County. Specialized SAR groups include: Ground Search & Rescue (GSAR), Youth SAR Program (YSAR), Eugene Mountain Rescue (EMR), Special Vehicles Group (SVG), Dive Team & Water Search & Rescue, Pacific Northwest Search Dogs, Lane County Sheriff Amateur Radio Operators, and Mounted SAR (Horseback).

To learn more about our Search & Rescue program email lcsosar@lanecountyor.gov

Repaving

Motorists who’ve experienced a bumpy ride while “going over the Pass” are likely going to welcome news about roadway improvements. A $4.57 million paving project on an upriver stretch of Hwy. 126 is slated to begin on June 21.

The Oregon Dept. of Transportation project extends from Milepost 11 of the “Clear Lake Cutoff” to the roadway’s junction with U.S. 20 on the Santiam Pass.

ODOT public information officer Mindy McCartt said work is scheduled for Sunday nights through Thursday mornings from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. During those hours, travelers should expect up to 20-minute delays as flaggers alternate traffic through the work zone.

The project is expected to continue through mid-August.