A massive fire ripped through one of my favorite places

After my initial plan for this day trip excursion went awry, I took the opportunity to take a look at the impact of last year's massive Cedar Creek fire on one of my favorite areas, along with some unplanned exploring. No huge destination, no camping, just a simple trek into nearby hills like I did in my earliest days with the Forester.
Some of the gear I use:
Yankum Ropes:
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Warn winch:
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(I bought this steel cable version and swapped in synthetic winch line from Yankum Ropes)
ScanGauge 3:
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Jackery Explorer 1500 Power Station:
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Alldogs Offroad wheels for Frontier/Xterra:
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Alldogs Offroad/Koni 2" lift kit:
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ASFIR 4x4 skid plates:
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MAXTRAX MKII recovery boards:
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Diode Dynamics SS3 LED pods (my amber pods)
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LED CoLight driving lights (my large round lights)
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/ softroadingthewest
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MUSIC CREDITS All music fully licensed via artlist.io
The Kingdom - by Dear Gravity
Hello Sleepwalker - by Ardie Son
Dark Hollows 07 - by G-Yerro
Atlas of Undiscovered Places - by SLPSTRM
Intro: (0:00)
Chapter 1 - Failed Excursion: (0:41)
Chapter 2 - Campsite Closures: (7:41)
Chapter 3 - Wildfire Devastation: (9:46)
Chapter 4 - A Return to my Roots: (13:11)
Chapter 5 - Winch Stuff: (16:53)

[@sagebrushbob2321]

Seeing the fire damage in that area is heart wrenching. That area of the Western Cascades, from about Brownsville down to Roseburg, and East to the passes, was where I grew up. For a kid growing up in the sixties it was a wilderness paradise. My dad was the primary road builder for Weyerhauser back then and he knew every two track and goat path out there by heart. Like you, our favorite pastime was playing "I wonder where that road goes?"

[@softroadingthewest]

That sounds like a nice way to grow up. Both my grandfathers were in the industry as well (though both worked in mills, one at the Weyerhauser pulp plant in Springfield). As a kid growing up in a rural area outside Springfield, going up the logging roads was a regular occurrence and driving these western Oregon forest roads definitely has a nostalgic quality. 🙂

[@williamoliver6807]

Damn near cried when I found out about opal Creek

[@ridgelineoverlanding]

I really appreciate your caution on that steep icy road. I often go out solo and your “take” on the situation sounded very familiar! Go exercise more caution when solo, especially in the snow. Thanks for addressing this in the vid and not shying away from it.

[@changingground]

I just scanned the first 20 or so comments and didn’t see anyone addressing your point about the closed campsites. Something to consider in a burn zone is how the loss of vegetation affects the rate of runoff during rain events. Your camp areas along streams are now far more likely to flood during rain and snow runoff. All that surface area (leaves needles, twigs and branches) that used to intercept rain and snowfall is gone, and for a number of reasons, areas downstream of fires often flood, making them bad places for dispersed camping. Possibly the reason for blocking off former campsites.

[@BrienWood7.3]

I'm glad that you turned around when you thought it was no longer safe to proceed. Also sad to see so much beautiful forest that was burned. This was a great video and thank you for sharing.

[@flyfisher530]

Nice video Donald! I had not heard about the Warn winch recall so thanks for the heads up! Hope to meet you on the trails someday!

[@OverlandAdventureTimes]

Love the day trip stuff also! Very representative of how we most often can get out for a Sunday drive, and offers some inspiration to get out and explore close to home!

[@softroadingthewest]

Going to far away places and new types of ecosystems is compelling, and it's really easy to overlook and bypass what's in my own backyard. I've explored a lot of my nearest BLM and National Forest lands, but nowhere near all of it. It's a nice option when other constraints make longer trips impossible. 🙂

[@PrimalOutdoors]

Good video. Sad about fire and frustrated about the closed campsites. Jason

[@larryr.burfield1893]

Good solo travel advice. used studded snow tires years ago with good ice traction, a bit of a hassle changing every winter. Thanks for the views!

[@rael6_4wd]

I always enjoy your videos Donald. I was born and raised at the foot of the Eastern Sierras, and spent my adult life as a career firefighter with CalFire. I’ve fought fires all over California. Even a couple into Oregon. I’m also an avid fellow overlander. It’s so sad how much wild land has been lost to fire in my short lifetime. Especially in the last 10 years. It makes me worry what will be left for my kids to enjoy 20 years from now. 💔

[@excaliburoverland]

I used to go driving like that when I was younger. When ODF had their maps I would always get a new one at the beginning of summer. I would go up the highway into the mountains and find a road leading off the highway then look at the map and find the next road up from me and then try to figure out the longest way to go that mile or so without touching pavement. I would burn a whole tank of fuel just exploring. I found some amazing places that way. Been a long time since I have done that. I hope to start doing it again soon.

[@softroadingthewest]

That sounds like a great way to explore!

[@prolificnorthwest]

So sad to see such an amazing area burned. As someone who grew up in the Western Cascades, seeing the damage to so many of the really beautiful areas that were a part of my youth is quite heartbreaking. Great video, keep up the awesome job you are doing...and good call on turning around, I would have done the same thing.

[@darrylk808]

Nature renewing itself...just imagine the videos you will have next year when you see nature making a comeback. Looking forward to those vids!

[@scottymac5174]

I know the feeling. I lost one of my all time favorite camping/fishing spots back in July 2021 in the California Dixie fire - northern Sierras. I had spent five days up there the month before in June. I look back now and am just so thankful that I took the time to make that last trip. It will never be the same again in my lifetime.

[@daveharvey4627]

It's really something to see the fire damage. Once the fires are gone from the news, we never get to see the aftermath. It would be cool if you could go back there every six months or so to see how the area changes and recovers over time. Keep up the good work!

[@oscarbriceno1940]

Great Video! I have always enjoyed watching primarily from the perspective you have approached overlanding and the importance of just getting out...not just trying to keep up with others.

[@benjaminjonholman]

They likely shut it down due to safety. Burned areas are prone to landslides, debris dams in streams, and debris flows. There are most likely places upstream that they expect to slide or are unstable.

[@thatoneguyazadventures]

I definitely understand the sentiment about day trips vs camping/overlanding trips. There is something a bit freeing about the quicker packing time, less planning needed, and having the whole day to just explore without having that looking deadline to find a campsite preferably before dark. Packing up is quite a chore when you do it all by yourself. It was sweet seeing the newer Scanguage. I didn't even know they had a new one! I have the Scan Guagr II mounted on my steering wheel column. It's an invaluable tool/mod. It's always sad to see the forest after a forest fire. I've been in those before as well, and it kinda makes you sad seeing it like that, especially if you know what it's supposed to look like. Seems like they just closed the majority of the off shoot trails in the fire area. It's common for them to do this to A. Prevent any future human caused forest fires, and B. To also to help the areas regrow undisturbed by human recreation. I also understand what you're saying about ice and trails that have a unrecoverable drop off on one side. It's completely different than plowing through some fresh powder on a otherwise flat road, which is what we see a lot online lol Seems like I related to just about everything here, like I often do! Great video as always and glad to see you taking a day trip and just hitting random roads again. 🙌

[@kenuber4766]

Good info on the winch remote! Thanks

[@pepperjack26]

Pick a dirt road and see what happens. I used to do this when I lived on the Oregon coast. Most of the time I would find a dead end, but that was the adventure. Located in eastern Oregon I do the same still when I have the chance. I enjoy the drive, the exploring and the scenery. The camping/cooking is interesting to watch because I love to learn from others, but I'll keep my trips to the "1/2 day" exploration for now. Hard to see the devastation from the ground only - your drone shots and the quality of your recorded experiences give a much better view of the aftermath the forest land has suffered. I've seen it in costal fires and now we wait for the regrowth. Thank you for sharing even your short trips with us, stay safe!

[@chownzi2461]

The truck is looking so good with no topper on it

[@pala4833]

Nice to see some adventure, no matter how cautious. Thanks for sharing.

[@softroadingthewest]

Tune in next week when I brave the challenging route to TJ Maxx

[@pala4833]

@@softroadingthewest TJ Maxx, ooooh. Big City folks. ;-)

[@dalecurrier5631]

Wow the devistation is amazing, thanks Donald..

[@cliffmorgan31]

Regarding winch lines… The best way I have found to re-spool neatly is use a mild incline and winch the vehicle “uphill” while controlling the neatness of the re-spool.

[@michaelmccondochie1550]

Truly devastating to see all that burned area. Been going to Waldo every summer for 15+ years, will never be the same in my lifetime

[@johndej]

I'm always left with a feeling of overwhelming sadness when I go through a burn site. I know that the forest will recover eventually, but I can't help picture 'what could have been' if it didn't happen. I hope those of us who live in Oregon (and the rest of the west) do everything possible so these burns don't happen or are at least contained quickly. Human caused fires make me very angry when prevention is so doable. Anyway, thanks for another great video!

[@frankansley7941]

It is so sad to see all the burned trees in the forest. The last few years we have also had fires in Nothern New Mexico. We are losing so many wonderful trees across our nation. Maybe your grandkids will get to see the trees again (that is if you get grandkids). I pull about 30 feet of my winch line out every two or three mounts just to check it and the winch. Glad you were able to get out and enjoy the countryside. Thanks so much for the video. Take care and be safe.

[@pixelshark6809]

Your videos are my inspiration. I want to start camping and over landing so badly. So sad to see the devastation from these fires. Heartbreaking. 😢

[@davidgates5337]

I was a Warn industries employee from 1972-2020. Glad you are using Warn winch!

[@1crazyphotog]

Passed Patterson Mt Rd hundreds of times myself and never been up there. Now you have me curious. I might make a day of that sometime this summer.

[@louiskudlak2256]

Fires bring such devastation, some terrible fires in Australia the last few years, good to see some regrowth, love your style of content, thanks for sharing Donald 👍🏿

[@Fish_InChips]

While it is sad to see destruction in nature and the areas we were attached to, there's a lot of beauty in it as well. What a unique time to see the forest.

[@danielstevens3372]

I would imagine that closer to summer the forest service will close the entire area due to the standing dead trees are going to be a tinderbox ripe for another forest fire.

[@jenb.6440]

Great video; thank you!

[@Western-Wild]

Gotta love Patterson Mt. Road! We’ve had to self-recover in the snow up there before. Also have a funny story about our 3rd date up there going horribly wrong and almost ending our relationship before it got started. Good times 😆

[@swidahooverlanding2867]

Really too bad about the burn. Hope it returns to beauty quickly. They do recommend running the winch line out and in once a month to keep everything happy and ready for use. Thanks for the video! George.

[@softroadingthewest]

Oh I didn't even realize that was a thing I should be doing. Well, good, I'm extra glad I did it then! I'll try to make it a habit. Do you put yours under load when you run it out and spool it back in? I wanted to feed the line more neatly onto the drum, but also received comments that it should be under tension when I pull it back in...not sure how to make sure the line spools up neatly and evenly if I'm not guiding it on...

[@swidahooverlanding2867]

@@softroadingthewest I have not heard that it needed to be under any tension. In my reading it is good to run it out fully and then wind it back in. Suppose to keep everything lubricated properly and give you a heads up if something should be going bad/wrong with the winch. Also, you really should not extend the synthetic rope out all the way. You should leave 8-6 wraps on the drum. Otherwise it could pull out of the drum altogether and possible ruin the rope. Look up Bubba Rope 251610 for a economical safety to keep from over extending your synthetic rope on the drum.

[@lavenderau6326]

After the fires here in Australia all affected areas were closed off until crews could go in and take down trees that could potentially come down on unsuspecting travellers. I think several metres on each side of the road as well as campgrounds etc. The Army was used for a lot of it. 10,000kms of road had to be inspected. The opened areas now have a warning for such hazards espicially in high winds as trees are still coming down as they slowly die off. Could be said the Aussie bush thrives on fires and recovers quickly but I understand the more alpine vegetation of your region would take much longer to recover. It's

[@Hazmatt4700]

Always good to see Oakridge on the map, before they close the roads to it.

[@uritaub5441]

Always carry snow chains Donald. Better safe than sorry.

[@cliftonwilliams766]

"Cat", here! RE: Your horizontal mounted plastic gas container.....make a one or two layer slip-on cover of "reflectex" with aluminum tape for construction. Will prevent direct sunlight gain heating and swelling and insulate against ambient air changes, in general! RE: Dead fall or windfall removal...."Oregon" brand portable battery operated electric chainsaws with built-in chain sharpener! Also, 20 in bow saws with extra blades and/or hand and arm manually operated chain saws!

[@a.j.walton2073]

I’ve thought about goin up that road too i drive by it about once a week on my way too Oakridge. Maybe ill try it this spring

[@NarleyAdventures]

👍👍👍👍👍🙂, The fire damage made me sad. Great vlog.

[@bruceyyyyy]

I can vouch for Scan Gauge standing by their product. I had my scan gauge 2 screen fail after 10+ years and they warrantied it immediately.

[@softroadingthewest]

Thanks Bruce, that's good to know. I actually set out to finally buy the ScanGauge 2 - after years of harping on it, influencer JonDZ finally got to me LOL. I didn't even know they had released a new version. Definitely pricier, but the touch screen interface is SO intuitive and easy to view, and you can completely customize three screens of up to nine gauges. I watched a few review videos and was convinced. So far I'm quite pleased with this purchase.

[@bruceyyyyy]

@@softroadingthewest Does the SG3 also support custom gauges ala SG2? That is the best part about it. I'm using it to read data from transmissions that weren't even made when it was since it's just code being accessed from the OBDII port.

[@estruble]

When you head a little more east from your first stop, there are some un-names creeks that come into the road on the right around MP-25. Nice picturesque little streams that are a world away from the road they are hidden from. (You'll have to park on the West-bound side of the road and cross over.)

[@collinneuhauser9655]

In regard to the dispersed camping closures. A lot of forests are concerned about damage to riparian areas next to creeks and rivers. People like to camp in those areas but they are important wildlife habitat. If human waste is not being disposed of properly it can also be a huge problem.

[@indewire]

2 wheel drive gets you into trouble, 4 wheel drive gets you out of it.

[@JMaksym]

I was missing your videos :)

[@garykieronlainen1826]

10 - 20years new even better sprouts emerge, seems like a long time but life does it.

[@BillyDavidness]

Spent a lot of time up in the area where the Lionshead/Beachie Creek fires burned. AFAIK, everything is still all closed up there. But the weekend before it happened, I was up in some old areas looking at things and got a real nice wide shot of the McCoy basin and I wish I could go back to that spot and get another shot. There is a lot of old areas I learned from my dad that they have been trying to close since my dad first started going up there for one reason or another. And its sad to see most of it all closed off. From what I have seen and heard with rather large heavy duty gates and signs warning of potential legal action if you go beyond those signs. Sometimes, I wonder if I will ever get back to some of those spots ever again.

[@Starkraven100]

The reason why ? If those campsites are near river and streams they are going to block them off in an area that has had fire, until undergrowth re-establishes itself to avoid erosion.

[@richardrichardson515]

traction devices for your boots are cheaper then a HIP REPLACEMENT be safe

[@madcratebuilder]

Looking forward to the ScangaugeIII video, I've been running the II for 5 years and I'm thinking I should upgrade.

[@softroadingthewest]

I actually went with the intention of FINALLY buying the ScanGauge II not even knowing a new version had been released. After watching a few reviews I was convinced it was well worth the extra money, I'm really happy with this so far.

[@artem1085]

OMG. Remember this place.

[@larry04456]

Like doing the day trip stuff it's nice to just get out when you only have one day Sorry to see the forest like that but just remember mother nature has a way of making it better then it was before just give her some time

[@TreeLovinAdventures]

Just in case you weren't aware, you can get a Hypertech Speedo calibrator for your Frontier to adjust for the larger tires and keep your speedo and odometer accurate.

[@rhw5810]

It'd be lovely to see how it recovers over the coming years. Hopefully you can get back over time and document it?

[@softroadingthewest]

For sure, this is pretty close to home and I'll definitely keep coming through here. It'll be interesting to watch how it evolves.

[@scottymac5174]

That stuff you were skidding on with your boots was black ice... Wondering if that Cascade fire originated in a dispersed camp site???? It only takes one Bad Apple...The 2021 Dixie fire originated with PG&E power transmission lines.

[@softroadingthewest]

This fire was actually a lightning strike. I believe our previous big one nearby, the Holiday Farm fire in 2020 along the McKenzie, had something to do with a power line. It's nonetheless frustrating to be out during burn ban season and see people disregarding the ample fire restriction signage and having campfires anyway...just asking for trouble. Thanks for watching!

[@Oregontrailblazin]

that road will take you to Cottage Grove

[@mikemorgan4670]

Nice video. Too bad about the burn destruction.

[@twocrowsdown]

I don’t know why I didn’t know about the ScanGauge3. My ScanGauge2 has been invaluable for keeping tabs on remaining fuel in my large, nonstandard fuel tank but the LCD display has haemorrhaged and is difficult to read. Guess I’m going to upgrade.

[@charlesfaulkingham5599]

How sad to see the devastation. It will take years to recover 😢

[@richardsweet7285]

There were so many people living in those spots they blocked a lot off as they were getting destroyed.

[@softroadingthewest]

Aaah gotcha, I've definitely witnessed some...issues...in the easiest-access campsites closest to town. I guess it makes sense that kept spilling upstream. That's a shame, I've really enjoyed visiting and re-visiting this area.

[@collinneuhauser9655]

@@softroadingthewest A lot of forests are concerned about damage to riparian areas next to creeks and rivers. People like to camp in those areas but they are important wildlife habitat. If human waste is not being disposed of properly it can also be a huge problem.

[@utahjohnnymontana3373]

When you wind your winch rope in its a good idea to put a bit of tension on it. I just hook to a lamp post and pull the truck across the parking lot with a bit of parking brake on. Its a shame about the fire damage but nature will bounce back in a few years. Fires are part of the plan.

[@softroadingthewest]

Out of curiosity, how do you make sure it feeds back onto the drum neatly in that case? Seems like when it's left to its own devices, the line doesn't arrange itself nicely, which was part of why I did this in the first place, so I could guide it back on evenly back and forth across the drum. I'm pretty new to managing a winch so it's a sincere question, I don't really know what I'm doing. :-)

[@utahjohnnymontana3373]

@@softroadingthewest I was out in front feeding the line in back and forth across the drum by hand using the remote. The truck was in neutral, engine on (so I didn't kill my battery) and I just fiddled with the parking brake until I felt I had enough tension on the rope to give it a good tight wrap. If you have a place with a slight incline you could do the same without putting wear on your e brake. Its all happening quite slowly so theres no issues with the truck getting away. Yes, left to spool randomly the rope crosses up unevenly and the top layer can get pulled down into the lower ones causing problems later.

[@softroadingthewest]

@@utahjohnnymontana3373 Aah gotcha, thanks!

[@ronaldspins]

@ 8:30 It gets too popular too crowded sometimes ... and some people leave a terrible mess and won't pack out their own trash if it's really bad the F.S road gets gated

[@johnnyforestrv2145]

Every year there are more and more people and less and less places to camp. "FSTopo Map Product Download" maps show private, inholdings within National Forests. Last year in Lassen NF there were a bunch of new locked gates on what I had thought were public roads. Other places had signs saying no camping on either side of MVUM roads put up by a large corporation. Might want to see if your favorite spots are private inholdings.

[@sierramantrvlnus]

Yay!

[@Scott6283]

In chapter 2 it looks like you were up fall creek area and they had a huge problem with the homeless long term living up there and trashing the woods. That would be my guess as to why some of those spots are blocked off.

[@jmonsterman95]

Did you happen to make it up around Blair Lake? That has been my favorite campground for years and I haven't had the chance to get up there and check it out after the fire.

[@softroadingthewest]

No, the road was climbing and getting too icy. I'll have to poke back up there when it's warmer.

[@dapapadon1829]

Sad to see the fire damage.

[@masonstruckadventure9368]

I've come across boulders blocking camp sites specifically dispensed camp spots, any idea that is? Also burnt forest has some kind of beauty to it, at least to me

[@collinneuhauser9655]

A lot of forests are concerned about damage to riparian areas next to creeks and rivers. People like to camp in those areas but they are important wildlife habitat. If human waste is not being disposed of properly it can also be a huge problem.

[@joeconnell1396]

Thanks for showing the fire damage, and your good judgement on unpredictable and dodgy conditions. Warn link not working, btw.

[@softroadingthewest]

Thanks for the heads-up. I've just tried to update the link but looks like perhaps they've unlisted this winch entirely, perhaps because of the recall. I couldn't find any listing at all on Amazon. I'll keep an eye on it. Thank you!

[@SeanStewart88]

Definitely pretty depressing seeing the destruction of our national forest due to fires. Oregon and Washington have been getting hit hard in recent years as well as other west coast states. Did you feel a little nostalgic going back to your roots? Haha.

[@tpseeker3367]

Cycle of life can Really Suck at times. Hopefully everything will be nice & green in a few years. Just wondering about the closed off areas if it is to help the wildlife recover sooner? Sometimes the best recovery is to keep people away & let nature take it's course. Remember after a few months of the pandemic people were seeing wildlife in places wildlife wasn't seen before?

[@garretlewis4103]

I have a ScanGauge II on my truck and really like it. The display on that third generation looked nice. It is sad to see when dispersed campsites get closed down. Unfortunately many time it is due to people NOT taking care of them. Hopefully that was not the case there.

[@chuckhefflefinger776]

Yes, the dispersed sites along that road are overused and abused. I am happy to see them closed for a while. Hopefully they will recover.

[@garretlewis4103]

@@chuckhefflefinger776 I get closing down for a little “rest and recovery” time. Nonetheless, it is sad to see once accessible areas no longer open.

[@chuckhefflefinger776]

@@garretlewis4103 Yes, I drive by there and it is sad to see the area so shut down. The last two years previous though it seemed more and more ran down every time I pulled into one of those dispersed sites. I'm not sure what the answer is. A lot of traffic out there.

[@robinmathews2638]

That area you see blocked off is due to homeless people living there. There was a problem for a while....

[@jakehelfrich3756]

Could it be possible that they closed those camps because dispersed camping isn't allowed within 100' of streams, rivers and lakes?

[@softroadingthewest]

I dunno. My understanding is that rule applies to setting up camp someplace that isn't already established. I have seen TONS of established dispersed campsites closer than 100' to streams which not only haven't been closed down, but have been legitimized by the forest service by signage, fire rings, picnic tables, as well as campsites in actual forest service campgrounds which are much closer than 100'. The forest service itself doesn't abide by the 100' rule, at least, not in the case of sites that are already established. I dunno.

[@delvinmorales9458]

Can you do a demo of how to make cowboy coffee ?

[@Kaiser0929]

Timestamped: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fnmYYXuAr9N9oZo&ab_channel=softroadingthewest (also, the technique Donald uses is linked to in his description)

[@delvinmorales9458]

@@Kaiser0929 thanks 👍

[@delvinmorales9458]

@@Kaiser0929 quick update. Boiled it over at my first attempt but damn it's good coffee.

[@softroadingthewest]

Delvin I've boiled mine over many many times, LOL. I've learned to be careful but I still manage to get distracted with the camera or whatever and lose control of it. :-)

[@rcjames5286]

👍👍

[@briang1561]

I've seen roads block the same way. Some even dug ditches across the roads. Why do they do that?

[@largemarge1603]

@Brian, A ditch followed by a mound blocking the track is known as a 'tank-trap'. They do that to terminate using that path. The reason could be: * restoration of habitat * upstream or uphill instability * directing campers to established campgrounds for the cash and control...

[@collinneuhauser9655]

@@largemarge1603 A lot of forests are concerned about damage to riparian areas next to creeks and rivers. People like to camp in those areas but they are important wildlife habitat. If human waste is not being disposed of properly it can also be a huge problem. People also dump a lot of trash that can end up in the waterways.

[@cootsluicer]

good old hwy 58

[@MattCookOregon]

I heard it was started by government space lasers but I dono

[@softroadingthewest]

Sshhhh, we're supposed to be keeping that quiet bro

[@MattCookOregon]

@@softroadingthewest oops. I heard it on Facebook but it seemed legit

[@kelsey809]

Hi! Do you still have your DIY camper shell? If so, why don’t you use it again, especially in winter? That thing is pretty cool!

[@softroadingthewest]

I've been very very busy and just haven't been able to work on the build. 🙂

[@kelsey809]

😊👍🏼

[@NoPlanProjects]

I completely understand the feelings people have when they see a burn like this but I don't feel the same way. I don't think devastation is an appropriate word for it. I'm an Oregonian and spend most of my free time in the woods. I see a forest regenerating. I know it's stark and looks depressing, but I think it's important to note that fire is a natural part of the cycle of a forest. The dense western Oregon forest we all know is not natural. It should be more open with less undergrowth and bigger timber. The dense forest is a product of generations of overpopulation, overuse, and over-harvest. Fire is the most natural way for a forest to regenerate from the human impact. Although there can be other negative impacts on things like recreation and infrastructure, it's not necessarily a bad thing for the forest.

[@cliffmorgan31]

Why? Because they are in charge, and tho public owned, not run to benefit us campers… Flexing their authority. They close it off bit by bit, totaling HUGE amounts since I was young. Yes, I am “old” in years.

[@cliffmorgan31]

PNW used to covered in access roads, logging roads, etc completely open to us explorers.

[@dlansburg2673]

Very seldom does any branch of federal government make sense!