Whether you are a long-time resident, new to Central Oregon, or just visiting, mud is a part of winter, early spring, and fall in the high desert. Central Oregonians are lucky to enjoy warm, sunny weather during the winter months. But did you know that hiking and biking on muddy trails can be destructive to the trail and surrounding land? As stewards of the land, let’s learn together and see what exactly happens when we walk and roll on muddy trails.
Going through muddy spots on the trail seems like a better option, but better doesn’t mean good. Your footprint indents the soil, and many footprints create ruts and large depressions. These also cost money and time to repair. If these ruts form on slopes, they become water channels, funneling rainwater and snowmelt down the center of trails (have you ever noticed this during a rainstorm?). This leads to trail erosion and requires more trail maintenance. This can be avoided if everyone follows the saying, “If you leave tracks, turn back.”
The good news is that you can help keep our area trails in excellent condition! The easiest way to do this is to check trail conditions beforehand. Be sure to only go when trail conditions are dry.
If you do head out for a hike and find yourself encountering mud on the trail:
- Please turn back. This helps keep trails happy, easy to hike in other seasons, and saves the Land Trust time and resources! Let the Land Trust know which trails are muddy. We’ll post it on our website and social media channels to help others with their outdoor planning.
- If you encounter a small patch of mud or snow: walk through it, not around it (the better, but not great, option).
- If the mud continues beyond isolated patches: turn around and hike back to the trailhead. Trail conditions are likely to get worse, not better!
Now what? You’ve turned back from a muddy trail, helping to protect the land, but your now you need a new plan. Where do you go? Head for a place with paved or gravel trails, or trails that get more sun and face south. Ideas of places like this include:
- Camp Polk Meadow Preserve has a short gravel hiking loop that takes you past the historic Hindman Barn and near a cattail-surrounded pond. Perhaps you'll even see some waterfowl or a herd of deer!
- The Larkspur Trail, the paved section of the Deschutes River Trail near the Old Mill, and other paved trails in Bend are all great options. Check the Bend Parks & Rec trail locator for a full list of their paved trails.
- Dry Canyon Trail in Redmond is an excellent paved trail for those who'd like a longer walk, hike, or bike ride.
- The Crooked River Wetlands Complex in Prineville has both a paved loop and a gravel loop. Bonus: there's great bird activity in the winter!
- Head to the Willow Creek Trail System in Madras for close to seven miles of paved trail.
- Pilot Butte State Park's road closes in the winter, so you can hike up the butte with no impacts to the trail or plants along the way.
- Sunriver has a great system of paved trails.
- Enjoy a bike ride or a walk around your own neighborhood.
Thank you for helping keep Land Trust trails in great shape!