Bears Prompt Lake Billy Chinook Campground Closure

Perry South Campground at Lake Billy Chinook on the Sisters Ranger District is temporarily closed, effective immediately, due to bears in the campground, officials announced Friday

Two adult bears and one cub have been spotted in the campground repeatedly in recent days.

The Forest Service will replace old trash cans with new bear-proof trash cans. Fish cleaning stations will be cleaned.

The campground will be re-opened as soon as these public safety measures are in place.

Jefferson County sheriff’s deputies say bears are not uncommon in the area, but usually steer clear of humans, unlike this group.

Once the the fish stations are cleaned and new bear-proof trash cans are installed, the campground will be monitored for a period of time to be sure the bears aren’t frequenting the campground before it is reopened to the public.

Other campgrounds such as Palisades Cove are available to enjoy Lake Billy Chinook, Forest Service spokeswoman Sue Olson said, adding, “We are sorry for the inconvenience to campers at Perry South Campground.”