Bridge at Indian Ford Campground set for removal

Beginning next week, the Deschutes National Forest’s Sisters Ranger District will remove a bridge at Indian Ford Campground, which has been a safety concern for several years, officials said Tuesday

The bridge has been condemned and poses a public safety issue, according to the district.

In the past, the bridge allowed hikers, bikers, and equestrians access across Indian Ford Creek along the Sisters Tie Trail No. 4092.

The bridge has been closed to equestrian use for about two years due to safety concerns following a bridge inspection.

At this time, the bridge is closed to all traffic and is expected to be removed by June 1.

The Forest Service asks that people on the Sisters Tie Trail do not cross the river, but instead turn around at the junction to the river. Crossing the river will increase sedimentation and erosion, which can impact fish habitat in the river.

The Sisters Tie Trail starts near the city of Sisters and ends at Indian Ford Campground.

The Forest Service said in its announcement that it “will review options for funding to replace the bridge in the future. “