Size of Eagle Creek fire closure area reduced

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) – Mt. Hood National Forest officials say they have reduced the area closed by the Eagle Creek fire, allowing access to campgrounds, lakes and trails.

The Oregonian/OregonLive reports as of Friday the public can now access more than 23 square miles previously closed because of the historic blaze, which began in September and covered more than 75 square miles.

The change doesn’t include popular Columbia River Gorge landmarks along Interstate 84.

Areas now open to the public include: Wahtum Lake and campground; Rainy Lake and campground; Ottertail Lake and campground; Black Lake and campground; Indian Springs Dispersed Campground; The Pacific Crest Trail from Buck Peak to Indian Springs and The Rainy Kingsley Trail.

The public can go to Wahtum and Rainy lakes, but the bodies of water remain off-limits.

People are asked to check conditions before trips by calling the Mt. Hood National Forest at 503-668-1700.

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Information from: The Oregonian/OregonLive, http://www.oregonlive.com