Road Fire/Closure - TA Section 2 Map 16

[backontheroad]

US 26 is closed between Ochoco Pass to just west of Mitchell.  Been closed since evening of 7/14 when the fire jumped the road.

[Adamhunteryoga]

I made it through to Mitchell yesterday on forest service road 22 but that is also now closed.  Mitchell is in full lockdown and that fire is spreading.  Word locally is to expect the highway to be closed until next Wednesday.  I'd suggest routing around using 380.  Talk to the local BLM offices, they helped me out.  Conditions are very smoky as far as Dayville and Mt Vernon.

[JHamelman]

More information from a cyclist on the road, via Twitter, on the detour option:

On 395 at john day to 63 west to 380 thru Paulina apparently, tho no services.

Also:

there might be a ranch in Paulina that'll take cyclists in, waiting to hear back atm. [at the moment]

.Jennifer.

[jamawani]

Detour from John Day -
South on US 399 to Izee Road to Paulina
West on OR 380 (Paulina Hwy) to Prineville

Not that much further - pretty remote - limited services in Paulina & Post
General stores in both communities.

http://ridewithgps.com/routes/5359578

Please Note - most of the land along the route is private and fenced.
Also there is extreme fire risk - - thus, don't stealth camp.
Folks in Paulina will probably be accommodating.

[jamawani]

More info on the Paulina Detour - -

Kurt's General Store in Paulina is open 8 to 8, 7 days.
Camping is permitted at the rodeo grounds in town.

Total distance 136 miles -
Paulina is 56 miles from Prineville, 80 tough miles from John Day
Starr Springs Campground (NF) is 15 miles south of John Day on US 395
2000 foot climb from John Day to Starr Spgs on US 395

Don't know the hours of the little general store in Post.

Heading west - the Izee Road Junction is clearly marked for Paulina:

[Adamhunteryoga]

FYI the road through Fossil/Antelope is also, now, apparently closed.  And there is even a danger of 380 closing.  My suggestion as of right now is to find a friendly car ride around the whole mess.

[jamawani]

The owner of Kurt's General Store in Paulina is really helpful - -
Anyone needing info should call - 541-477-3311
He has contacted to school principal and the gym will be open to cyclists.

https://www.facebook.com/KurtsCountryStore

[backontheroad]

Ochoco Complex Fire Update - July 24, 2014
Highway 26 east of Prineville is now open to the public, with a reduced speed limit, headlights on, and no stopping in burned areas.