Marys Peak Offers Great Winter Family Fun

For the remainder of this winter season recreation passes will NOT be required at Marys Peak. Passes will again be required when the gate re-opens in the spring.

Salem-News.com

(Corvallis) - Winter weather has returned to the Pacific Northwest, which could mean snowfall on Marys Peak. When snow levels drop in elevation and blanket the Peak, nearby residents appreciate the opportunity to enjoy snow without having to drive many miles to the Cascades.

Forest officials want to remind people that travel restrictions exist on Marys Peak road. For safety reasons Marys Peak road is closed and gated at milepost 5.5 near Conner`s Camp. Seasonally closing the road prevents people from driving it in winter when periodic snow and ice make the road extremely dangerous and unsafe.

According to Forest Supervisor, Jose Linares, this also provides an excellent opportunity for all kinds of non-motorized winter recreation activities such as cross country skiing, snowshoeing and sledding along the road from the gate to the top of the Peak.

Annual snowfall on Marys Peak, the highest point in the Coast Range, is unpredictable and highly variable in regards to both timing and amounts.

Vehicle parking is available at the gate and at Conner`s Camp.

For more information about Marys Peak visit the Siuslaw National Forest Web site at: www.fs.fed.us/r6/siuslaw/ or call (541) 750-7000