For the 2024–25 season, the groomed snowmobile tracks northwest of Sage Hen Reservoir region have been modified by the Boise National Forest and Valley County recreation personnel.
According to a U.S. Forest Service press release, the modifications were made to protect public safety by avoiding roads and bridges that were damaged by the 2024 Lava Fire.
According to the statement, Emmett District Ranger John Wallace stated that snowmobiling is highly popular on West Mountain and in the Sage Hen region. We’ve worked with the county to find ways to permit the usage of snowmobiles in the vicinity of the Sage Hen reservoir.
According to the statement, there might be more groomed paths on Forest Service roads 607, 609, and 653D.
In the statement, Valley County Recreation Director Larry Laxon stated, “We will try to get the new loop groomed, but it will depend on low elevation snow.”
To make sure the road is groomed and runnable, Laxon advises snowmobilers to keep an eye on Valley County’s interactive grooming map. For updates, visit the Valley County Groomed Snowmobile Routesmap.
The Lava Fire closure map lists the routes that are closed this season. These include Forest Roads 653 because of a damaged bridge and the 624 and 625 because of road damage. According to the press release, the blocked roads will not be groomed for snowmobile and will be prominently marked on the ground with barricades.
Due to road damage near Mill Creek Summit, Gem County has also closed the 618 route, also known as the Third Fork Road, because it is impassable. For more information, see the Payette National Forest closure.
The Boise National Forest’s Maps and Publications webpage has winter travel maps.
Contact the Emmett Ranger District at 208-392-3700 for additional details.
MAP -20241031Lava Fire Closure
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