Photo: Ford, Brad
Milo McIver State Park reopened its campground today for the first time after a fire burned 15 acres near the park entrance two weeks ago.
The Riverside day use area opened earlier this week, including the viewpoint, dog park, equestrian area, Estacada Lake and upper boat launch.
A few areas remained closed:
- The Riverbend day use area including trails, picnic shelters, restrooms, disc golf course and primitive boat launch, is closed to allow crews to identify and work several hot spots in the burned area. There is also no power or water due to a power outage.
- Kingfisher group camp and picnic shelter is closed due to a power outage.
- The Viewpoint Trail is closed due to fire-related damage.
The Riverbend day use area will reopen once fire crews are finished and either power is restored or the park has installed portable toilets. The Kingfisher group camp and five picnic shelters will not be available for reservations until the power is restored.
The cause of the fire at Milo McIver State Park is still under investigation. It started about 9 p.m. on Sept. 9. Once detected by park staff, rangers immediately began evacuating the Kingfisher group camp, which was closest to the blaze, and then evacuated all 53 individual campsites in the main campground.
“If they had not been there to help people get out as safely as they did, we could have lost lives,” said Lisa Sumption, Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) Director.
Park Manager Sam Gibson, Park Ranger Assistant Ahliae Toulouse, Park Ranger Brandon Whiteman, Park Ranger Assistant Jan Kahn, and Morgan Watson with Executive Security were recognized by Director Sumption for their quick actions during the fire.
OPRD Columbia District Manager Clay Courtright also expressed gratitude for the local citizens, Estacada Rural Fire District, Clackamas County Fire District and all the local fire departments that were instrumental with early control of the fire. Oregon State Police and Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office were also a huge help in assisting park staff with evacuations and securing the area, he said.
Up to date information on park services is available online at https://stateparks.oregon.gov/.
Source: Oregon Parks and Recreation