Idaho Power Campgrounds - Now Open
Spring and Summer camping fees are now in effect at Idaho Power parks in Hells Canyon. Fees range from $10 for a tent space to $16 for an RV space. Discounts are available for seniors and veterans.
For a full rate schedule, maps, and other park information, visit the Parks link at the Idaho Power website.
You may now make in-season campsite reservations on-line as much as nine months in advance. There is a $10 fee for reserving on-line, and they may be made for visits scheduled between the first Friday in April through the last Sunday in October. A phone reservation option is also available for $15; call 1-844-472-7275.
Smaller overnight campsites are not included in the reservation system. In Hells Canyon, Carter's Landing and Moonshine Mine remain available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Water Safety
If you are going to spend time on the water, the Baker County Sheriff's Office would like to remind boat operators and passengers to pack extra supplies and be prepared for water-related outings. Weather can change drastically in a matter of hours, and water rescues are especially dangerous at night due to decreased visibility and often high winds on the reservoir.
Be sure to make friends and family members aware of your plans, including departure times and specific travel routes or destinations. This will significantly decrease rescue time if something happens. Plan ahead, be prepared, and enjoy your boating activities.
Brownlee Reservoir Update
As of June 30, Brownlee Reservoir is at 2073 feet, 4 feet below full pool level of 2077. This depth allows access to all area boat ramps.
For current reservoir elevation information, check the Idaho Power website.
Current Park Status
Baker County's Hewitt and Holcomb parks on the Brownlee Reservoir are open, as are all Idaho Power Company campgrounds, parks, boat ramps, and recreation access sites. Restroom buildings and showers at campgrounds remain closed; portable toilets are in place and are serviced regularly. Idaho Power asks all visitors to follow social-distancing guidelines, including when they interact with Idaho Power staff. Demand for campsites has been high, so please visit the Idaho Power website to reserve a spot before heading out.
Some Oregon state park campgrounds opened Friday, May 29, and others were slated to open on June 9. Forest Service and BLM campgrounds remain closed.
Kirkwood Creek Bridge Closure
Hikers need to be aware that the bridge located at the Kirkwood Historic Ranch about 5.5 miles south of the National Recreation Trail #102 trailhead at Upper Pittsburg Landing is closed until further notice. Decayed wood supports and undermined concrete abutments were found during a routine inspection last fall. A new bridge is in process, but will most likely be built after the 2020 field season.
An alternative crossing for hikers may be available at the footbridge near the mouth of the creek, approximately 300 feet downstream of the closed bridge. This is a small bridge, not suitable for stock use, and high water flows during the spring may submerge the deck at times.
For more information, contact the Forest Service offices in Joseph (541-426-5546) or Riggins (208-628-3916), or visit the website.
New Antlerless Elk Damage Tags
ODFW has announced that a new general season tag will replace 19 controlled hunts and the need to obtain specific landowner damage tags from local ODFW offices. Hunters will need permission to hunt on private land to use this tag, because the majority of land included is privately owned. No application is necessary, and this general season tag is available as long as the hunter has not purchased another tag, such as archery. The season runs August 1 to November 30 in Pine and Eagle valleys. For more information, call the ODFW Baker City Field Office at 541-523-5832, or visit the website.
ODFW Electronic Licensing System
ODFW launched a new electronic licensing system on December 1, 2018, with the sale of 2019 licenses and tags. The system allows hunters and anglers to carry their documents electronically on their smart phone or tablet and tag fish and wildlife with a mobile app that will even work off-line. An FAQ about the system is available at the ODFW website.