REDDING, Calif., January 14, 2026 — The Shasta-Trinity National Forest has issued an order for a seasonal area and road closure in the Mount Shasta and McCloud Ranger Districts, affecting areas by McCloud Falls and the Mount Shasta Nordic Center.
The restrictions are to provide for public safety. These areas see notable winter recreation use. Visitors hike, snowshoe, and cross-country ski over snow-covered Forest Service roads to recreation areas, enjoying a unique and pristine winter experience. Unaware drivers who attempt to access the area on roads not maintained or intended for winter driving get stuck in deep snow and experience difficulty retrieving their vehicles. Off-highway vehicles and snowmobiles also venture onto these roads, creating tracks and ruts that freeze and become obstacles for those on foot. There is also a risk of potential collisions between vehicles and pedestrians.
For the safety of pedestrians, and to prevent stranded motorists, primary roads accessing certain areas by McCloud Falls and the Mount Shasta Nordic Area will be closed to motorized vehicles during the winter and early spring seasons. The order is in effect from January 14, 2026, to May 1, 2026.
Exemptions to this order include:
- Persons with Forest Service Permit No. FS-7700-48 (Permit for Use of Roads, Trails, or Areas Restricted by Regulation or Order), specifically exempting them from this order.
- Persons using a snowmobile on the Snowmobile Bypass within the Nordic Ski Closure Area.
- Any federal, state, or local officer, or member of an organized rescue or fire fighting force in the performance of an official duty.
A violation of this prohibition is punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000 for an individual or $10,000 for an organization, or imprisonment for not more than six months, or both.
To see the closure order and maps showing the roads affected by this order, please go to this link:https://www.fs.usda.gov/r05/shasta-trinity/alerts/shasta-trinity-national-forest-seasonal-area-and-road-closure
