This article was contributed by the Friends of Powell Butte, an organization committed to protecting and enhancing Powell Butte Nature Park in outer southeast Portland.

Do you bike, hike, or ride horses on Powell Butte?

This rainy season you will have the opportunity to participate in a pilot project to test the theory that people can have more trail access and take better care of the trails by staying off the trails when they are muddy.

In past wet seasons, Portland Parks & Recreation - City Nature managed a trail closure program that closed trails when wet. The trouble was, trails were closed when rain was expected or there were only a few wet spots. There were different opinions about what is wet? When will bike tires, horse hooves, feet, or paws damage trails?

Portland Parks & Recreation - City Nature listened to trail user frustrations and agreed to a one season pilot project to test the theory that trail users can take good care of a nature park and its trails using self–management on trails.

You will see new signs posted at trailheads and trail junctions saying “Trails closed when muddy”.

If a trail is dry, enjoy! If a trail is muddy and you can see your tracks, please do not use it. Please use consideration when passing other trail users.

Thanks for taking care of Powell Butte Nature Park!

A collaborative effort with: Northwest Trail Alliance, Portland Parks and Recreation, Friends of Powell Butte, and equestrians.