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KALISPELL- Flathead National Forest managers are re-opening many of the roads and trails that have been closed for nearly two months after this year's late fire season.

Trails in and around many of the larger fires, such as the Hammer Creek and Big Salmon Lake blazes, were closed for public safety as the fires started to flare up in early August. Several of those fires were allowed to burn naturally because they were inside the wilderness boundaries.

(file photo courtesy inicweb.org)

However, now that moisture has returned the fires have calmed considerably. Plus fire crews have had time to remove some of the dead standing trees and clear other debris near the trails on the Spotted Ranger District.

Open trails include the Stadler Creek Trail #271, which joins with the Hoadley Creek Trail #226 on the Lewis and Clark National Forest that provides access to the Benchmark Trailhead. All trails on the Lewis and Clark National Forest's Rocky Mountain Ranger District associated with the Stadler and Upper Ayres Fires and the recent South Fork of the Sun River Prescribed Fire, are also now open (East Fork Ahorn Trail #225 - South Fork of the Sun Trail #202 and the Hoadley Creek Trail #226).

In the Hammer Creek Fire area the East Side Trail #80, Lime Creek Trail #193 and the Sandstone Creek Trail #743 are open. The Tillson/Shale Peak Trail #127 remains CLOSED because of hazard trees.

In the Big Salmon Lake Fire area the entire length of the Big Salmon Creek Trail #110 is open. The Garnet Peak Trail #111 and the Brownie Point Trail #451 remain closed.

Spotted Bear District Ranger Deb Mucklow said, "Fire crews are working hard to make closed trails safe for public travel. I anticipate the remaining closed trails will be ready for use within the next two weeks." She added, "We appreciate everyone's cooperation as we work to open the remaining wilderness trails."

Visitors are reminded to use caution when traveling in any burned area. Some of the potential hazards include falling trees and snags, rolling rocks and logs on hillsides and ash covered holes and slumps in the ground. These hazards can exist for several months after a fire.

Contact Dennis Bragg