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BOISE, Idaho, Dec. 6, 2024 – The Boise National Forest, together with Valley County recreation staff, have made changes to the groomed snowmobile routes located northwest of Sage Hen Reservoir area for the 2024-2025 season. These changes were made to ensure public safety by avoiding damaged roads and bridges due to the 2024 Lava Fire. “Snowmobiling is very popular in the Sage Hen area and
on West Mountain,” said Emmett District Ranger John Wallace. “Working with the County, we’ve come up with solutions to allow snowmobile use around the Sage Hen reservoir area.” Additional groomed routes may be available on Forest Service roads 607, 609 and 653D. Valley County Recreation Director Larry Laxon says “Grooming the new loop will be contingent on low elevation snow, but we will make an effort to get it
done.” Laxon encourages snowmobilers to monitor Valley County’s interactive grooming map to assure the route is groomed and runnable. Go to the Valley County Groomed Snowmobile Routes Map for updates. Closed routes this season
are referenced on the Lava Fire closure map and will include Forest Roads 653, due to a compromised bridge and the 624 and 625 due to road damage. These closed routes will be clearly marked on the ground with barricades and will not be groomed for snowmobiling. The 618 road, known as the Third Fork Road,
is also closed by Gem County due to road damage near Mill Creek Summit and is impassable. Refer to the Payette National Forest closure for details. Winter travel maps for the Boise National Forest can be found on our Maps and Publications website. For questions, contact the Emmett Ranger District at (208) 392-3700.
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