As of June 17, 2023 there are 123 downed trees between Lolo Pass (2115.2) and Whatum Lake (2131.3) and another 325 downed trees between Whatum Lake and Teakettle Spring (2140.0). The latter is designated wilderness in a burned area such that log out must be via hand tools only. Hikers can scramble over, under or around. Not passable to equestrians
Dyatripper
Section G Oregon
Horse falls off the trail near Zig Zag Canyon, Mt Hood
Fallen trees present hazards trailwide, including on Mount Hood. Please see this article detailing an incident where a horse fell ~200 feet near Zig Zag Canyon while trying to cross a log.
https://www.oregonlive.com/pacific-northwest-news/2022/08/a-healing-miracle-after-a-horse-falls-200-feet-near-timberline-lodge.html
“As Mandt walked in front of Oriana on the steep, crumbling trail, she led the horse by a rope and encouraged the horse to weave between the fallen trees.
That’s when a stirrup on the horse’s saddle caught a log. Oriana lost her balance, then struggled to get her feet under her, tipping over.”
Poison Oak from Cascade Locks Southward Six Miles
Poison Oak encroaching on the actual PCT between Cascade Locks to below Teakettle Springs (at elevations of about 2000 feet and below). Know how how to identify and try to avoid! Observed 9/15/21
Equestrian obstacles in the Mount Hood region
PCTA Mount Hood Chapter logouts and efforts by all have greatly improved the trail after significant windstorm damage around Mt Hood. The section near Buck Peak, (TR#615 – 3/4 mile South, to 3 miles North) has not been cleared. It’s not as bad as the other areas were, but still not passible for stock.
The areas around the Zigzag Canyon and Little Zigzag Canyon are not yet to the point where they are stock friendly. Getting in and out of these two canyons requires some tricky equestrian skills to get up and down the steep backs and around the rocks.