Forest Service News Release
Boise National Forest
Contact: Mike Williamson, Public Affairs Officer, 208-373-4105, michael.williamson@usda.gov
Forest Service’s Sage Hen Road Temporarily Closed for Repairs
BOISE, Idaho, May 30, 2024 – The Boise National Forest will temporarily close Road 626, also known as Sage Hen Road, beginning June 3 at 7 a.m. through June 7 at 6 p.m. to allow for construction crews to replace culverts and install road stabilization structures. The closure will begin at the intersection with Forest Road 644, located about 1.5 miles west of Smiths Ferry and extend 16 miles to the intersection with Forest Road 653 about nine miles north of Ola.
This closure is part of a larger road improvement effort that will extend into the fall and to other nearby National Forest System roads in 2025. While no other closures are expected this year, the public may experience temporary delays throughout the summer as crews complete road resurfacing and other improvements.
“We understand this closure will be an inconvenience to those visiting the Sage Hen Reservoir area,” says Boise National Forest Engineering Staff Officer Brett Barry. “By closing the road for five days and allowing the contractor to complete the needed work, we avoid having staged closures stretched out over several weeks.”
During this road closure the Sage Hen Reservoir area can be accessed via Forest Road 653 beginning 13 miles north of Ola at the Third Fork Guard Station, easterly to Forest Road 609, then southward to the reservoir.
For more information contact the Emmett Ranger District at 208-365-7000
