For the first time in years, the road to the summit of Marys Peak will remain open during the winter months, allowing greater access to recreationists during snow season.

However, the road won’t be plowed or maintained — and the U.S. Forest Service is asking visitors to exercise common sense and caution to avoid emergencies on the mountain.

“This year we will leave the road open and warn people through signs that the road is not maintained for winter travel,” said Pam Gardner, the central coast district ranger. “If people choose to drive the road during the winter, they travel at their own risk.”

The 4,097-foot peak is a 40-minute drive west of Corvallis off Highway 34. Traditionally, the mountain has served as the nearest winter playground for Corvallis residents.

Between 1989 and 1999, the Forest Service had the funds to maintain a road crew that kept the road to Marys Peak plowed. At the time, the Oregon Department of Transportation also maintained a snow park at the summit parking lot, Gardner said. But after downsizing and reductions, the agency’s maintenance budget was slashed.

In 1999, the Forest Service installed a gate next to Conner’s Camp, roughly four miles from the summit, that could be closed when the road was unsafe.