OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK — This weekend is the last chance to visit the Elwha Valley for several weeks.
The section of Olympic Hot Springs Road that is within Olympic National Park will close to all public entry at 5 p.m. Monday for up to five weeks for repairs.
That includes all pedestrian and bicycle access as well as access for vehicles.
Trailheads closed, too
The Elwha and Altair campgrounds and all area trailheads also will be closed during this time.
Road repairs to the Fisherman’s Corner section of Olympic Hot Springs Road within Olympic National Park will begin Tuesday.
Work at Fisherman’s Corner, which is about one mile from the park boundary, will include placement of bank protection as well as replacement of failed road base material and asphalt.
Olympic Hot Springs Road provides the only vehicular access to the Elwha Valley of Olympic National Park and will be a primary access road for contractors during the removal of Glines Canyon Dam, scheduled to begin in September as a part of the Elwha River Restoration Project.
Work on Whiskey Bend Road will begin as soon as possible after repairs are completed to Olympic Hot Springs Road.
The 4.5-mile Whiskey Bend Road has been closed to vehicles since December, when the road sustained extensive slide damage caused by heavy rains.
In addition to the slide, an assessment by road engineers revealed large voids under the road, seriously compromising road safety and stability.
Whiskey Bend Road remains open at this time to pedestrians, bicyclists and stock users, who should use extra caution when crossing the damaged areas.
For more information about the park, visit www.nps.gov/olym.