Historical Elwha Ranger Station closed for renovation
Published 12:01 am Sunday, July 19, 2015
OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK — The historic Elwha Ranger Station was closed Saturday for upgrades to the interior and the public restroom and to add entry ramps into the building.
The closure is expected to extend throughout the summer, said Barb Maynes, Olympic National Park spokeswoman.
Work on the building will be completed by park staff while a contract will be issued for concrete, asphalt and sidewalk work this fall, Maynes said.
The total cost of the renovation is $190,000, she said.
The project will provide accessible parking and entry into both the visitor contact area and the restroom, Maynes said.
Plumbing and electrical systems will be upgraded to current standards.
While the ranger station is closed, public restrooms will continue to be available in the nearby Elwha Campground on Olympic Hot Springs Road west of Port Angeles, Maynes said.
She added that park rangers will be on patrol throughout the valley and will work out of a temporary office while the ranger station is under renovation.
“This project is made possible through visitor entrance and recreation fees, and will improve both access and efficiency at the Elwha Ranger Station, while preserving its historic character for the future,” said park Superintendent Sarah Creachbaum.
The Elwha Ranger Station was built by U.S. Forest Service employees in 1932, six years before the establishment of Olympic National Park.
It is listed on the National Register of Historic Properties as part of the Elwha Ranger Station Historic District constructed by U.S. Forest Service personnel and members of the Civilian Conservation Corps between 1932 and 1936.
Visitor use facilities now open in the Elwha Valley include the Elwha Campground and the new Glines Canyon Spillway Overlook, and the Madison Falls Trail.
Olympic Hot Springs Road is open.
Whiskey Bend Road is closed to vehicles at its intersection with the Olympic Hot Springs Road, but remains open for stock, bicycle and foot travel.
The Altair Campground remains closed because of damage from last winter’s flood and storms.
