OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK — Olympic Hot Springs Road in the Elwha Valley reopened Thursday above the Glines Canyon Overlook to the Boulder Creek Trailhead.
Olympic National Park road and trail crews completed the demolition and removal of the Crystal Creek bridge on Boulder Creek Trail and installed an alternate route and foot log at that location to restore access for hikers, said Penny Wagner, interim spokeswoman for the park.
Stock access on Boulder Creek Trail will be restored later this fall after additional rock work is completed.
Damage from a rockfall event in the winter of 2014-15 led to the closure of the Crystal Creek bridge and further erosion resulted in increased destabilization, Wagner said.
Inspection by Federal Highways geotechnical and structural engineers last June determined the bridge was unsafe for pedestrian and stock use.
Permits are required for overnight camping in the Boulder Creek Camp area. Campfires are prohibited at the camp area and the hot springs due to extensive damage by visitors and subsequent revegetation efforts.
Pets and bicycles are not permitted beyond the trailhead.
For more information about backpacking and wilderness permits, visit www.nps.gov/olym/planyourvisit/wilderness-permits.htm or call the Wilderness Information Center at 360-565-3100.
For current road and travel information, visitors can consult the park website at www.nps.gov/olym or call the recorded Road and Weather Hotline at 360-565-3131.
