OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK — The road to the Olympic Hot Springs Trail and the western Glines Canyon Overlook is closed through the end of this month for repairs.
The Elwha River valley’s Olympic Hot Springs Road closed Sept. 8 and will remain shut this month so damage inflicted in last winter’s heavy rains and floods can be repaired.
There is no access to Madison Falls, which is located between the planned closure at the park boundary and the park’s entry station, said Barb Maynes, spokeswoman for the park.
Local traffic access to houses along the roadway remains open.
Storms change path
A series of storms in February led to flooding of the Elwha River, which changed its path within its floodplain. It overflowed its banks in the first major high-water event after the removal of Glines Canyon Dam.
Road repairs due to the storms were needed at several sites along the road, including three sites near the park boundary, and the road was closed.
Interim repairs immediately after the storms restored access for the summer, but additional work was needed to protect the road from further damage, according to park officials.
Low water levels this month will allow crews to reach portions of the riverbank that were not accessible in winter and spring.
Stabilization materials used will include rock and gravel, along with logs, rootwads and willow stakes, to improve and protect fish habitat while protecting the road.
The system, called “rootwad revetments,” uses natural materials to reduce erosion by burying downed trees with their roots exposed to the stream, with boulders, rock and gravel securing the tree trunks underground.
Whiskey Bend Road, a 4.5-mile road on the east side of the Elwha River, also is scheduled for repair this fall.
It was extensively damaged during the February storms and has been closed to vehicles since.
Dates for the Whiskey Bend project have not yet been set and will be released as soon as they are available.
Altair Campground also was damaged during the storms and remains closed.
The park plans to reopen Altair, but there is no date set for that work, Maynes said.
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Reporter Arwyn Rice can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 5070, or at arice@peninsuladailynews.com.
