OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK — Park authorities have closed camping in the Enchanted Valley area off the East Fork of the Quinault River northeast of Amanda Park because of bears.
On Friday, the area was closed to camping for at least a month after hikers reported they were approached by black bears that had eaten food brought into the area by campers and hikers.
“Bears that eat human food come to consider people as a food source and are extremely dangerous,” said Sarah Creachbaum, Olympic National Park superintendent.
“Sadly, bears have gotten into and consumed human food this spring in Enchanted Valley, and we have closed the area to camping effective immediately.”
Unafraid of people
Several visitors reported seeing at least one bear eating human food and trash, and others reported seeing bears that appeared unafraid of people, Creachbaum said.
Hiking is permitted in Enchanted Valley — beloved by visitors for its picturesque chalet, waterfalls and scenic views — but all camping is closed between Pyrites Creek and the O’Neill Pass junction.
The area is reached from U.S. Highway 101 by South Shore Road northeast of Lake Quinault.
Hikers are warned to stay at least 50 yards from wildlife and to keep food, trash and all scented items properly stored and out of reach of wildlife.
The closure will last for a minimum of 30 days while rangers and wildlife biologists monitor bear activity.
“We will reopen Enchanted Valley to camping as soon as we are able to do so,” Creachbaum said.
“When it reopens, the use of bear cans [bear-resistant food storage containers] will be required for all overnight use in the area.”
Information about how to keep food and garbage safe from wildlife is available at http://tinyurl.com/PDN-wildernessfood.
For information about wilderness hiking and camping, including current trail condition reports, visit http://tinyurl.com/PDN-ONPtripplanner, stop by the Olympic National Park Visitor Center at 3002 Mount Angeles Road, Port Angeles, between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. daily or phone 360-565-3100.