A section of the Olympic Discovery Trail blocked off after recent storm damage and mudslide make walkway impassable. (Port Angeles Parks and Recreation Department)

A section of the Olympic Discovery Trail blocked off after recent storm damage and mudslide make walkway impassable. (Port Angeles Parks and Recreation Department)

Storm damage prompts closure of portion of ODT

PORT ANGELES — The Olympic Discovery Trail is closed between the former Rayonier mill site and the Morse Creek trestle because of storm damage, Port Angeles Parks Director Corey Delikat said.

A mudslide is blocking the trail about 3.5 miles from the Port Angeles Red Lion Hotel, on half-way between the Ennis Street trailhead at the Rayonier mill site and the Morse Creek trailhead, Delikat said Tuesday.

Wave action in recent weeks has eroded the beach and undermined the asphalt near the mudslide, Delikat said.

Waterfront Trail

Waterfront Trail

Culverts in the area have been covered by mud and debris, causing “good sized lakes” to form along the trail, Delikat said.

“The slide itself is pretty much in an area where we continue to have slides,” Delikat said.

Delikat said he planned to meet with city Public Works and Utilities Director Thomas Hunter today to discuss trail repairs.

No timelines for the reopening or cost estimates for the trail damage were available Tuesday.

“The Parks and Recreation Department is working with City Engineering staff on a resolution,” the city parks department said Tuesday.

“In the meantime, this portion of the trail may be closed until after the new year.”

The trail remains open between the Port Angeles Red Lion Hotel and Ennis Street.

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Reporter Rob Ollikainen can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 56450, or at rollikainen@peninsuladailynews.com.

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