PORT ANGELES — Olympic National Park officials won’t have a timeline for reopening Hurricane Ridge Road until at least June 2, according to a press release from the park.
Park officials are developing plans to remove what remains of the Hurricane Ridge lodge once the fire investigation is completed, the area is secured and restrooms and other necessary services for park visitors are in place, it said.
Third-party certified fire investigators are examining the site to determine the cause and origin of the blaze. The National Park Service’s Regional Structure Fire Program Manager is coordinating the investigation.
The Hurricane Hill area will remain closed to the public during the fire investigation, delaying the reopening of Hurricane Ridge Road, which was set to reopen before Memorial Day Weekend.
The lodge was the area’s hub for electrical, water and wastewater treatment.
“This is an active situation, and we appreciate the public’s patience as we work through it,” said park Superintendent Sula Jacobs. “The good news is that there is still a lot of the park to visit and enjoy — from Kalaloch to Staircase, there are many great places to explore.”
The building was a two-story, 12,201-square-foot historic structure that was dedicated by Rep. Henry M. Jackson on Sept. 22, 1952. It was undergoing an extensive renovation funded through the Great American Outdoor Act.
The lodge was reported to be fully engulfed in flames Sunday afternoon by a law enforcement ranger on patrol. It burned to the ground.
