Lake Cushman/Staircase road

[Frenchy]

...ANyone know what the dealy is with the gate? Whens it open?. Last time we were out climbing there (4-5 weeks ago) we had to park at the gate and road slog in. On the way back, some old fart expressed that the road access was private, we weren't aloud to be past the gate when closed, we were gonna start a landslide, and that we'll be promptly ticketed. Whats the procedure?

 

Any words appreciated.

 

 

[Bergretter]

Storm's Damage Still Lingers on Olympic's Staircase

 

 

By Christopher Dunagan

Friday, May 23, 2008

 

OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK

 

The popular Staircase Road into Olympic National Park remains closed, despite efforts to repair damage from the December storm, according to park officials.

 

Other areas are opening up as repairs are completed, said Sue McGill, acting superintendent of Olympic National Park.

 

"After the tough winter and late spring we've had, we're pleased to have nearly all of our roads and campgrounds open for Memorial Day," she said in a statement. "There is still extensive damage to park trails and park bridges, as well as deep snow. We strongly encourage all hikers to use extra caution and to check with the Wilderness Information Center before setting out."

 

Here's a brief status report:

 

Hurricane Ridge Road: Weather permitting, the road will be open daily for the spring and summer season, although nearly 10 feet of snow still blankets the ridge. Major construction could create delays of up to 20 minutes, as motorists contend with up to four miles of unpaved road and construction equipment. Call (360) 565-3131 for current conditions.

 

Heart O' the Hills Campground and Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center, including snack bar and gift shop, are open.

 

Deer Park Road: Park officials are hoping to open Deer Park Road on June 13, although the winter's heavy snow and late spring melt may delay openings at Deer Park, Obstruction Point and Hurricane Hill Road.

 

Dosewallips Road: A washout outside the park boundary keeps the road closed.

 

Elwha Valley: Roads in the Elwha Valley are open along with Elwha and Altair campgrounds. Boulder Creek Trail is covered in snow above 2,200 feet, and the Boulder Creek camping area has a foot of snow on the ground.

 

Lake Crescent: Roads are open along with the LaPoel picnic area and Fairholme Campground. Log Cabin Resort, Fairholme General Store and Lake Crescent Lodge are open.

 

Sol Duc: Sol Duc Road and the campground are open. The trail to Sol Duc Falls is open and snow free, though snow cover begins just beyond the falls. Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort is open.

 

Coastal: Kalaloch, Mora and Ozette areas are open along with Kalaloch Lodge. Hikers should check with the Wilderness Information Center for trail and tide conditions. Kalaloch Information Station is open Friday through Tuesday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

 

Hoh: Hoh Road and campground are open. Hoh Rain Forest Visitor Center is open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The park and forest information center in Forks is open Thursday through Monday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

 

Queets: Lower Queets Road is open seven miles to Matheny Creek. A new access route into the Upper Queets Valley is open. Queets Campground is open.

 

Quinault: Quinault Loop Road, North Fork Road and North Fork Campground are open. North Quinault River Trail is impassable beyond Wild Rose Creek. Graves Creek Road is open only for foot, bicycle and horseback traffic.

 

The Wilderness Information Center can be reached by calling (360) 565-3100