You are here

Home » Road Into Olympic National Park’s Elwha Valley Reopens After More Than A Year

Road Into Olympic National Park’s Elwha Valley Reopens After More Than A Year

Share

Published Date

January 29, 2017

Rain and floods washed out Olympic Hot Springs Road in November 2015/NPS

For the first time in more than a year, vehicles were allowed to drive into the Elwha Valley of Olympic National Park on Thursday when Olympic Hot Springs Road reopened.

The road has been closed since November 2015, when a series of severe storms brought heavy rain and flooding to the Elwha River. Approximately 90 feet of roadway was washed out, and additional sections were eroded and damaged by flood waters.

Visitors can drive as far as Glines Canyon Dam, where access ends due to snow and ice. The Whiskey Bend Road also remains closed due to these conditions.

“We are very pleased to welcome visitors back to the Elwha Valley,” Superintendent Sarah Creachbaum said in a release. “Restoring vehicle access has been a long and arduous process for our staff, and I am proud of the work they have accomplished.”

The news isn’t as good for campgrounds along the route. The Elwha Campground is closed indefinitely due to severe flood damage, and the Altair Campground was destroyed by flooding and will be reopened as a day-use area.

Park crews installed a temporary bridge along Olympic Hot Springs Road last summer, in hopes of reopening access in the fall. However, an October storm led to increased activity in a side channel of the Elwha and intermittent minor flooding of the road just upstream of the new bridge. The road remained closed to allow park staff to monitor and more fully evaluate the frequency and severity of any flood events.

“We urge all park visitors to be informed and prepared before entering the more remote areas of Olympic National Park,” Creachbaum said. “Especially during the winter months, people should check the current weather forecast before heading into the park.”

The road and side channels will continue to be monitored. In the event of heavy rains or high river flows, water may flow over the road. During last week’s storm series, water flowing over the road surface reached 2-3 inches in depth.

Related Stories:

4th Annual Threatened And Endangered Parks | Sea Level Rise Is Reshaping Western Parks

Stories about:

Story Categories:

Support National Parks Traveler

National Parks Traveler is a small, editorially independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit media organization. The Traveler is not part of the federal government nor a corporate subsidiary. Your support helps ensure the Traveler's news and feature coverage of national parks and protected areas endures. 

EIN: 26-2378789

Support Essential Coverage of Essential Places

A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.

Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:

  • Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
  • Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
  • Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
  • North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
  • Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
  • Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
  • Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.

Comments

Submitted by Lee Dalton on January 29, 2017 - 5:18pm.

I really, really, really hope they will be able to soon re-open the Elwha Campground.  That place was a little gem.


Add comment

CAPTCHA

This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.

Image CAPTCHA
Enter the characters shown in the image.

Your support helps the National Parks Traveler increase awareness of the wonders and issues confronting national parks and protected areas.

Support Our Mission

INN Member

The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.

Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.

You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

FREE for iPhones and Android phones.