Campground, trails and restrooms remain open through summer
for hikers, bicyclists and equestrians
UPDATE 7/12/16: The road closure has been rescheduled to begin on Monday, July 18.
OLYMPIA – June 29, 2016 – Mount Spokane Road will be closed to public motor vehicle access between July 11 and Oct. 7, while the main entrance road is undergoing significant reconstruction.
During the construction, visitors will have hiking, bicycle and equestrian access to Mount Spokane State Park’s trails, campground and restrooms. Parking will be available in a designated area adjacent to Bear Creek Lodge, located .3 of a mile outside the park entrance on Mount Spokane Park Drive.
Equestrian users may take a bypass route between the parking area and the main trailhead and trails—and are asked not to take horses across the bridge that leads to the Bear Creek Lodge grounds. Signs are posted to help visitors find their way between the trails and parking area.
The $1.3 million project includes the reconstruction of approximately 2,000 linear feet of road, replacement of a box culvert at a creek crossing and the application of new road surface from the uphill end of the reconstruction to the intersection on Linder’s Ridge. The reconstruction portion of the project includes the complete removal and replacement of old road structure, some of it in constricted areas with little or no shoulder egress.
The road work is needed, in part, to preserve the long-term viability of the road. Snow plows, sanding, de-icing and constant high-volume winter use of the road causes wear and tear that calls for significant repair and maintenance work.
While the closure to the general public this summer is inconvenient, State Parks project managers say the work window on the mountain is small, and they need to get the work finished before mid-October when rough weather can occur. Rebuilding and resurfacing now will help to prevent problems and disruptions during the high-volume winter recreation season.
For questions about the project or access, call State Parks Eastern Region Headquarters Office, (509)238-4258 or check the State Park’s Alert Center at: http://parks.state.wa.us/AlertCenter
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About Washington State Parks
The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission manages more than 100 state parks and properties totaling approximately 120,000 acres. The Commission provides a variety of recreation opportunities for citizens and provides stewardship protection for a diverse array of natural, cultural and historic resources. State Parks’ statewide programs include long-distance trails, boating safety and winter recreation.
Follow Washington State Parks:
Share your favorite state park adventure on the State Parks’ blog site at www.AdventureAwaits.com.
Support state parks by purchasing your annual Discover Pass today, and enjoy a whole year of outdoor fun on Washington’s beautiful state-managed recreation lands. For more information, visit www.discoverpass.wa.gov.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Virginia Painter, (360) 902-8562
Toni Droscher (360) 902-8604
Wash. Telecommunications Relay Service: (800) 833-6388
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