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Posted on: May 15, 2019

Beacon Rock State Park planners seek public input on new entrance design

Planning process addresses traffic and visitor safety on State Route 14

OLYMPIA – May 15, 2019 – Washington State Parks invites the public to learn more about plans to improve access and safety to Beacon Rock State Park from SR 14 between mile posts 34.7 and 35. The park’s current entrance was designed in the 1930s and was not intended to accommodate large, modern vehicles with higher speeds. The park is located in the Columbia River Gorge near Skamania.

The first of two meetings is from 6 – 8 p.m. Wednesday, June 5, at Hegewald Auditorium, 710 SW Rock Creek Drive, Stevenson. (Driving directions.) At the meeting, Parks staff will present design options with time for questions and comments from attendees.

The project considers several options to improve vehicular and pedestrian flow:

  • Realign or relocate the vehicle entrance to the campground.
  • Improve vehicular access at the intersection of Kueffler Road.
  • Provide additional parking separated from SR 14.
  • Design a safe pedestrian crossing on SR 14.

The first phase requires a predesign report for submission to the Office of Financial Management in 2019. The report answers questions about the overall project, analyzes pros and cons of options and identifies the preferred alternative. The report is scheduled for completion in 2019. The information gathered in this report will be used for future funding requests of the legislature.

At the June 5 meeting, participants will view individual design concepts and have the opportunity to ask questions of Parks staff. Participants may provide comments in writing, both at the meeting and online.  Development options, along with a survey, will be posted online one week prior to the meeting at: https://parks.state.wa.us/1142/Beacon-Rock-Entrance-Road-Realignment

All comments will be considered in the analysis of options. A second public meeting will be held in late summer 2019 to present a preliminary recommendation for public review.

For more information about this project and the June 5 meeting, contact Michael Hankinson, Parks Planner, at (360) 725-9756 or michael.hankkinson@parks.wa.gov

About Beacon Rock State Park
Beacon Rock State Park is a 4,464-acre, year-round camping park located in the heart of the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. Beacon Rock itself is the core of an ancient volcano. The park includes 9,500 feet of freshwater shoreline on the Columbia River and more than 26 miles of roads and trails open to hiking, mountain biking and equestrian use. For more information about the park, visit https://parks.state.wa.us/474/Beacon-Rock

News media contacts:
Toni Droscher, Communications Office, (360) 902-8604
Michael Hankinson, Parks Planner, (360) 725-9756.
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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.

 News release number: 19-027

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