Entiat River Road Opening
From a Press Release - Recreationists longing to get to the upper reaches of the Entiat Valley, hike trails into Glacier Peak Wilderness and camp in campgrounds closed since 2014, will once again be able to access the entire 38-mile length of the Entiat River Road starting Friday, June 23rd. The last seven miles of the road have been closed due to mudslides that occurred in April.
“Road crews working to remove mudslide debris and repair the roadway were able to complete their work this week and the gate will be open on Friday,” said Entiat District Recreation Program Manager Jon Meier. “There were three mudslides covering portions of the road above the 31 mile point. Contractors removed 27 dump truck loads of debris from the road; motorists need to be aware that sections of the road are single lane but there are pullouts, so please use caution and go slow in these areas,” Meier cautioned.
The Forest Service and partners, such as Chelan County Emergency Management, will continue to monitor fire areas for potential flooding or debris flow, particularly following heavy rain events.
“Forest visitors need to be extra aware of their surroundings in areas where fires have occurred,” Meier said. Wildfires have changed the local landscape leaving hazards such as burned out stump holes, broken tree limbs, fallen trees, and the potential for mudslides after heavy rains.
“Safety will continue to be our number one priority and we will continue to assess, monitor and update conditions in the burned areas as the summer progresses,” Meier said.
Some safety restrictions, site closures or day-use limitations remain in place at various campgrounds located along the Entiat River Road.
Name, Location, Number of Campsites | Current Status |
Fox Creek Campground is located 27 miles from Highway 97A on Entiat River Road with 16 campsites | Eight sites are available for overnight camping and eight sites along the river are available for day use only. |
Lake Creek Campground is located 28 miles from Highway 97A on the Entiat River Road with 18 campsites | All sites are available. |
Silver Falls Campground is located 30 miles from Highway 97A on the Entiat River Road with 31 campsites and one group reservation site | Most sites are available for overnight camping but a few sites close to the river are available for day use only. |
North Fork Campground is located 33 miles from Highway 97A on the Entiat River Road | Will remain closed in 2017 to overnight camping and day use due to impacts resulting from wildfires. Once hazard trees are removed, day use will be allowed at this campground. |
Spruce Grove Campground is located 34 miles from Highway 97A on the Entiat River Road with two campsites | Will be open for day use only due to impacts resulting from wildfires. No overnight camping allowed. |
Cottonwood Campground and Cabin is located 37 miles from Highway 97A on the Entiat River Road with 25 campsites and one reservation cabin | Cottonwood Cabin is available to reserve on www.recreation.gov. Campsites 1-7, 12 and 13 are closed for overnight camping, but available for day use in 2017. Sites 8-11 were not severely impacted by the fire and camping will be allowed in the parking area only (trailer/campers), no tents outside of the hardened gravel area. Sites 14-25 were severely impacted by the fire, sites will be open as repairs are made throughout the summer. |
“Trail maintenance and repair work on trails in this area will begin sometime in July,” Meier added.
For additional campground and trail information please visit the forest web page at www.fs.usda.gov/okawen or call the Entiat Ranger Station at 509-784-4700.
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