Hiker Headlines: Speak Up For Eightmile Lake, Passes Reopening, I-90 and Lake Quinault Area Construction

It’s May 25. Chinook and Cayuse passes are reopening tomorrow. Expect I-90 delays and closures during the summer through fall for construction including closures of the Franklin Falls and Denny Creek trails, as well as some construction projects in Olympic National Forest and National Park. Make sure to park in designated spots at Mount Si. Submit a public comment about the proposed plan to rebuild Eightmile Dam in the Enchantments area. And, join Golden Bricks Events for Sundaes outside this Sunday at Be’er Sheva Park. Here’s some news you may have missed while out on trail this week.

Chinook and Cayuse passes are reopening tomorrow, but don't think that means there won't be any snow on the ground! Photo by terradactyl.

Mount Rainier passes reopening: Chinook Pass (SR 410) and Cayuse Pass (SR 123) are reopening tomorrow, May 26 at 8 a.m. Please be aware that there is still snow on the ground — trails around the passes may still be snow-covered and have blowdowns that haven’t been cleared yet. 

Speak up for Eightmile Lake: The Icicle and Peshastin Irrigation Districts have proposed rebuilding Eightmile Dam, and Washington’s Department of Ecology recently released three construction alternatives for a new dam. WTA opposes two of the three options that would raise the lake level, which would impact recreation access. Submit a public comment by Monday, June 5, to the Department of Ecology about the project. 

I-90 construction projects: Be aware of multiple construction projects along I-90 this summer through fall, many of which will cause lane closures and delays. Most parts of the highway will have at least one lane open — but expect full one-hour closures of the highway near Easton multiple times a week.

Franklin Falls, Denny Creek closed this summer: Forest Service Road 58 will be closed starting May 30 through the summer and fall due to construction, possibly through November. The following are all closed as a result of this construction work: FR 58, Denny Creek campground and trailhead, Franklin Falls trailhead and trail and the Wagon Road Trail. 

Olympic National Forest and Park construction projects: Expect closures of some campgrounds and roads due to construction this summer in the Lake Quinault area in Olympic National Forest and Park. Additionally, Graves Creek Road is reopening tomorrow, May 26, after the first stage of bridge repairs has been completed. Note that there will be another closure in August to finalize repairs. 

Mount Si parking reminder: Per the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR), in recent weeks, illegal parking and overcrowding have created significant congestion and unsafe circumstances for emergency vehicles in trailhead parking lots along Mount Si Road and other areas near North Bend. As a result, DNR has installed additional signage at trailheads to show no parking areas and establish a designated fire lane for emergency vehicles at the Mount Si trailhead. Vehicles parked outside of designated spots will be cited and/or towed. DNR appreciates your cooperation in keeping parking lots accessible and safe for all users. Hikers are encouraged to have a backup plan in the event parking is not available at their planned destination, or take Trailhead Direct to the trailhead.

Sundaes Outside: We’re excited to support Golden Bricks Events for another summer of outdoor joy! Head to Sundaes Outside: A Celebration of Black Folks this Sunday, May 28, from 1-6 p.m. at Be’er Sheva Park. Register for free online. 

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