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North Cascades
National Park Service Complex
Storm/Flood Damage
Update June 12, 2004
Stehekin
Storms and flooding in October 2003 damaged roads, trails and campgrounds throughout North Cascades National Park Service Complex, including areas within the Stehekin Valley. Some repairs will be completed in 2004. Others require several years to complete. The following is an overview of changes that may affect visitors to the Stehekin area. This list will be updated as other natural events occur and repairs are made. Trail conditions such as eroded trail tread and missing or broken bridges, foot logs and puncheon will increase the time and caution required for trail travel. Hikers should exercise great care at all stream crossings and are encouraged to turn back if safe crossing is not possible. A complete list of storm damage effects is available from the Golden West Visitor Center or on the web at www.nps.gov/noca/storm03/summary.htm.
STEHEKIN VALLEY ROAD CONDITIONS AND SHUTTLE SERVICE
The
Stehekin Valley Road is currently open for vehicle traffic to a parking area
just above the Stehekin Valley Ranch (approximately 9.5 miles from the Landing).
Due to damage to the upper valley road, the National Park Service Shuttle
will not be operating in 2004. The privately
operated Stehekin Shuttle Bus will make 3-4 daily round trips in
the lower valley between the Stehekin Landing and the end of the drivable road through October 10th. Transportation on the
Stehekin Shuttle is demand only through June 17th.
During these dates service will only be provided if passengers board at the
Stehekin Landing or with advance reservations. These reservations can be made at
the North Cascades Stehekin Lodge (after May 17th) or by contacting
Jim Williams at
bBoxholder,
Stehekin, WA 98852 or
jpwilliams1040@yahoo.com
Stehekin Valley Road conditions for walking, stock use, and bicycling:
End of drivable road (9.5 miles) to High Bridge (11.2 miles): Traveling upvalley from the end of the drivable road 0.5 miles you will encounter water over the road for approximately 450 feet. Depending on conditions you may choose to ford the water or take a trail re-route to Bullion Camp, High Bridge and other upper valley trailheads and locations.
Ford water with caution as it varies in depth and has a current. This is the recommended route for bicycles.
A trail re-route from the Stehekin Valley Road bypasses the water and links to the Bullion Loop Trail in two places. One link is located across from the parking area at the end of the drivable road, and the other is closer to the washout where the Bullion Loop trail crosses the road. Each Trailhead will be signed. You may continue on this trail to Coon Lake, the Old Wagon Road Trail (Pacific Crest Trail) and High Bridge Ranger Station or follow the sign to Bullion Camp and out to the Stehekin Valley Road. You may take a bicycle on this re-route with extreme caution. Bicycles are only allowed on the section of trail from the end of the drivable road to Bullion Camp. From Bullion Camp, bicyclists can reach the Stehekin Valley Road. The re-route is rocky, with stream crossings, moderate elevation gain and tight turns. It is recommended to walk your bike through the re-route. Bicyclists must be aware of other trail users and yield to stock and hikers.
High Bridge (11.2 miles) to Bridge Creek (16 miles): Road passable to stock, hikers and bicycles between High Bridge and Car Wash Falls (~13 miles). The road between Car Wash Falls and Bridge Creek is non-existent in places. Hikers must use extreme caution as slippery rocks and steep washouts are commonplace. This section of road is impassable to stock and bicycles and is not recommended for hikers. Hikers and stock can use the Old Wagon Road Trail (Pacific Crest Trail) to travel to Bridge Creek (this trail is not open to bicycles). The Old Wagon Road Trail (Pacific Crest Trail) is accessible from High Bridge (via Coon Lake Trail) or from the Stehekin Valley Road a short distance below Car Wash Falls. Bicycles are not allowed on the Old Wagon Road or other trails within the North Cascades National Park Service Complex with the one exception mentioned above.
Bridge Creek (16 miles) to Glory Mountain (20.3 miles): This section of the Stehekin Valley Road is open to hikers and stock.
Glory Mountain (20.3 miles) to Cottonwood (23 miles): A re-route is available to access these locations. Check at the Golden West Visitor Center for current conditions.
TRAILS
Trail Condition Reports: Trail conditions and repair will change weekly throughout the season. It is recommended to check the most up-to-date conditions before the start of each trip. The National Park Service issues bi-weekly trail condition reports during summer. Visit www.nps.gov/noca/cond.htm and stop by the Golden West Visitor Center in Stehekin for the most current report.
The Maple Creek Bridge on Bridge Creek Trail (Pacific Crest Trail) has been replaced. The stock ford was destroyed by the October 2003 storm and will take some time to rebuild.
Horse-supported
Trips:
Horse supported hiking and riding trips into the
Cascades are available through Cascade Corrals,
which will also supply drop camps and upper valley base camps. For
trip
times and costs visit the Courtney Log Office located 200 yards from the boat
landing, write to Cascade Corrals, Box 67, Stehekin, WA 98852, or email
courtneystehekin@msn.com.
(www.courtneycountry.com)
OTHER ACTIVITIES
There are a variety of activities for visitors in the Stehekin area including rafting, kayaking, bicycle and boat rental, shopping, sightseeing, hiking, backpacking, horseback riding and tours. The National Park Service offers a diversity of naturalist programs and family activities. Visit the Golden West Visitor Center in Stehekin or www.nps.gov/noca for more information on recreational and learning opportunities.
GOLDEN WEST VISITOR CENTER
The Golden West Visitor Center is open daily, 8:30 am – 5:00 pm, June 1 – Sept. 30.
(360) 856-5700 ext 340 then ext 14
Preliminary
assessment from October 28, 2003
Stehekin Storm Damage, Containment of Woody Debris by Chelan
P.U.D.
The flood surge washed a huge load of woody debris, ranging in size from complete mature trees with root wads to sticks and bark, out the River After the flood crest, this debris completely covered approximately 230 acres of water at the head of the lake. Wind and wave action on the debris posed an immediate threat to the Stehekin Marina, as well as Purple Point and Weaver Point docks, in addition to creating a serious hazard to navigation. Log booms were borrowed from the USFS and moved by barge to corral and contain as much of this debris as possible. As a result the marina and docks did not sustain any significant damage.
October 27, 2003
Company Creek Road, Harlequin Bridge MP 0.0
Harlequin Bridge: There has been damage by high water to the armoring of the south abutment. One-fourth of the footing is undermined. It is estimated that 50 cubic yards of large angular rock is needed to arm the abutment and prevent additional undermining of the footings.
October 28, 2003
Stehekin Storm Damage, Company Creek Road MP 0.01 to 0.13
(MP's, mileposts, are distances from Harlequin Bridge across the Stehekin River) Flooding removed the gravel and base of the road for .1 miles, scoured an average depth of 2.5' the entire length and width of this 16 foot wide gravel roadway, including shoulders. There are two plugged culverts, each 24 feet long and 3 feet in diameter.
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http://www.nps.gov/noca/storm03/stehekin/stehekin1.htmLast Updated: 20-March-2005