Cascade River Road to close at Eldorado Creek

Date: September 22, 2007
Contact: Kerry Olson, 360 854-7365 ext 13

The Cascade River Road located in North Cascades National Park will close at the Eldorado Creek Parking Area at milepost 20 on October 1, 2007. This closure is due to the removal of six culverts along the North Fork of the Cascade River and the installation of a substantial water bar at Boston Creek.

After the November 2006 flood, the six culverts were installed to temporarily repair the road while permanent repairs were designed and approved. To comply with conditions in the Washington State Fish and Wildlife permit for the spring 2007 temporary road repairs, the culverts and additional road materials will be removed to protect spawning fish habitat and water quality. Permanent road repairs will begin next year.

The Cascade River Road provides access to Johannesburg Camp and the Cascade Pass trailhead. Visitors will still be able to access this camp and trailhead by foot, but must park their vehicles at the Eldorado Creek Parking Area approximately three miles from the trailhead. A foot bridge will be maintained over the washout area. Visitors starting trips into the Cascade Pass area prior to October 1, but not returning until after this date must park their vehicles at the Eldorado Creek Parking Area. Hikers on the Cascade Pass Trail should be prepared for winter conditions.

All overnight stays in the backcountry require a free permit, which must be obtained in person and is issued on a first come first served basis.

For additional information about the Cascade Pass Trail, call 360-854-7245 or visit http://www.nps.gov/noca/planyourvisit/cascade-pass-trail.htm

For updated trail conditions, call 360-854-7245 or visit

http://www.nps.gov/noca/planyourvisit/trail-conditions.htm