Diablo Lake Trail bridge closure

Date: April 9, 2007

DIABLO LAKE TRAIL BRIDGE CLOSURE APRIL 16

The North Cascades National Park trail crew will resume construction April 16 on the Diablo Lake Trail footbridge just west of Ross Dam. The suspension bridge spans the long arm of Diablo Lake that reaches the foot of Ross Dam and connects the 3.8 mile Diablo Lake Trail with the 1.0 mile Haul Road and the 0.8 mile Ross Dam Trail. To ensure hiker safety, the bridge will be closed beginning April 16 to accommodate the replacement of structural elements, decking, and handrails. A 90 day closure has been authorized; however, the trail crew expects to complete their work in the beginning of June in advance of the summer hiking season. A subsequent announcement of reopening will occur when the work is complete and the bridge is once again safe for visitor use.

The Diablo Lake Trail, which departs from the parking lot of the North Cascades Environmental Learning Center, is still open and offers spring wildflowers and excellent views of the Diablo Lake Gorge and surrounding peaks. However, use of the Seattle City Light ferry from the top of Diablo Dam to the base of Ross Dam to accommodate a one-way hike will not be an option until the bridge reopens. The Happy-Panther Trail and West Bank Trail are excellent alternative hikes in close proximity.

For more information on hikes at Diablo Lake, Ross Lake and the surrounding area visit www.nps.gov/noca or call North Cascades National Park Service Complex headquarters at [phone], ext 515.