Construction Begins on Cascade River Road in August

Date: June 23, 2015
Contact: Denise Shultz

Sedro Woolley, WA – Drivers may experience up to 20 minute delays from August 23 to September 7, 2015, as construction begins on the last three miles of the Cascade River Road. The road will be closed to all vehicle and foot traffic from September 8 through late October 2015. The road closure will begin at the Eldorado parking area near mile post 20 and will affect hikers and climbers approaching the area from either the east or west side. Eldorado Peak and other peaks accessed via Eldorado Creek will not be affected.

The National Park Service and Federal Highway Administration project will use heavy equipment and large dump trucks make the necessary repairs. A sixty-foot long concrete "boxculvert" with a debris rack will be installed at the site of Boston Creek, a common wash-out area.The road was significantly damaged at Boston Creek in 2009 and again in August 2013, when a washout left over 70 visitors temporarily stranded.

The Cascade River Road provides access to the very popular Cascade Pass, Horseshoe Basin, and Sahale Arm Trails, as well as a scenic route for visitors hiking across the park to Stehekin.Boston Basin is a popular climbing area, with access to Forbidden, Sahale and Sharkfin peaks, among others.This temporary road closure will ensure continued access to these areas in the future, with less potential for road failure.

For up-to-date information, visit the park's website, Facebook or Twitter pages. For assistance with trip planning, suggestions for alternative autumn hikes or climbs, or to learn about alternate hiking routes to Stehekin, leasecontacttheWilderess Iformation Ceterat [phone], open daily through October 11, 2015.

www.nps.gov/noca