Entiat River Road Opens

Since early spring, land managers on the Entiat Ranger District have been working hard to free the Entiat River Road from mudslides that crossed it and necessitated it's closure.

Now, recreationists longing to get to the upper reaches of the Entiat Valley, hike trails into Glacier Peak Wilderness and camp in campgrounds closed since 2014, will once again be able to access the entire 38-mile length of the Entiat River Road.

The last seven miles of the road have been closed due to mudslides that occurred in April.

“Road crews working to remove mudslide debris and repair the roadway were able to complete their work this week and the gate will be open on Friday,” said Entiat District Recreation Program Manager Jon Meier.

Three mudslides covered portions of the road above the 31 mile point. Contractors removed 27 truck loads of debris from the road. Motorists need to be aware that sections of the road are single lane but there are pullouts, so please use caution and go slow in these areas.

The area saw significant damage from the enormous Wolverine Complex in 2015, and the Forest Service and partners, such as Chelan County Emergency Management, will continue to monitor fire areas for potential flooding or debris flow, particularly following heavy rain events. 

“Forest visitors need to be extra aware of their surroundings in areas where fires have occurred,” Meier said.

Wildfires have changed the local landscape leaving hazards such as burned out stump holes, broken tree limbs, fallen trees, and the potential for mudslides after heavy rains.

“Safety will continue to be our number one priority and we will continue to assess, monitor and update conditions in the burned areas as the summer progresses,” Meier said.

Some safety restrictions, site closures or day-use limitations remain in place at various campgrounds located along the Entiat River Road.