Road updates on the MBS

Two big pieces of road news that will affect hikers this summer: the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie is announcing closures of the Suiattle River Road (off the Mountain Loop Highway); and the Canyon Creek Road (off the Mt. Baker Highway).

Could we regain access to the beloved Green Mountain trail in 2011? Photo by Bruce Watson.

First up - the Suiattle River Road

The floods of November, 2006 severely damaged the Suiattle River Road, already suffering from the October 2003 floods. While most trails in the area were still accessible after 2003, the 2006 floods eliminated reasonable access to these trails – Huckleberry Mountain, Green Mountain, Downey Creek (the Ptarmigan Traverse exit), Sulphur Hot Springs, Sulphur Mountain, and the Suiattle River Trail, as well as the Buck Creek and Sulphur Creek campgrounds.

After considering the environmental impacts of repair and obtaining funding, the repair of the Suiattle River Rd is underway! But we must be patient a little longer.

Beginning about mid-July this summer, the Suiattle River Road will experience total closures for up to two weeks at a time to accommodate the repair process. During these times, the road will be closed at approx milepost 2 (yes, that's T-W-O). Separate from repairs on flood damage are other necessary repairs along the entire length of the road.\

Currently, there is no set schedule for closures, however. The Darrington District will make every effort to reasonably inform the public if a schedule for closure can be obtained. The repairs may be completed by the end of summer,  but because of the large scope of this project, the reconstruction of this beloved road may extend into next year.

Check the road conditions website for the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie Forest often, and if you’re planning to bike to a trailhead on the Suiattle River Road this summer, call the Darrington Ranger Station for a status on the closures. 360-436-1155.

Now - the Canyon Creek Road

While we have become used to the Suiattle River Road being closed, the Canyon Creek Road (FR 31) may come as a bit of a surprise to some folks. The Forest Service will be closing this road two miles east of Glacier where it intersects with Mt. Baker Highway (Highway 542) weekdays starting June 21 for two months. Closing Canyon Creek Road also blocks access to the spurs -  Forest Service roads 3120, 3130, 3140, 3160 and 3170.

Canyon Creek Road will close Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to noon. It will be open from noon to 1 pm, and then close again from 1 to 5 pm. Workers will open the road Thursday at 5 pm and it will be open throughout the weekend.

When closed, it will block access to Damfino Lakes Trailhead, Church Lake Trail, Bear Paw Lake Trail and Canyon Ridge Trail.

For more information, contact the Mt. Baker Ranger District at 360-856-5700. For updated trail and road information on the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest go to its road and trail conditions webpage.