Heavy usage and rapidly deteriorating conditions have combined to compel the U.S. Forest Service to close a section of Forest Road 90 in the southwest corner of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest.
According to a press release from the U.S.F.S. heavy travel during summer months to the Upper Lewis River Campground has caused an increase in road erosion and hillside sliding in several areas. The popular road is now closed indefinitely for four miles between Forest Road 90-3211 and Crab Creek.
The hillside hear Crab Creek has been a known trouble spot for several years and the road now suffers from a deep depression and a series of large potholes that have caused several passenger cars to become stuck in recent weeks. Last weekend the situation came to a head when several vehicles, either illegally parked or disabled, prevented ambulances from responding to emergency calls along FS 90.
Engineers are currently reviewing the road damage and associated geology in order to come up with both short term and long term solutions. A short term solution is expected to be finalized by the end of August but there is no timetable for a long-term fix.
Vehicle travel will still be allowed to Curly Creek Road from the west. Access to Quartz Creek, Lower Falls, Upper Falls, Lewis River Horse Camp, and other sites will have to travel through Trout Lake to Forest Road 23 and west on Forest Road 90.
The U.S.F.S. is encouraging visitors to branch out to different locations in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest during the coming month in order to relieve overcrowding at Lower Falls. In order to preserve access for emergency vehicle access parking is prohibited along FS 90 on two miles on either side of the Lower Falls Recreation Area.
That restricted area extends west of Lower Falls where the pavement ends and east beyond Middle Falls Trailhead. Any vehicles found to be blocking forest roads may be subject to towing or fines.
