By: Pepper Fisher

LAKE CUSHMAN, Wash. – Olympic National Park and U.S. Forest officials announced today that Service Roads and trails that provide access to Lake Cushman and the Staircase entrance to Olympic National Park will be closed starting Saturday due to extreme overcrowding.

They say recent increased visitation along narrow Forest Service roads has far exceeded capacity and led to gridlock, creating hazardous conditions for the public.

One official described recent conditions as “a 6-mile long traffic jam on a narrow dirt road with no way to turn around”.

The overflow of vehicles has also damaged the environment and prevented emergency response vehicles and personnel from responding to recent requests for help.

The area will be closed off and there will be no access to Lake Cushman except for residents who live beyond the road closure, emergency response personnel and administrative staff.

A news release says the closure of the road, day-use sites and trailheads will continue until the weather cools and visitation returns to a manageable level.

The Staircase entrance to the park also will be closed until at least Sept. 30.

ONP photo: Staircase Loop Bridge.