QUINAULT — Graves Creek Road, campground and trailheads were reopened Friday, according to Olympic National Park, which also issues warnings about bears in the area.
The first stage of bridge repairs along Graves Creek Road has been completed, according to the park. The area being reopened includes the Graves Creek Campground and the East Fork Quinault Trail to Enchanted Valley.
The Pony Bridge replacement project is ongoing and there will be another short closure of Graves Creek Road in August to finalize repairs, the park said.
Park scientists have encountered numerous bears in this area. Visitors traveling to Enchanted Valley should be prepared for bear encounters, including bears that may be habituated to humans.
Bears also have been observed near the North Fork Quinault Campground and along the Irely Creek Trail.
“While observing wildlife safety guidelines is always important, with the high level of bear activity this spring, proper food storage is vital,” the park said.
Bear canisters are required for anyone camping at Enchanted Valley. Bear canisters can be loaned to anyone with a wilderness permit. They can be obtained from the Wilderness Information Center in Port Angeles or the Quinault Rain Forest Ranger Station. In addition to proper food storage, visitors are highly encouraged to refresh their wildlife safety by visiting the park’s webpage about wildlife safety.
Each backpacker must have a wilderness permit to stay overnight in the backcountry. Those can be obtained online at recreation.gov or in person at the Wilderness Information Center in Port Angeles or the Quinault Rain Forest Ranger Station on North Shore Road in Quinault.
As the Pony Bridge replacement project continues, hikers can expect short delays as crews allow hikers to pass over the bridge.
