Franklin Falls, Denny Creek closed for Summer

Release Date: May 25, 2023

Contact(s): Jeff Clark

Everett, Wash., 5/25/2023 — The Snoqualmie District of the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest will restrict access to Forest Service Road 58 beginning May 30. That is when contractors will begin construction for phase II of a parking lot expansion project at the Franklin Falls/Denny Creek area.

The project will increase parking capacity by 72 spaces, including additional Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) parking, and construct a loop road that will help alleviate traffic congestion concerns. This project is funded by the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) as well as the Recreation Conservation Office of Washington State.

The closure includes the entirety of Forest Road 58, the Denny Creek Campground, Denny Creek trailhead, Franklin Falls Trailhead, the Franklin Falls Trail and the Wagon Road Trail. The closure may last as late as November, but the area is expected to be open for winter recreation as well as during the summer of 2024.

“The closures are necessary to protect the health and safety of the workers and the public,” said Snoqualmie District Ranger Heather Randall Wilder. “Although having these popular areas and trails closed for the summer is disappointing, the improvements will make the area more enjoyable for years to come.”

Enacted into law on August 4, 2020, the GAOA continues to provide new opportunities for the USDA Forest Service to deliver benefits to the American public through major investments in infrastructure, recreation facilities, public lands access, and land and water conservation.

Road and trail conditions and status throughout the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest can be found on a constantly updated map at https://usfs.maps.arcgis.com/apps/MapSeries/index.html?appid=2f5351d70b0d4ed9b13d372e9d109fcb or you may call or email the different Districts for the latest news and conditions. A list of offices and their contact information can be found at Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest - Offices (usda.gov).

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