Photo courtesy Jay Cline
PORT ANGELES – Olympic National Park officials expect it may be at least three weeks before we learn when Hurricane Ridge Road will be reopened.
Days after a fire burned down the iconic Hurricane Ridge Day Lodge, third-party certified fire investigators are examining the site to determine the cause and origin of the blaze. The National Park Service’s Regional Structure Fire Program Manager is coordinating the investigation.
The aftermath of the fire at the visitor center will delay the reopening of the Hurricane Ridge Road past Heart of the Hills Campground. The park anticipates being able to provide a timeline for reopening the road in the next few weeks, after June 2.
The Hurricane Ridge Day Lodge was the area’s hub for electrical, water and wastewater treatment. Destruction of the building destroyed infrastructure critical to the operation of this popular part of the park. Park officials are developing plans to remove building debris once the investigation is completed, secure the area, and provide restrooms and other necessary services to ensure visitors can safely enjoy the area soon.
The 71-year-old building was a two story, 12,201 square foot, historic structure. It was closed to visitors as it was undergoing an extensive rehabilitation project funded through the Great American Outdoors Act. The fire was first reported on May 7 by a law enforcement ranger on patrol.