Kalaloch beaches and Hoh Rain Forest Open

June 16, 2020 1:30 am
A few tourists and a few locals enjoyed a sunny day at Ruby Beach last week as access to some area beaches were allowed. Photo Christi Baron
A few tourists and a few locals enjoyed a sunny day at Ruby Beach last week as access to some area beaches were allowed. Photo Christi Baron

By Peninsula Daily News

Kalaloch area beaches opened last Wednesday for day-use recreation.

That includes Ruby Beach and Beach 1-6. Other ocean beaches in Olympic National Park have not been reopened to public use, said Penny Wagner, park spokesperson.

Entrance fees are collected for all areas that have been reopened.

The Kalaloch Lodge, Creekside Restaurant and The Mercantile were to reopen on Friday, she said.

The Lake Crescent Lodge and Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort are open for lodging.

All dining at the lodge at the resort will be open to guests but with takeout services only. Boat tours and rentals are closed until further notice.

Access to the Mineral Hot Springs and Pool is limited to Sol Duc Resort guests only, Wagner said. Day passes will not be available for guests outside of the resort. The Sol Duc RV Park and Campground remain closed.

The national park had closed trails and beaches to the public on April 10 to slow the spread of COVID-19.

On May 15, it reopened to day use the Lake Crescent area, including access to the Marymere Falls and Moments in Time trailheads, the Storm King and Fairholme boat launches, East Beach, Bovee’s Meadow, La Poel and North Shore picnic areas.

It also opened Sol Duc Road for day use. Toilets are available at Salmon Cascades overlook and the Sol Duc Falls Trailhead.

Heart O’ the Hills is accessible for day use. That includes the Heart O’ the Forest trailhead (parking and restroom available near the campground amphitheater) and Lake Angeles/Heather Park trailheads.

Although the Elwha/Olympic Hot Springs Road is closed to vehicles at the Madison Falls parking area due to a road washout, the road is open to pedestrians, stock and bicyclists. A toilet is open at the Madison Falls trailhead.

The Staircase area is open for day-use recreation. Toilets are available.

North Shore Road and July Creek Picnic Area in Quinault are open for day use. Toilets are available at July Creek and at the Quinault Ranger Station on North Shore Road. The Ranger Station remains closed.

Entrance fees will be collected.

On Monday it was announced that the Hoh Rain Forest is now open for day-use recreation. Area trails and restrooms are open.