Restoration work on the Boulder Creek Trail in Olympic National Park has necessitated the closure of the trail, as well as the upper Hot Springs Road, to the public through the fall, according to park officials.

Key components of the rehabilitation project include: removing asphalt from a 2.2-mile section of the former Boulder Creek Road, reducing trail width to between 24 and 30 inches, installing foot bridges to improve safety at stream crossings, providing drainage and sediment control along the trail to protect waterways and aquatic resources, and improving vehicle access at the Boulder Creek trailhead. The project also will restore stock animal access along the trail and create a turnaround area at the trailhead for vehicles towing stock trailers.

Access to the Glines Canyon Dam will remain open, according to park officials. The Lake Mills boat ramp will remain open through August 25, when it will close to allow a sediment management project to be conducted on the Lake Mills delta.

Hikers can reach the Olympic Hot Springs from the Sol Duc trailhead via Appleton Pass. From Sol Duc, the route to the hot springs is approximately 13 miles with a 2,500-foot change in elevation. For more information about hiking options within Olympic National Park, visitors may contact the park’s Wilderness Information Center at 360-565-3100.