By Brandon Block

The Olympian

Hikers who were hoping to get up to Olympic National Park’s closest trails this weekend will have to adjust their plans.

Forest Roads 24 and 2451, which provide the only public access to Lake Cushman and the Staircase entrance to the park, were closed on Saturday, Aug. 22, due to overcrowding, the Forest Service announced in a press release on Friday.

So many people are visiting the Mason County lake, the agency said, that emergency response vehicles have been unable to traverse the windy road to respond to requests for help.

“The extreme numbers of people recreating at Lake Cushman are creating unsafe conditions and degrading the experience for everyone. No one wants to be stuck in a six-mile long traffic jam on a narrow, gravel road with no way to turn around,” District Ranger Yewah Lau said in a news release.

The roads and trails will remained closed “until the weather cools and visitation returns to a manageable level,” the release says.

Residents who live beyond the road closure will be allowed through.

“This was a hard decision to make, but necessary for the health and safety of visitors and staff. I hope people can discover other less-crowded areas to enjoy,” said Lau.

The Forest Service notice added that because many public lands are experiencing increased visitation, they advise preparing a backup option.

Other closures in the park:

* Spruce Railroad Trail at Lake Crescent is closed for construction. The final phase of work on the trail will be completed by November. The trail is closed to all use due to heavy equipment and truck traffic. Devil’s Punchbowl is only accessible by boat.

* East Beach Road at Lake Crescent Closed at Highway 101 is closed due to a wildfire. Log Cabin Resort is accessible via Highway 112 to Joyce-Piedmont Road. Occasional smoke at Lake Crescent and the surrounding area will most likely continue until heavy rainfall in the fall.