Deborah Kelly, USFS
WINTHROP - A popular trailhead used by Pacific Crest Trail hikers will close temporarily for construction work in July 2023. Contractors will be working at Harts Pass Trailhead, located 32 miles northwest of Winthrop, in early July as soon as snow conditions allow. The work is part on an ongoing trailhead improvement project that will expand and improve parking areas at the main Harts Pass trailhead.
“Last year the contractors worked right up until the first predicted snowfall, but there remains some work to do to finish it up this year,” said Methow Valley Ranger District Recreation Manager Rosemary Seifried. "These improvements will make it easier for visitors to park safely and enjoy a hike in the area or a picnic or just a scenic stop on a drive," Seifried said.
The contract work involves hauling approximately 60 loads of gravel to the parking area. The Harts Pass Road #5400 will be closed to all motorists for approximately five days in July between 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily, to allow for heavy equipment and gravel hauling. The road will reopen at the end of each workday for vehicle access. Visitors should plan their travel accordingly.
The trailhead improvements will ensure safer loading and staging areas for stock, including room for stock trucks. The project will also include additional parking spaces and edge barriers for safety, along with two new toilets located at the upper and lower parking areas.
The project is funded by Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office and is expected to be completed by the end of this summer.
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