Lake Cushman Closed To The Public Amid Increase In Visitation

MASON COUNTY, WA — Visitors will be barred from Lake Cushman until further notice, the U.S. Forest Service announced on Friday.

In a news release, the forest service said Forest Roads 24 and 2451 will be closed to the public, along with trails, day-use sites and the staircase entrance to Olympic National Park. Residents who live beyond the road closure will still be able to access their homes.

Officials said the closure comes after a recent increase in visitation put strain on roadways, causing damage and traffic gridlock, increasing litter and waste and preventing emergency responders from easily accessing those in need of 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 6-mile long traffic jam on a narrow, gravel road with no way to turn around,” District Ranger Yewah Lau said in a statement.

The closure will continue until temperatures drop and visitation becomes more manageable, the release stated.

“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 decision to close the park was made in collaboration with the National Park Service, Mason County, Tacoma Power, Washington State Patrol, the Skokomish Tribe and other local partners, the release states.

Visitors to public lands are encouraged to check social media for closures or delays and to have a backup plan if a park is overcrowded.