Hurricane Ridge in Olympic National Park in Washington will temporarily close to the public so the remains of the Hurricane Ridge Day Lodge, which burned to the ground back in May, can be removed.

Beginning on October 16, American Abatement & Demo of Auburn, WA, under contract with the National Park Service, will demolish and remove the remaining day lodge debris. This critical step in the ongoing efforts to restore visitor services and ensure public safety will require a temporary closure of the area. Barring weather and infrastructure delays, the operation is expected to conclude before the winter recreation season begins.

“We are working to maximize efficiency at every step to ensure Hurricane Ridge reopens as quickly as possible. During this closure, we will also install temporary facilities and prepare for winter operations. Barring unforeseen circumstances, we anticipate being able to enjoy winter on the Ridge with the community by early December,” said Jeff Doryland, the park's acting facility manager.

The current construction schedule for Hurricane Ridge is:

* October 11-12: The temporary trailers for Hurricane Ridge winter operations will arrive.

* October 15: Good Man Sanitation Inc., under contract with the National Park Service, will remove the portable toilets that have served visitors throughout the summer season. A robust restroom trailer, capable of withstanding the Ridge’s harsh winter conditions, will serve winter visitors.

* October 31: The trenching in the Hurricane Ridge parking lot will be complete. As of September 28, electrical and fiber lines have been installed. Crews continue to work Monday through Thursday to install wastewater and freshwater lines, and re-pave areas.

* November: Crews will install and connect utilities to the restroom trailer and staff office trailer.

For more information and updates on the restoration projects at Hurricane Ridge, visit this site.