Silver Star access - DNR Road closure on L-1100

[Ryan Ojerio]

FYI - I received this notice (below) from DNR recreation staff. You will still be able to access the Silver Star Trailhead and avoid the closure by using the Forest Service Road from Sunset Campground.

- Ryan

For a DNR map of the area: http://www.dnr.wa.gov/Publications/eng_ ... 6_full.pdf

"In regards to the culvert replacement project that impacts access to Silver Star trailhead from DNR land: The contractor will begin work on the L-1100 culvert replacement early this week. The L-1100 road will be closed to through traffic until the project is complete. The scheduled closure will last two weeks but, due to the extent of the project, delays and an extension of the closure is expected. The closure is just prior to the L-1180 Junction. This project will inhibit access to the Silver Star trailhead from this side. "

[Lumpy]

Thanks for the heads-up, Ryan. Silver Star might be busy Labor Day Weekend. Grouse Vista looks like a good alternative to start a hike.

[TheOtherBob]

Thanks for the info. Did you hear anything about the portion of 4109 that goes up to the TH? That road was a disaster back in June. Do you know if they're planning any work on that?

[adamschneider]

Thanks for the info. Did you hear anything about the portion of 4109 that goes up to the TH? That road was a disaster back in June. Do you know if they're planning any work on that?

Road 4109 is in Gifford Pinchot National Forest (rather than WA state land), so chances are it wouldn't be connected to the L-1100 project.

[n.bumppo]

Thanks for the info. Did you hear anything about the portion of 4109 that goes up to the TH? That road was a disaster back in June. Do you know if they're planning any work on that?

Last time I visited Silver Star I happened upon the ranger that oversees that area. He said there were plans to improve 4109, but they would not have the money for a couple of years.

[Ryan Ojerio]

Yes, the 4109 rd isn't impacted by the work going on at the adjacent DNR road.

The Gifford Pinchot National Forest is doing a multi-year analysis of their road system. The plan will recommend changes to the road system that could include upgrading or downgrading road classifications. The 4109 road is not classified for passenger cars. The Forest would need to upgrade its classification to a higher level.

1 - Closed Road
2 - Suitable for High Clearance only
3 - "Passable by passenger vehicles during normal season of use but comfort and convenience aren't a priority"
4 - "Provide a moderate degree of user comfort and convenience at moderate travel speeds for prudent drivers in a standard passenger car during normal season of use."
5 - Typically paved double land roads

WTA has asked the Forest Service to reclassify the 4109 road and make it a priority to restore for passenger vehicles. Add your voice by filling out their Survey:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1N6IVl1 ... 0/viewform

Other roads that WTA is concerned could be downgraded in status:
5701 - to the Siouxon Trailhead
4100 - to Bluff Mt. Trailhead
4200 - to East Fork Trailhead
9341 - into Snagtooth Mt. in the Dark Divide
2900 - into Dark Mt. area from the north
2000 - Access to South Point and Klickitat Trail
5900 - into the Glacier View Wilderness

(this might deserve to be moved to its own thread)

[mmia123]

I was just on the L-1100 road yesterday- the sign says that it will be closed until 9-25!

[R11]

Yes, the 4109 rd isn't impacted by the work going on at the adjacent DNR road.

The Gifford Pinchot National Forest is doing a multi-year analysis of their road system. The plan will recommend changes to the road system that could include upgrading or downgrading road classifications. The 4109 road is not classified for passenger cars. The Forest would need to upgrade its classification to a higher level.

1 - Closed Road
2 - Suitable for High Clearance only
3 - "Passable by passenger vehicles during normal season of use but comfort and convenience aren't a priority"
4 - "Provide a moderate degree of user comfort and convenience at moderate travel speeds for prudent drivers in a standard passenger car during normal season of use."
5 - Typically paved double land roads

WTA has asked the Forest Service to reclassify the 4109 road and make it a priority to restore for passenger vehicles. Add your voice by filling out their Survey:

Great.... Just what that area needs, easier/faster access... Heck, why not just reopen/pave the road all the way to the top too! Then they could put in a little espresso stand up there and everything!!!


ron

[Lumpy]

So did you leave your opinion on the linked page, or are you just griping here?