Popular Washington Recreation Area Will Close for Repairs

A popular Washington recreation site will close for repairs for roughly five months starting in January.

A press release from the BLM Wenatchee Field Office says that the Umtanum recreation site will be closed for repairs.

Here is what the release says concerning the closure:

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Wenatchee Field Office is scheduled to close the Umtanum recreation site from January 4-May 14, 2021 for construction on the suspension bridge and parking lot.

Crews will perform much-needed repairs on the historic bridge, including deck and railing replacement, realignment of suspension towers, new support beams, and bracing and tensioning of the support structure.

All planned restoration is in accordance with the Secretary of the Interior's Rehabilitation and Restoration Standards to ensure the historic character of the structure suffers no adverse effect.

To avoid additional closure, the lower parking lot and access road to the recreation site will be paved and striped at the same time.

“These repairs will benefit recreators for years to come,” said District Manager Kurt Pindel “we thank everyone for their patience.”

Visitors who want to visit the west side of the river in the Yakima River Canyon will need to cross at the Ellensburg and Selah ends or by boat.

“We’re encouraging visitors to visit nearby Lmuma Creek, Big Pines, and Roza recreation sites for river access, picnicking, and camping opportunities,” said Pindel.

Once these repairs are done, the recreation area will open up again in Mid-May of 2021.