VERLOT — Hikers without four-wheel drive might want to postpone a trip to Pinnacle Lake or Bear Lake.
Winter storm damage has rendered the U.S. Forest Service roads to those trail heads virtually impassable without a high-clearance vehicle. Deep potholes stretch the width of the road in places, along with a proliferation of jagged rocks. Rainfall also created flooding in recent weeks.
Fixing storm damage is a priority before routine grading and gravel maintenance, said Kelly Sprute, a spokesman for the Forest Service.
“The Bear Lake Road 4021 to Pinnacle Lake will get attention soon, for the road maintenance contractor is planning to work next in the Verlot area and (it) should receive some upkeep in the next month or so,” he said.
This past winter was worse than average, and the damage in the Darrington Ranger District includes roads, bridges, culverts, campgrounds and trails, he said. In addition, some issues, while less serious, have been reported in the Skykomish Ranger District along U.S. 2, which also lies within the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest.
“Summer is our busy season for recreational use and for engineering and road repair,” Sprute said.
With limited staffing and funding, the Forest Service relies on visitors and volunteers to report on road and trail conditions. People always can call the ranger station ahead of time or check the “Alerts &Notices” section on the website, www.fs.usda.gov/mbs, Sprute said. The site does not yet have a warning about Pinnacle Lake, but hikers have reported issues via the Washington Trails Association.
Rikki King: 425-339-3449; rking@heraldnet.com
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