At midnight Friday, Aug. 15, the Russian River Campground area will close to all public use, including vehicle and pedestrian traffic, through Dec. 1, 2024. The closure area begins at the Russian River Campground entrance and encompasses all trails, roads, parking lots, campground loops, and all other facilities within the closure boundaries.
According to a press release from the U.S. Forest Service, “Major construction with heavy equipment will take place on the Russian River Campground Road this fall and winter.”
Continued reconstruction of a one-mile section of Russian River Campground Road will involve new retaining walls above and below the road, expanded road shoulder, and new road surface and safety railing. Upon completion, the new road will ensure significantly improved access for all campground users, and the retaining wall will minimize the loss of critical salmon habitat due to hillside erosion. Pile burning is also likely due to continuing mortality among trees impacted by spruce beetles.
The extensive construction work involving heavy machinery will present a clear, immediate, and continuous health and safety risk to visitors, necessitating this closure.
All access trails to the Russian River Campground area will be closed to the public.
Russian Lakes Trail will be closed from the Russian River Campground Road to the intersection of the Russian Lakes Trail Lower and Upper Parking Lot trails.
Angler’s Trail is not included in the closure; however, it will only be accessible by boat via the Kenai River or by crossing on the Russian River Ferry at Sportsman’s Landing.
The press release says that The Aspen Flats and Upper Russian Lake Cabins will remain open for reservations; however, the locations will not be accessible through the Lower Russian Lakes trailhead. Those looking to stay at the cabins or hike the Russian Lakes Trail will be able to access them via the trailhead at Snug Harbor Road. Reservations for Barber Cabin will be closed until the campground reopens.
Residents and visitors should be mindful of the upcoming closure when making plans to recreate in the area.
