Local News

Flooding closes some roads, campgrounds in WDFW wildlife areas in Okanogan County

May 18, 2018

Flooding has forced local officials and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) to close several roads and campgrounds at three wildlife areas and numerous water access sites in Okanogan County.

The closures are intended to protect the public and prevent property damage, said Justin Haug, WDFW Okanogan Lands Operations Manager. Runoff due to snowmelt is causing significant flooding in the area, where water levels are anticipated to remain high for several more weeks. Areas will reopen when conditions improve, he said.

Closures or access restrictions are in effect as of May 17 at the following locations in the Sinlahekin, Methow, and Scotch Creek wildlife areas:

Sinlahekin:

Sinlahekin Road from Reflection Pond to Blue Lake.
Fish Lake East, West and Southwest Campground.
Sinlahekin Creek Campground.
Southeast Forde Lake Campground.
Reflection Pond Campground.
Conners Lake Campground.
Driscoll-Eyhott Island Unit (underwater).

Methow:

Bear Creek Campground No. 2 (also known as Lower Bear Creek).
Cougar Lake Campground.

Scotch Creek:

Hess Lake Road.
Similkameen-Chopaka Unit (mostly underwater)

WDFW Water Access Sites along the Okanogan, Methow and Chewuch rivers are also closed.