Press Release
December 06, 2024
Storm damage prompts Wallace Falls, Squak Mountain closures
Media contact
| Name | Meryl Lassen |
|---|---|
| media@parks.wa.gov | |
| Address | 1111 Israel Rd. SW Tumwater , WA 98502 |
SEATTLE – Several Washington state parks near Seattle sustained significant damage during the “Bomb Cyclone” storm of Nov. 19, forcing the closure of two popular parks.
Wallace Falls
More than 170 trees fell along the main trail at Wallace Falls State Park near Goldbar, uprooting trail tread throughout the system. The popular Middle Falls Viewpoint was also impacted by a rockslide.
The full extent of the damage is still under assessment by Parks arborists and trail crews. Staff and volunteers are working to clear the trails as they are able to access them. Updates will be provided once the scope of repair work is known. Please respect these closures for your safety and for the safety of our crews as we work to get the trails reopened.
Parks will honor reservations that have been made for overnight stays in the park’s five cabins but will not be taking new reservations at his time. Full refunds are available for existing cabin reservations this month.
“This restoration work will be time-consuming and dangerous,” said Area Manager Shawn Tobin. “We appreciate our visitors’ patience as we work to repair these beloved spaces.”
Squak Mountain
Many large trees also fell across trails at Squak Mountain State Park near Issaquah, pulling up trail tread and causing hazards. Because the park’s trailheads are dispersed, staff encourages hikers and visitors to choose other recreation areas until further notice.
According to park management, the .3-mile Pretzel Tree Interpretive Trail has 19 trees down, many of which are over 24” in diameter. Staff is assessing conditions on other trails in the park.
Seattle-area parks
Bridle Trails, Lake Sammamish and Saint Edward state parks also incurred damage from wind and tree fall during the Nov. 19 storm, but significant progress has been made to clear hazards and keep the parks open to the public.
Washington State Parks asks that, for the safety of the public, staff and its Arbor Crew, visitors postpone visits to Wallace Falls and Squak Mountain. For all other parks, please check alerts before you go, avoid closed areas or trails where crews are working, and ask staff if you have questions about which trails are closed.