Flooding closes several roads and campgrounds at wildlife areas in Okanogan County

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

The closures are intended to protect public safety and prevent property damage, said Justin Haug, manager of the Sinlahekin Wildlife Area. The areas will reopen when conditions improve, he said.

Closures or access restrictions, indicated by signs at each site, were in effect as of May 9 at the following locations in the Sinlahekin, Methow, and Scotch Creek wildlife areas:

Sinlahekin:

• Sinlahekin Road from Reflection Pond to Blue Lake;
• Fish Lake West and Southwest Campground;
• Sinlahekin Creek Campground;
• Southeast Forde Lake Campground;
• Reflection Pond Campground; and
• Conners Lake Campground.

Methow:

• Bear Creek Campground No. 2 (also known as Lower Bear Creek); and
• Cougar Lake Campground.
• In addition, access to Beaver Creek Campground and Campbell Lake is available only via Lester Road, according to Methow Wildlife Area Manager Brandon Troyer.

Scotch Creek:

• Hess Lake Road; and
• Coulee Creek trailhead parking lot.