Road Closures in popular hunting areas

YAKIMA -- Flood damage to several roads this year will require hunters to drive different routes to some of their favorite areas in Kittitas and Yakima counties.

A rock slide is blocking the North Fork of the Manastash Creek Road in Kittitas County. Hunters should drive to the area via the Robinson Canyon Road, Joe Watt Canyon Road and the Taneum Creek Road.

Additional closures include: Black Canyon and Hardy Canyon roads in the Wenas Valley and the Oak Creek Road on the Oak Creek Wildlife Area in Yakima County. Hunters can drive to the Oak Creek Wildlife Area by using Bethel Ridge and Rattlesnake Creek roads.

They should use the Mellotte Bridge to reach Hardy Canyon. The alternative route into the Black Canyon area is the Umtanum Ridge Road.

Many back roads in Kittatas and Yakima counties sustained severe damage during spring flooding. In many cases, repairs will not be made until next year.