During a winter storm in 1999, there were two washouts on the 2160 road at MP 0.85 and MP 1.1. This road provides access to Upper and Middle Matheny Creek as it starts at the take-out for the middle section and parallels the entire run. Those who wanted to check out the run over the last couple years had to hike the shuttle (one energetic group even tried a motorbike shuttle, which although entertaining was not successful). While the Olympic NF has done a great job at coming up with a long-term road management plan (read more) and has been diligent in getting these specific projects designed and ready to go to contracting, the funding from the Federal Highway Administration has always been an issue. The good news is that funds were finally received and repairs were completed during summer 2004 with the construction of two new bridges to replace the culverts that were blown out. These new bridges, while more expensive than a culvert, should be a good long-term investment and less susceptible to storm damage.
The bad news for those looking for improved access is that while repairs for the 1999 washout have been completed, new washouts have occurred. During 2000, the road was washed out at MP 5.9 in section 22 which is just past the intersection with 2160080, the spur road leading down to the bridge which is the dividing point between the middle and upper runs. This means that you can drive to the take-out for the upper run but you’ll have to hike a couple miles from there if you want to access the upper and the stunning bedrock gorges.
As far as the future for the washout at mile 5.9 goes, the design is complete and contract ready to go but the Forest Service is waiting for funds to be assigned by Federal Highways; if funds are available it will be repaired during summer 2005 to the 2160100 junction. From this junction, it’s a short distance down the 2160100 to the put-in for the upper run.
Information provided by Mary A. Burgess (Assistant Forest Engineer) and Chuck McDonnell (Engineering Technician), both with the Quinault office of the Pacific Ranger District, Olympic National Forest.