The Russian River Campground and some surrounding areas were closed to “all public use” on Monday to accommodate ongoing construction efforts. The area is expected to reopen June 3.
According to a news release from the U.S. Forest Service, the campground, including “all trails, roads, parking lots, campground loops, and all other facilities” will be closed while “major construction” on the Russian River Campground Road is underway.
The construction is part of an ongoing project that has seen the campground closed and opened at many different times in recent years. It was first closed in August 2022 and most recently opened in November. The release says that a one-mile section of Russian River Campground Road is being reconstructed, with the addition of new “retaining walls” above and below the road.
This closure will “involve extensive use of heavy machinery to complete the remaining components of new retaining walls, and to build up the roadway structure,” the release reads.
Russian Lakes Trail is closed from the Russian River Campground Road to the intersection of the Russian Lakes Trail Lower and Upper Parking Lot Trails.
Angler’s Trail is not closed but is only accessible by boat or by the Russian River Ferry from Sportsman’s Landing.
Barber Cabin is closed, but Aspen Flats and Upper Russian Lake cabins remain open for reservation. The release says those locations will not be accessible from the Lower Russian Lakes Trailhead, and instead will be accessible from the trailhead at Snug Harbor Road.
The release says nearby camping alternatives can be found at recreation.gov or fs.usda.gov/chugach.
“Following completion of the retaining walls, road paving and the installation of safety railing will be scheduled for implementation,” the release reads. “Once finished, the improved features will enhance access to recreational users for many years to come while simultaneously preventing the loss of valuable salmon habitat through hillside erosion.”
For more information about the Chugach National Forest or updated forest orders, visit fs.usda.gov/chugach.
Reach reporter Jake Dye at jacob.dye@peninsulaclarion.com.
