Visitors planning to camp in the Olympic National Forest should plan for temporary changes to the popular Willaby and Falls Creek campgrounds along Lake Quinault this summer.

According to the U.S. Forest Service, annual safety inspections identified several trees that present hazards to visitors in both campgrounds.

Forest officials are reviewing options to remove or reduce the hazards, but officials note there isn’t currently a time frame for when hazard mitigations will be completed. 

That means public reservations are no longer being accepted at these sites and opening dates for Willaby and Falls Creek campgrounds have not been announced.

Those with existing reservations have been notified. 

When the campgrounds can open safely, existing reservations will be honored and any other available campsites will be on a first come, first serve basis.

“Camping along Lake Quinault is a special experience, and we’re entrusted to keep these places safe,” said recreation manager Kathryn McGillvray.

“We’re working to address the areas of concern while respecting the resources in the area and ensuring pre-existing infrastructure isn’t damaged. We hope to have visitors camping along the lakeshore very soon,” McGillvray said. 

Other campgrounds in the national forest will open starting in late April. 

Officials noted that Littleton Horse Camp is open year-round.

Anticipated opening dates for other campgrounds across the forest are: 

Dungeness Forks, April 21;

Collins, April 28;

Satsop Center, May 1;

Campbell Tree, May 5;

Gatton Creek, May 5;

Browns Creek, May 12;

Seal Rock, May 12;

Big Creek, May 16;

Klahowya, May 19;

Coho, May 20;

Lena Creek, May 22;,

Hamma Hamma, May 22; and Lebar Horse Camp, May 22.

Dependent on weather, staffing, and other conditions, opening dates may change.