FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 13, 2010
Part of Rattlesnake Mountain Trail closed to public July 20, 21, 22 during blasting of potentially unstable slopes
Public and Snoqualmie Valley neighbors may hear blasts
OLYMPIA – To protect public safety, parts of the popular Rattlesnake Mountain Trail will be closed for three days while some potentially unstable rock and soil are removed near the trail, announced the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The trail will be signed as closed. Crews will blast some small sites to help prevent the risk of future landslides in the project area near the communication towers. Trail closure begins on Wednesday July 20, and will reopen for the weekend hiking starting on Friday, July 23, 2010.
The contractor hired by DNR will work with explosives during daylight hours on Rattlesnake Mountain from July 20 through July 22. The blasting sites will not be large excavations. The blasting will disperse a small amount of soil and rock along an old overgrown logging road. The number of blasts will depend on progress of the work.
Rattlesnake Mountain Scenic Area is located outside the city of North Bend, just 30 miles east of Seattle, in King County. Snoqualmie Valley residents may hear a few explosions during the three-day project. See map below for location.
If you have any questions, you may contact Kelly Heintz at (425) 466-6145.
Please note: This is NOT the Rattlesnake Ledges trail located near Rattlesnake Lake, which will be open as scheduled.
Rattlesnake Mountain Scenic Area
The 1,771-acre Rattlesnake Mountain Scenic Area forms part of the southern mountainous ridge defining the Snoqualmie Valley. Across the valley Rattlesnake faces the Mount Si Natural Resources Conservation Area (NRCA). This popular scenic area along the I-90 corridor is co-owned and managed by the state (DNR) and King County. The scenic Rattlesnake Mountain protects cliff terrain, wildlife habitat, numerous riparian systems, and pockets of old growth forest.
Media Contact: Jane Chavey, Senior Communications Manager, 360-902-1721 jane.chavey@dnr.wa.gov
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