Public access areas within the Natural Resources Conservation Area remain closed for infrastructure updates and repairs
The Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has extended closure of the Merrill Lake Day Use Area and Campground for the foreseeable future to allow more time to complete necessary infrastructure repairs.
The area has been closed since spring 2024 due to damage sustained to the access road during a significant rain event in winter 2023.
An aging culvert on the access road was damaged during the storm, and repairs are necessary to ensure the safety of recreators in the area and the structural integrity of the road. Additionally, slope stability above Merrill Lake has also been a public safety concern.
Since the initial closure, the damaged culvert was removed in the fall of 2024 to allow any potential for winter storm water to flow through the area, reducing the risk of additional flood damage. DNR Geologists have worked on a slope stabilization plan for the area above Merrill Lake with work beginning fall 2025 and estimated to be completed by the end of 2025.
Permitting for the new culvert has also been approved and the design of the replacement culvert has been finalized. However, due to the timeline on construction and contracting, replacement work on the new culvert is expected to begin in mid-to-late summer 2026.
DNR has also secured funding through a grant with the Washington Recreation & Conservation Office (RCO). The $315,000 grant from RCO will be utilized to make repairs and improvements to the campground, trails, roads, parking and day use area at Merrill Lake NRCA. These improvements will take place over the coming years.
The area is tentatively scheduled to reopen in the late summer or early fall of 2026, pending completion of repairs. The public is advised to stay clear of the area out of an abundance of caution in the meantime.
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MEDIA CONTACT
Courtney James
Communications Manager
Cell: 360-522-2534
courtney.james@dnr.wa.gov
