Corps alerts visitors to Elk Creek construction

The Corps started improving access at Elk Creek in 2013, installing vault toilets and developing parking areas at the Yellow Rock and Homesteaders trailheads, removing an old wooden vehicle bridge, and installing two pedestrian bridges. The project officially reopened for public use in May 2014.

The final phase of construction will start in April, with completion expected this fall. The Corps will improve the public access road to Yellow Rock trailhead, replace two old wooden bridges with one pedestrian bridge and one vehicle bridge, and establish limited pedestrian access to the area where the dam can be viewed. The dam structure itself will remain off limits for public safety.

The vehicle access gate at Mile Post 2 on Elk Creek Road will be open for the season May 1 through Oct. 31. The gate may close for 1-2 days in late June and again in late July to accommodate road improvement work.

Visitors can enjoy wildlife viewing, hiking, biking and hunting in the 3,500 acres of open lands along Elk Creek. More than 7 miles of trails wind past the creek with swim holes, grass fields and giant ponderosa pines. The area is open for day use, with no fires or overnight camping.

For more information about the Elk Creek Project, contact the Rogue River Basin Office at 541-878-2255 or visit http://www.nwp.usace.army.mil/Locations/RogueRiver/ElkCreek.aspx.