Unsafe road conditions on heybrook lookout trailhead

Submitted by kanky1 t3_10q57a9 in Washington

Hey folks and hikers, i recently went to heybrook lookout trail. There were many folks parked on both sides of the road (US-2). The concerning issue is there is no reduced speed on that section of the road. There were cars flying by at high speed even when there were people walking on the side of the road. Some drivers were being super aggressive towards drivers who wanted to turn or merge on the road. I think this is super unsafe and we need to take action before someone gets killed. Is there a way to bring this issue to wsdot's attention?

5

Comments

You must log in or register to comment.

Logizyme t1_j6o5n7v wrote

Maybe if the parking on the north side is full, everyone should just find another hike.

Not only is that many people a parking issue, but the tower is going to be full, and the trail is going to suffer excessive erosion.

There are a dozen other good hikes within a 20-minute drive of Heybrook.

Idk why you need to blame motorists traveling a state highway when it was the lack of foresight of the USFS in developing the trail and trailhead location.

Same all applies to the Eagle Falls swim hole. Recreationalists are the cause of the unsafe conditions by parking on the shoulder in stupid high numbers. It was so bad they had to paint the parking areas and cut the total parking capacity to less than half.

11

kanky1 OP t1_j6o7ut2 wrote

I understand you point. My argument is not about not having enough parking spaces. But just because people park on both side of the road when the original parking is full does not justify people not slowing down in congested areas. I don't think it is too much to ask for. We should always act defensively and prevent accidents as much as possible.

3

ElTardoDente t1_j6oa8gx wrote

If you try to take the Stuart ridge trail to colchuk you have to pay to park there. It’s unfortunately going to happen all over the state I’m sure since people flock to any spot posted on tik tok.

2

Salmundo t1_j6ohfmp wrote

Sounds like WSDOT either needs to restrict parking to the lot only, or lower the speed through that section. My understanding of how old school highway safety works is, "if we have enough accidents on a section of road, then we might change something", but a DOT's primary remit is to make traffic flow faster.

You might want to contact Senator Sharon Shewmake, she is involved with traffic safety. Also contact your local representatives.

7

walkinguphills t1_j6oc9hw wrote

The parking lot is limited for this short hike and is situated along a 2 lane highway where the speed limit is 60. Trail users should park in the lot, not directly on the highway to avoid dangerous situations. As others noted, if the designated parking lot is full for any hike, it's highly recommended to find another hike. Cheers.

3

kanky1 OP t1_j6oetpm wrote

That is unlikely to be obeyed by people. So are we saying lets not do anything about it, and let people get killed because they parked in the wrong spot?

1

walkinguphills t1_j6ofmjh wrote

You're right, bitching on Reddit is more effective than parking in the designated area only.

3

Equal_Profile8083 t1_j6ovh31 wrote

Similar problem regarding the trail head I live near... their response was to put 'No Parking' signs and 'Trail Head' signs that show a pedestrian with a backpack along the side of the road. Signs that people completely ignore. It's 50 mph. And often the problem isn't the lot being full... its that people park on the side of the road because they don't have a discover pass and worry they'll get ticketed.
I don't have an answer... I'm just chiming in to complain.

2