After nearly two decades, a mild winter has made for a shorter-than-expected closure of a reconstructed road in the east county. This is paving the way for residents and recreators alike to enjoy what has been closed to them for years.
Snohomish County Public Works will open Index-Galena Road at the gates between mileposts 10 and 14, just west of Forest Service Road NF-63, on Monday, April 1, 2024. Closed since Dec. 7, 2023, the road was formally dedicated between mileposts six and seven during a ribbon-cutting ceremony on November 3rd, attended by dozens of area residents, officials, and others. The opening marks the first full season for the county road leading to residential properties in the North Fork Skykomish River Valley and public recreational access in the Wild Sky Wilderness area since flooding destroyed access in 2006.
“It was exciting when Index-Galena Road formally opened in November after so many years of waiting, even though it had to be closed for winter,” said Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers. “Now, with spring finally upon us, residents, travelers, and recreation enthusiasts can enjoy a full season of what they waited years to experience. All of Public Works joins with residents in and visitors to the Index-Galena area to celebrate a new chapter of recreation in our beautiful county.”
