Following Washington State COVID-19 guidelines, the sites will allow outdoor recreation while observing social distancing rules
Beginning Fri., May 22, Swift Forest Camp will be available for both camping and day use and the Cougar and Cresap Bay Parks will open for day use only, aligning with the state of Washington’s COVID-19 phased reopening approach.
Reservations are required for camping at Swift and can be made by visiting the Lewis River recreation website. Camping at other Lewis River Parks remains closed until further notice.
These new openings come three weeks after the May 5 reopening of most day use recreation areas along Pacific Power’s Lewis River reservoirs east of Woodland. Visitors are able to access boat ramps and day use areas, but COVID-19 social distances measures will remain in force. Restroom maintenance and personal hygiene supplies may be limited in both day use and camping areas. Some park features such as playground equipment will remain closed.
Camping at Cresap Bay, Cougar, and Beaver Bay Parks remains closed until further notice. A previously announced waiver of cancellation fees has been extended.
Pacific Power is a division of PacifiCorp, which owns and manages hydroelectric resources that offer clean, affordable energy for customers, as well as a variety of public recreation opportunities. The facilities provide boating, swimming, camping and picnicking opportunities.
During the COVID-19 emergency, outlets for appropriately distanced recreation are important, so long as it can be done within state and federal health directives. We appreciate patience from the public as we work to maintain these opportunities while observing guidelines pertaining to social distancing and safety.
Specifically, on the Lewis River, the following sites will be open as of May 22 with limited maintenance. Social distancing requirements will be in place:
- Merwin Park
- Saddle Dam Equestrian Parking
- Merwin Hatchery Boat Ramp
- Lewis River Hatchery
- Cedar Creek Ramp Access
- Johnson Creek Access
- Speelyai Park
- Yale Park
- Eagle Cliff Park
- Beaver Bay Park (Day Use Only)
- Swift Forest Camp (Camping and Day Use)
- Cresap Bay Park (Day use Only)
- Cougar Park (Day use Only)
Pacific Power takes pride in operating recreation sites. During the COVID-19 health emergency, we want to allow some outlets for recreation so long as it can be done within recently issued state guidelines. We appreciate patience as we work to maintain these opportunities while observing guidelines pertaining to social distancing and safety.
For a complete list of recreation site closures and limited or reduced services, including PacifiCorp facilities in Oregon, Washington, and California, please visit https://www.pacificorp.com/community/recreation.html.
