ASOTIN COUNTY, WA – Anglers, rafters, and boaters planning trips along the Snake River near Heller Bar should prepare for temporary closures and delays in mid-August due to a scheduled construction project by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW).
Beginning around August 11, contractors will block off the north end of Heller Bar to stage equipment for the project. The main closure will take place from August 18 to approximately August 20, when the concrete boat ramp and a portion of the river access area will be closed to allow for the removal of a large gravel bar that has been obstructing river traffic.
While the boat ramp is closed, rafters can still load their rafts from the gravel beach area south of the ramp, but access will not be allowed at the north end during this time.
WDFW recommends using alternate launch sites to avoid delays, including:
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Asotin Slough
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Couse Creek access area
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Church Camp primitive launch
According to WDFW, the work is scheduled during a short late-summer window when water levels are low enough to allow safe in-water construction.
“We understand this work could be inconvenient for some,” the agency stated in a release. “We appreciate your patience during this project. Once complete, it will make the Heller Bar water access area much more user friendly for all.”