Golden Ears Park closed indefinitely after atmospheric river damage

The operator for Golden Ears Park says it’s had to close due to damage from the atmospheric river earlier this month, with no date for reopening in sight.

Starting on Oct. 18, an atmospheric river brought days of record-breaking rainfall, washed out roads, and flooded homes around coastal B.C.

Allouette Parks, which operates Golden Ears and Rolley Lake Provincial Parks northeast of Maple Ridge, says roads and trails were significantly damaged.

Photos and videos posted to social media show erosion under road shoulders, broken pavement, and collapsed land around a stream.

First notice on the BC Parks website last week also noted flooding as the reason for the closure.

“There is no timeline for re-opening the road at this time.” said Allouette Parks Wednesday.

It says Rolley Lake Park remains open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily and winter camping is available there.

BC Parks data from 2018 shows that an average of more than 900,000 people visit Golden Ears Park annually.