Rockslide prompts road closure to Frenchman Coulee rec area
Popular spot for rock climbers, hikers, PUD boat launch.
VANTAGE — Grant County officials on Saturday (May 16) closed Vantage Road SW several miles west of George until further notice due to an unstable roadside rock face that partially slid Friday evening.
Also called the Old Vantage Highway, the road is accessed from Silica Road near the Interstate 90 interchange. It accesses the Frenchman Coulee Recreation Area, which is a popular destination for rock climbers and hikers, particularly in springtime when many camp at the location on weekends.
The road also accesses a Grant PUD boat launch along the Columbia River to the west.
By early evening Friday, travelers were noticing more debris littering the cliffside roadway near a cluster of spires called The Feathers that are frequented by climbers. The road was initially closed, then temporarily reopened for one travel lane.
In a Facebook post Saturday morning, the Grant County Sheriff’s Office said deputies and Grant PUD staff were notifying people who may be affected by the closure. Those already in the area were advised not to leave because of concern they could get blocked in by rockfall.
Coincidentally, personnel from Quincy-based Grant County Fire District 3 were in the vicinity Friday afternoon, practicing high-angle rescue techniques in nearby Echo Basin.
