This Popular National Park Lodge Burned to the Ground

A popular lodge in Washington's Olympic National Park burned to the ground this weekend. The Seattle Times reports that Hurricane Ridge Day Lodge was found in flames on Sunday afternoon, and the structure was deemed a complete loss despite attempts to extinguish the blaze.

The lodge has been closed for an $11 million renovations since March, with plans to upgrade its roof, plumbing, and HVAC systems. Although road access was set to be restored by Memorial Day, the structure itself wasn't scheduled to reopen until 2024. Those plans have obviously been scuttled. 

Investigators are still working to determine the cause of the fire. Thankfully nobody was inside and there were no injuries in the incident. Still, the fire has shaken many park-goers, who view Hurricane Ridge as an institution. It's a popular launching point for hiking, skiing, and snowshoeing in the area, and attracts more than 300,000 visitors per year. It was first built in 1952, standing more than 70 years.

Washington State Sen. Maria Cantwell called the fire “devastating for the Olympic Peninsula" in a statement, and said she is "working with [Interior] Secretary [Deb] Haaland and the National Park Service to make sure this historic lodge is rebuilt." 

Olympic National Park averages more than three million visitors annually, making it one of the most popular national parks in the U.S. The park's rugged coastline, unique rainforests and snow-capped peaks draw tourists from all over the world.