LAKE ARROWHEAD – (INT) – ‘Unsustainable overcrowding’ has forced the Forest Service to close the Deep Creek area.

The closure covers a 2-and-a-half mile area around the creek’s popular Aztec Falls and other swimming holes.

"The crowds have reached a tipping point," said District Ranger Marc Stamer. "We need to take a pause for the safety of everyone and protection of the river so we can come up with a plan for visitors to sustainably recreate."

Vehicle traffic has grown creating a parking problem on the narrow Forest Service roads leading to the creek. Parking was so limited on May 9th that it spilled a half-mile outside the forest boundary.

Story Date: June 5, 2020