Rotting stairs close popular viewpoint west of the Narrows. Here’s when to expect repairs
Gig Harbor officials closed a popular viewpoint Aug. 31 after they found part of the staircase rotting through.
Finholm View Climb is a 100 stair landmark in Gig Harbor. It overlooks the harbor and has views of Mount Rainier.
It was built from July 1998 to August 1999. The Gig Harbor Lions Club led the project, Jeff Langhelm, the city’s public works director, told the Gateway.
The bottom of the staircase starts at 8826 North Harborview Dr. The top is at 8917 Franklin Ave.
Toward the bottom of the staircase, “a 6x12 member is completely rotted, making use of the stairs unsafe,” according to a recent Facebook post by the city.
The climb will be closed until further notice.
City staff assessed the damage, and “the timber members will need to be custom cut and treated,” Langhelm said.
Once they receive the materials, they will schedule the repairs. They hope to have it repaired and open later this fall, Langhelm said.
It has not been determined how much repairs will cost, he said.
Although Finholm View Climb offers great views, residents use it for multiple reasons.
One posted on Facebook that her son uses the route to get to school. Another wrote that she uses the stairs for morning workouts. Both said they hope the stairs get fixed soon.
This story was originally published September 6, 2023 at 1:39 PM.
