Hiker Headlines: Cascade River, Paradise Valley roads open; more fire bans, trail closures; High Rock closure

It’s July 3. Cascade River and Paradise Valley roads are open for the season; Sunrise Road is opening soon! Fire season is in full swing — the Pomas Fire has closed more trails, and campfires are now banned in North Cascades National Park and Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. Be aware of some upcoming closures, including the High Rock trail and lookout. And, Oregon State Parks has raised its prices for overnight camping. Here’s some news you may have missed while out on trail this week.

The High Rock trail, lookout and trailhead will be closed from July 7 through Sept. 15 as they get renovated this summer. Photo by trip reporter Ajbirg.

Roads open for summer: Cascade River Road in the North Cascades and Paradise Valley Road in Mount Rainier National Park are now open. Sunrise Road in Mount Rainier National Park is expected to open on Friday, July 4. 

Fire season is in full swing: The Pomas Fire has now closed the Lake Creek, Angle Peak and Four Mile Ridge trails, in addition to many other trails in the Entiat area. For more information on closed trails, check our Hiking Guide.

Additionally, campfires are now banned in all parts of North Cascades National Park, the Ross Lake National Recreation Area and the Lake Chelan National Recreation, as well as in Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. As we head into the 4th of July weekend, the Forest Service asks the public to leave fireworks at home and be extra careful with any fire at camp. Make sure to read up on campfire safety — including how to put one out correctly — before you head out this weekend. 

Closures: Be aware of the following closures as you plan your next hike:

• The High Rock trail, lookout and trailhead will all be closed for construction between July 7 and Sept. 15. 
• The segment of the Historic Columbia River Highway just east of Larch Mountain Road, between Portland Women’s Forum and Vista House, will be closed to all vehicle, bicycle and pedestrian traffic for landslide repairs between July 7 and the end of September. Detour options can be found on the Forest Service website. 
• The Issaquah Creek, Boat Launch and Homestead trails at Lake Sammamish State Park will experience intermittent closures from now through September. The eastern portion of the Homestead trail will be fully closed. 

Out-of-state Oregon camping fees: Oregon State Parks has raised its camping fees for 2025. Base camping fees will increase between $2 and $5, depending on the type of site, and the 25% surcharge for out-of-state visitors will expand to all campsite types in addition to day use parking passes. For more information on specific prices, check the Oregon State Parks reservation website. 

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