Hiker Headlines: Duckabush area fire closures, Johnston Ridge Observatory estimated to open 2027

It’s Aug. 22. There are fire and construction closures on the Olympic Peninsula, plus a closure of Skate Creek Road near Longmire. Johnston Ridge Observatory access is estimated to reopen in 2027. And Lake Wenatchee State Park has a new beach-accessible wheelchair for visitors to use. Here’s some news you may have missed while out on trail this week.

Smoky views on the Olympic Peninsula from wildfires. Photo by trip reporter Beeline.

Olympic Peninsula fires: The Road 2620 Fire has closed the following trails until further notice: Duckabush Trail, Interrorem Interpretive Trail, Ranger Hole Trail, Mount Jupiter Trail and Murhut Falls Trail. Olympic National Forest and Olympic National Park are also keeping watch over several fires that have started on the peninsula after last weekend's lightning storm — there are currently no closures from any of those fires, but the burn ban remains in place across both the national forest and park. 

Closures and delays: Be aware of a couple of projects that may cause closures or delays: 

• Big Creek Trail and Big Creek Loop Trail are closed through Oct. 31. 
• The Forest Service has started construction on Skate Creek Road (FR 52) near Longmire. Expect delays if you have plans to travel on the road. A 30-day closure will start Sept. 3 between approximately mileposts 9 and 18.5 from Mondays at 8 a.m. to Fridays at 8 p.m. — the road will be open on weekends outside of those hours. 

Johnston Ridge Observatory: The Forest Service has estimated Johnston Ridge Observatory will reopen in 2027, depending on how repairs progress. The observatory was rendered inaccessible by the South Coldwater Creek landslide in the spring of 2023. 

New beach wheelchair for visitors: Lake Wenatchee State Park has a new Fixed Frame Beach Wheelchair — with large wheels capable of navigating over sandy terrains — for visitors to use along the lakeshore. The chair is free to use. Remember to call ahead of time to make reservations and to bring a companion to help use the non-motorized chair.

BE IN THE KNOW

• Keep up to date with Trail News, our monthly email newsletter.
• Search our Hiking Guide to find your next adventure.
• Check trip reports for latest conditions on trails. And if you go for a hike, file your own trip report.
• Sign up for Families Go Hiking, our email newsletter for families with plenty of tips on keeping kids busy.
• Sign up for Trail Action Network to stay up to date on issues impacting trails and ways to get involved.