Hiker Headlines: More fires; road, trail closures; last call for Hike-a-Thon

It’s July 23. It’s the final call for Hike-a-Thon! There’s been a lot of fire activity this week, and there are multiple fire closures in Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest and North Cascades National Park, as well as new fire restrictions. And be aware of some other road and trail closures, too. Here’s some news you may have missed while out on trail this week.

Multiple fires are burning across the state, including the Three Queens Fire near Kachess Lake. Photo courtesy of the U.S. Forest Service. 

Last call for Hike-a-Thon: Hike-a-Thon, WTA’s annual community fundraising monthlong event, runs through Aug. 31, so now is the time to get registered if you haven’t already! Registration is free; once you’ve registered, set up and customize your fundraising webpage to share with others who wish to support Washington’s trails. Win fun prizes as you reach fundraising benchmarks. For all those already registered, get your miles and donations in by Sept. 8!

Okanogan-Wenatchee Forest fire closures: Due to several fires across Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, officials have either closed or asked the public to refrain from visiting certain areas of the forest:

• Due to the Ptarmigan Fire in the Methow Valley Ranger District, the Pacific Northwest Trail is closed from the Pacific Crest Trail/Castle Pass east to Quartz Mountain near Pevee Pass; there is a PCT re-route available. Additionally, the Buckskin Ridge Loop is closed north of Buckskin Lake, and the northern part of the Robinson Creek/Middle Fork Pasayten Trail is closed at the junction to the turn off to Fred’s Lake. 
• Due to the Three Queens Fire in the Cle Elum Ranger District, hikers should avoid the Little Kachess, Rachel Lake, Rampart and Lila Lake and Mineral Creek trails, as well as other routes to Lake Lillian. Additionally, visitors should avoid roads in the Box Canyon area, Cooper Pass and Mineral Creek trailhead. 
• A level 3 evacuation of the Trinity area due to the Little Giant Fire in the Wenatchee River Ranger District includes Chikamin Ridge Road, which impacts the Garland Peak, Basalt Peak, Basalt Pass and Chikamin Tie ORV trails. Chiwawa Road remains closed at Atkinson Flat Campground. 

North Cascades fire closures: The Border 1 and Border 2 fires in the North Cascades have combined to form the Border 2 Fire. Fire activity near the U.S.-Canadian border has closed the Lake Hozomeen and Obelisk trails, and the Willow Lake trail from Deerlick Camp to its junction with the Lake Hozomeen trail. There are also camp and area closures due to the Border 2 Fire. Additionally, the Luna Fire has closed the Big Beaver Trail from the Big Beaver Stock Camp to Stillwell Camp, as well as other camps along the trail. 

More fire restrictions: A campfire ban (stage 1) is in effect as of today, July 23, in Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, which bans all campfires in the forest, including in campgrounds and wilderness areas. The existing fire ban in Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest has been expanded to stage 2, which has additional restrictions on smoking. 

WTA’s fire safety resources: With all of the fire activity recently, be sure to read up on wildfire season safety (we have plenty of resources at the bottom of the page) and keep an eye on the wildfire and AQI forecast layers on the Hike Finder Map to before you head out on your next hike. 

Other closures: Put these other non-fire-related closures on your radar:

• The Kelly Butte Lookout will be inaccessible to the public from Aug. 1–5 for roofing maintenance. 
• The Tarbell Trail in Yacolt Burn State Forest is closed from the Grouse Vista trailhead to its intersection with the Sturgeon Rock trail until further notice. 
• Dry Creek Road (FR 64) in Gifford Pinchot National Forest will be closed through Aug. 15 for restoration work. This restrict access to the Big Hollow trailhead. It also requires hikers to take the longer route to Observation Peak via the trailhead on FR 58. 

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