Forest Fire Season is Here

Thunderstorms last weekend in Washington and smoke from several large fires in British Columbia have announced the start of forest fire season. These fires, and the threat of new ones, are starting to affect hikers - with burn bans and hazy views.

There are hundreds of fires burning in British Columbia - some of them quite large - that are bringing smoke well south into Washington. That's the haze you're seeing when hiking in the Cascades. I was on Snoqualmie Pass yesterday and it was quite noticeable.

Two fires in Washington were started late last week from lightening strikes. The Wenatchee Complex Fire near Cashmere is now 100% contained, but hikers heading to Tronson Ridge, Devils Gulch and Mission Ridge should check with the Cle Elum Ranger District (509.852.1100) to make sure conditions are safe for hiking.

The more worrisome fire is the the Rainbow Bridge Fire, located just 2.5 miles up from Stehekin Landing. The town and ferry are open for business, but the fire is not yet fully contained. Trail closures include: Rainbow Loop, Rainbow Creek, Rainbow Lake (part), Boulder Creek, Summit Trail (part), and Purple Creek. Do call the Chelan Ranger District (509.682.2576) for current updates if you're headed that direction.

Expect all backcountry camping and some campground camping on the eastern slopes of the Cascades and in Eastern Washington to be campfire-free for the next month. The Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest has a burn ban in effect.

As always, campfires are not permitted above 5000 feet or within a half mile of most lakes in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. In the Henry M. Jackson Wilderness, campfires are not allowed within a quarter mile of Lake Sally Ann, Minotaur Lake, Theseus Lake, Heather Lake, Glasses Lake and Lake Valhalla.