Hiker Headlines: Graves Creek Road Work, Wildfire Season Continues

It's September 8. Graves Creek Road is slated to be repaired next week. Wildfire season continues in earnest as more trails and campgrounds are closed due to nearby flames. And, summer is not over yet! Here’s some news you may have missed while out on trail this week.

The enchanting route to the Enchanted Valley. Photo by Losa.

Road repairs: The Graves Creek Road, which accesses Graves Creek and Enchanted Valley, will be closed to all vehicle traffic from Sept. 12-13 for road repairs.

Wildfires rage on: In the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, the Suiattle River Road remains closed due to the nearby Suiattle River, Boulder Lake and Lake Toketie fires. The Okanogan-Wenatchee has seen increased fire activity in the northweast Pasayten Wilderness prompting even more trail closures, including the closure of the Pacific Crest Trail from Devils Ridge to the northern terminus. North Cascades National Park has closed all trail access off of the Hannegan Pass Trailhead, as well as the Lightning Creek area at Ross Lake (including Deer Lick and Nightmare camps). In the Gifford Pinchot, Forest Road 4612 (accessing Bluff Lake) is closed due to a Goat Rocks Wilderness fire. And, the Umatilla is expanding its temporary closures due to the Crockets Knob fire.

High winds: Speaking of wildfire, high winds are expected across Washington this weekend, which may exacerbate many of the active fires. Check weather and fire conditions before you head out on trail, and please respect campfire and burn bans. (And if you need a reminder, we have tips for fire and smoke safety.)

Stretch your summer: Labor day weekend has come and gone, but we are still in prime hiking season here in Washington. Find inspiration on where to go, and don't forget to write a trip report once you get back! As the season begins to shift, sharing the most recent trail conditions is a huge help to other hikers.

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