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Wildfire Closes Washington 20 Through North Cascades National Park Complex, Evacuations Ordered

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Published Date

August 20, 2015
Goodell Fire at North Cascades National Park Complex/NPS

The Goodell Fire has forced closure of Washington Route 20 across North Cascades National Park/NPS

A wildfire has closed Washington Route 20 across North Cascades National Park Complex, where evacuations have been orderd for the town Diablo, the North Cascades Environmental Learning Center, and the Ross Lake Resort. A number of campgrounds and trails in the complex also ahve been closed.

The 250-acre Goodell Fire was sparked by lightning on August 10. On Wednesday it burned down and crossed the state highway near Newhalem. The Washington Highway Department closed the road from Newhalem to milepost 204 east of Twisp outside of the park so firefighters on the ground and in helicopters could work to slow the fire’s spread and remove debris from a rockslide the fire caused.

Campgrounds that were evacuated were:

* Goodell Creek Campground

* Newhalem Creek Campground

* Gorge Lake Campground

* Colonial Creek Campground

Additionally, the following trails were closed:

* Newhalem Creek Trail

* Stetattle Creek Trail

* Sourdough Mountain Trail

* Ross Dam Trail

* Happy Panther Tail

* Thunder Point Trail

* Fourth of July Trail

* Diablo Lake Trail

* Thunder Creek Trail

* Pyramid Lake Trail

Boat-in campsites on Diablo Lake are all closed. Ross Lake has not been evacuated, but is not accessible to incoming travelers.

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Comments

Submitted by tahoma on August 31, 2015 - 3:54pm.

The scenic North Cascades Highway (SR 20) has reopened, along with the visitor center and some campgrounds.  Many trails remain closed:

http://www.bellinghamherald.com/news/local/article32828805.html


Submitted by Rick B. on August 31, 2015 - 11:13pm.

The Newhalem Visitor's Center today was being aired out, due to significant smoke presence.


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