You are here

Wildfire At Crater Lake National Park Impacting PCT, Other Trails

Share

Published Date

August 2, 2017

Smoke Column of the Spruce Lake Fire/Richard Parrish, BLM

A wildfire burning near the western border of Crater Lake National Park in Oregon has forced a closure of a section of the Pacific Crest Trail as well as two other trails in the national park.

The Spruce Lake Fire, sparked by lightning, was discovered on July 29. As of Wednesday it was estimated at 1,400 acres. Significant growth was expected as the forecast calls for record-setting temperatures, low relative humidity, and an unstable atmosphere.

Initial attack response included rapellers and additional resources working other fires in the area, according to fire managers.

"Suppression efforts have been hampered by persistent high temperatures, unstable atmospheric conditions and poor access," they added.

The fire, which was being fought by more than 100 firefighters, has displayed extreme behavior, with spotting occurring up to a mile ahead of the main blaze.

Trail closures within Crater Lake National Park include:

  • Pacific Crest Trail from the intersection of Lightning Springs Trail north to Red Cone Camp
  • Bald Crater Loop Trail, from intersection of Pacific Crest Trail to Bert Creek Trail
  • Bert Creek Trail

Related Stories:

Stories about:

Support National Parks Traveler

Your support for the National Parks Traveler comes at a time when news organizations are finding it hard, if not impossible, to stay in business. Traveler's work is vital. For nearly two decades we've provided essential coverage of national parks and protected areas. With the Trump administration’s determination to downsize the federal government, and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum’s approach to public lands focused on energy exploration, it’s clear the Traveler will have much to cover in the months and years ahead. We know of no other news organization that provides such broad coverage of national parks and protected areas on a daily basis. Your support is greatly appreciated.

 

EIN: 26-2378789

Support Essential Coverage of Essential Places

A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.

Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:

  • Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
  • Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
  • Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
  • North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
  • Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
  • Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
  • Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.

Comments

Two years ago, The National Creek Complex Fire had burned at least 15,500 acres -- ca. 25 square miles, within NW Corner of Crater Lake N.P.  largest to date (early Sept. 2015)  later during the autumn of 2015, and currently may "contain to a degree" the 2017 new Spruce Lake Fire.  Old wildland burns typically may serve as containment boundaries to new ignitions creating a landscape mosaic of historic burns and fire effects.  However,  the "New Normal of Fire Behavior" combined with Critical Fire Weather conditions will favor more extreme fire behavior, so, a new fire size record may be in the making and even threatening the USFS's Diamond Lake Resort Facility to the northwest.

http://www.bendbulletin.com/localstate/3480130-151/crater-lake-fire-make...


Regional wildfire update: Crater Lake fire at 2,425 acres

http://www.heraldandnews.com/news/local_news/regional-wildfire-update-cr...


Wildfire Closes Crater Lake's West Rim Drive
 
http://www.mailtribune.com/news/20170804/wildfire-closes-crater-lakes-we...


Add comment

CAPTCHA

This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.

Image CAPTCHA
Enter the characters shown in the image.

Your urgent support helps the National Parks Traveler increase awareness of the wonders and issues confronting national parks and protected areas.

Support Our Mission

INN Member

The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.

Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.

You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

FREE for iPhones and Android phones.