Officials at North Cascades National Park in Washington state have closed additional areas, trails, and camps due to increased fire activity on the Pioneer Fire and on a new fire start, the Flat Creek Fire, west of Stehekin on the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest.

Closures are in effect to manage visitor safety, firefighter access, and emergency response to the fires across the area. 

The following trails are closed, including backcountry camps and cross-country zones along closed trails:  

• Sahale Arm 
• Cascade Pass (updated to full trail closure)
• Horseshoe Basin 
• Upper Stehekin Valley 
• Flat Creek
• Park Creek (south of Park Creek Pass)
• Old Wagon (PCT)
• Agnes Creek (PCT)
• Bridge Creek (PCT) from junction with Old Wagon Trail to North Fork Bridg
• McGregor Mountain 
• Agnes Gorge 

Hot, dry, and unstable weather conditions are expected in the area over the next couple of days, which has the potential to increase fire behavior. The Flat Creek Fire is approximately 5 acres in steep and rugged terrain in the Flat Creek drainage. Visit inciweb for up-to-date information on the Pioneer Fire. 

According to incident managers, the 36,763-acre Pioneer Fire on Monday fire crossed into Purple Creek at Stehekin "and is burning in the elevations above the boat landing. Sprinklers were activated and 27 miles of hose line through town is in operation wetting around homes and infrastructure. Crews are working to slow the progression of the fire with aviation support, but the hot and dry weather remains a troubling factor."

There are multiple fires in and near North Cascades National Park Service Complex. Park closure information can be found on the park’s Fire Closures

Contact the Wilderness Information Center at [email protected] for backcountry reservation and permit questions.

Visitors should be aware of fire restrictions in all areas of the park complex. Campfires or the ignition of wood, briquettes, or any fuel in fire pits, fire pans, and barbeque grills, are banned in in all portions of North Cascades National Park Service Complex – North Cascades National Park, Ross Lake National Recreation Area, and Lake Chelan National Recreation Area. This includes all National Park Service lands and campgrounds along State Route 20 as well as Hozomeen and the entire Stehekin Valley. If you see smoke or flames dial 911 or report to a park information or visitor center.