Forest Service Employees are Sweeping the Trails and Informing Campers and Hikers
Submitted by Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest
The lightning storm which swept over the North Central Washington this weekend started 22 fires in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, most of which have been kept small in size, most are less than a half-acre.
Two larger fires in the vicinity have necessitated the closure of trails and campgrounds: The Cutthroat Fire in the Methow Valley and the Cougar Creek Fire in the Entiat valley.
Cutthroat Fire
A very active 125-acre wildfire is burning in heavy timber in an inaccessible area of the Methow Valley Ranger District approximately 13 miles west of Mazama, WA.
Smokejumpers, a 20-person crew, a large helicopter dropping water, and an airtanker dropping retardant are currently assigned to the fire.
Due to public safety concerns and the behavior of this fast moving fire, six trails have been closed to public access. Forest Service employees are sweeping these trails advising recreationists to leave the area. In addition to the trail closures, Lone Fir Campground, Washington Pass Overlook, and Road #400 which accesses Cutthroat Lake Trailhead, are also closed.
Trails closed:
— Cutthroat Lake Trail #483 and trailhead
— Pacific Crest Trail #2000 from Rainy Pass to the junction of West Fork Methow Trail #480
— Blue Lake Trail #314
— Rainy Lake Trail #310
— Maple Pass Trail
— Bridge Creek Trailhead, where the Pacific Crest Trail crosses Hwy 20
Other closures:
— Lone Fir Campground
— Washington Pass Overlook
— Road #400 to Cutthroat Lake Trailhead
Cougar Creek Fire
A 100-acre wildfire burning in the Mad River area of the Entiat Ranger District has necessitated the closure of the Upper Mad River Train system, popular to motorcyclists, and also Tommy Creek Trail. Forest Service personnel are traveling these trails advising recreationists to leave the area due to the proximity of the wildfire. Forest visitors are urged to stay off the roads in this area.
The Cougar Creek Fire is burning in heavy timber, snags, and logs in steep inaccessible terrain. An Incident Management Team has been ordered to manage firefighting efforts on this difficult to access fire.
Closures:
— Upper Mad River Trail system
— Tommy Creek Trail
Forest visitors are reminded that fire danger is very high and campfire and woodcutting restrictions are currently in effect, so please comply with current restrictions and be very careful with any activity that might create a spark.
