Campfires Banned in All Portions of North Cascades National Park, Ross Lake National Recreation Area, and Lake Chelan National Recreation Area

Sedro Woolley, WA – Effective Wednesday, August 1, campfires or the ignition of wood, briquettes, or any fuel in fire pits, fire pans, and barbeque grills, are banned in all portions of the 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. Stoves or grills that are solely fueled by liquid petroleum fuels are allowed in all locations. The burn ban complements similar restrictions in the adjacent Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest and British Columbia, Canada.

August is predicted to be above normal for fire danger due to high temperatures and extremely low rainfall. Use caution when smoking and do not discard cigarette butts. Discharging, or using any kind of fireworks, tracer ammunition or other incendiary devices in any location on federal lands is always prohibited.

The Rainbow Falls closure in Stehekin has been lifted and the area is now open to the public and Red Bus Tours.

The Cutthroat Lake Fire is located 13 miles west of Mazama, WA, in the Methow Valley Ranger District on the Okanogan/Wenatchee National Forest. Trail and area closures affect park trails and trailheads along State Route 20, to include Blue Lake, Rainy Pass and Bridge Creek Trailhead, as well as Washington Pass and associated climbing areas. The Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) south-bound is open to Stehekin, but hikers must be dropped off due to the Bridge Creek Trailhead closure. For more information on the Cutthroat Lake Fire visit, https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6067/

If smoke or flames are visible, dial 911 or report at any ranger station.