News Release

Area, Trail, and Camp Closures Remain in Effect

Date: August 30, 2023
Contact: Katy Hooper

Area, trail, and camp closures remain in effect along State Route 20 within North Cascades National Park Service Complex to manage visitor safety, firefighter access, and emergency response in conjunction with firefighting efforts on the Sourdough Fire. The Sourdough Fire is at 6,234 acres and 25% containment. 

Cooler temperatures and light rain will continue through Thursday; less than an inch of rain is expected on the fire area. Warm and dry weather will return on Friday and continue over the weekend. Smoke may return with warmer temperatures and increased fire behavior. Take caution when recreating outdoors when smoke is present. Learn more at Real-Time Air Quality Map | PurpleAir, airnow.gov or visit https://wasmoke.blogspot.com/. 

State Route 20 reopened to through-traffic today, Wednesday, following closures due to the Sourdough and Blue Lake fires. This stretch of highway is within an active fire area and the road is subject to closing again with little notice based on fire behavior, fire mitigation strategies, or weather. Travelers along State Route 20 are advised they may encounter firefighting personnel and apparatus along the highway. Up-to-date road information is posted in the WSDOT real-time travel center.  

Area, trail, and camp closure information can be found on the park’s Fire Closures page.

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 visitor or information center. Contact the Wilderness Information Center for trail information at [e-mail]. 

www.nps.gov/noca