News Release

Minimal Fire Growth on Sourdough Fire - Some Areas, Trails, and Camps Reopen

Date: September 5, 2023
Contact: Katy Hooper

With cooler temperatures, higher humidity, and light rains over several days, the Sourdough Fire has had minimal growth and low areas of heat. The fire remains at 6,234 acres with 25% containment. 

Firefighters continue to monitor for fire spread on the western flank near the 2015 Goodell burn scar and on the eastern flank in the Sourdough Creek drainage. Crews will utilize aviation resources as necessary. Fire behavior is expected to remain minimal over the next few days with continued cloud cover and low temperatures. A slight chance of rain is possible for Wednesday; no significant or wetting rains are anticipated with this system. Warmer and dryer temperatures are expected nearing the weekend. 

Park officials have reopened some areas, trails, and camps. Diablo and Gorge overlooks, East Bank and Thunder Knob trails, and any trail access south of State Route 20 are now open. Diablo Lake south of the log boom to Thunder Arm is open for day use only. Overnight parking at trailheads along State Route 20 within the park complex is by permit only with a valid North Cascades backcountry permit. Camping remains closed at Colonial Creek North and South campgrounds.

Ross Lake and other area, trail, and camp closures remain in effect. Closures continue to be assessed to manage visitor safety, firefighter access, and emergency response in conjunction with firefighting efforts on the Sourdough Fire.

Trail closures include:

• Trails on the west side of Ross Lake including Ross Dam, Diablo Lake, Stetattle Creek, Happy Panther, Big Beaver, Sourdough Mountain, and Little Beaver trails

Camp closures include: 

• Camps on the north side of State Route 20 including Diablo Lake and Ross Lake boat-in, Sourdough, Pierce Mountain, and Big and Little Beaver camps

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