News Release

Olympic National Park Reduces Trail Closures

Date: September 28, 2023
Contact: Public Affairs Office, 360-565-3005

Port Angeles, Wash. – Due to declining fire activity and favorable weather conditions, the Olympic National Park fire management team has reduced trail closures surrounding the 2023 Olympic National Park Lightning Fires.  

Trail closures are implemented to protect visitors and allow fire operations to be successful. As soon as conditions allow, managers amend closures to minimize impacts to recreation.  

The fire area received an average of 4 inches of rain over the past 48 hours and is expected to receive additional precipitation today. Reduced smoke production and fire activity was observed during ground surveys.  

Trail closures:   

• Elwha River Trail from Dodger Point Trail junction to Low Divide  

• Hayden Pass Trail 

• Dosewallips River Trail from Dose Meadows to Hayden Pass 

• North Fork Quinault Trail from Elip Creek trail junction to Low Divide 

• Skyline Trail from Elip Creek Trail junction to Low Divide  

• Martin Park Trail 

• Obstruction Point Road and Trailhead  

Olympic National Park Wilderness Information Center (WIC) will be notifying backcountry permit holders who may be impacted by these closures. Any permit holders who plan to backpack in the above impacted areas should contact the WIC at 360-565-2992 or by emailing e-mail us. 

All seven fires ignited during a lightning storm on August 28. Fires in the wilderness are a natural part of the ecosystems on the Olympic Peninsula; these plants and animals have evolved with fire for thousands of years. When appropriate, allowing this natural process to continue lowers the risk of catastrophic fires in the future.  

For more information on the 2023 Olympic National Park Lightning Fires, visit:  

Waolp 2023 Olympic National Park Lightning Fires Information | InciWeb (wildfire.gov)