Lemah Fire closes a portion of the Pacific Crest Trail

Spectacle Lake and Lemah Mountain are off the table for hiking until the Lemah Fire dies down and the Okanogan-Wenatchee can assess trail damage and lingering hazards--such as falling trees. Photo by Rich Wheeler

If you were planning on hiking the PCT to Spectacle Lake this weekend, you'll have to pick another outing.  The Lemah Fire, caused by lightning strikes, has spread from 30 to 600 acres.  The blaze was whipped up by winds from the storm front that began passing over the Cascades on Friday. (Click here to see a map of the affected area with details of the closure).

The closure is in place to protect trail users from the fire and from falling snags--a danger that can linger long after the flames have been extinguished.  This is a lovely section of the PCT.  Spectacle and Park Lakes are heather-rimmed gems in a glittering subalpine setting.  I'd recommend not hiking in the area until the fire abates. 

If you're set on this patch of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, though, I'd suggest Escondido Ridge, along the PCT just north of the closure area.  It's longer and more challenging, but also one of the most scenic stretches of the PCT in Washington.  Take the Cooper River Trail to get there.

Hike safely this weekend.  Incoming rains this weekend might dampen fires, but bring with them the prospect of gnarly mountain weather.