Fire Closes Trails in Alpine Lakes Wilderness

A 30 acre lightning-caused fire, burning 19 miles west of Leavenworth, prompted the Forest Service to close trails around Klonaqua Lakes in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness Area yesterday. A burn ban on state lands and other campfire restrictions also remain in place across the state to prevent new fires from starting.

Trail closures around Klonaqua Lakes

The burning area has been dubbed the Granite Fire, and spanned approximately seven square miles yesterday. Download a map of the area closed to the public.

Trail closures in this area include:

• Klonaqua Lakes Trail No. 1563
• French Creek Trail No. 1595 from its intersection with Snowall Creek Trail No. 1560 to its intersection with Paddy-Go-Easy Trail

Concern for public and firefighter safety is the reason for the closures, says the Okanogan-Wentachee National Forest Service. Rangers have posted signs at trailheads leading into the closed area.

The smell and haze of smoke may be noticeable to hikers in the Icicle drainage and also in the town of Leavenworth depending upon weather conditions and wind direction. Fire managers do not anticipate that smoke will affect any tourism activities in and around Leavenworth.

The fire was started by a lightning storm that passed through North Central Washington on Sunday, August 4.

Burn bans aim to prevent more fires, costs, closures

Lightning has started a few wildfires in the state, but most fires are caused by human activities -- including the largest wildfire this season, the still-burning 80,000+ acre Colockum Tarps fire south of Wenatchee.

To help prevent wildfires from starting in a hot, dry summer season, state agencies have banned campfires and the use of barbecue briquettes on all state lands, including State Parks. There are also some fire restrictions issued on National Forests and National Parks lands across Washington.

• Safe to hike? If you ever have a question about campfire restrictions or hiking in a region with an active wildfire, contact or visit a ranger station.
• Cooking in camp. To cook at State Parks and on DNR campgrounds, campers are allowed to use propane and liquid gas stoves and grills.
• Bookmark it: Inciweb has information, maps and recent updates about all wildfires burning across Washington.

More wildfire resources

• Visit Inciweb for the latest news and updates wildfires in Washington.
• To report a wildfire in Washington, call 800-562-6010.
• Follow the Washington State Department of Natural Resources Fire account at @waDNR_fire

Granite Fire from the air. Photo Okanogan-Wentachee National Forest