Hiker Headlines: Burn Bans, Highway 18 Closure, Trails Reopened

It’s July 8. Expect burn bans across much of the state. A major portion of Highway 18 near Tiger Mountain will be closed this weekend. The Sunrise Road is now open at Mount Rainier. Eagle Creek Trail in the Columbia River Gorge has reopened. Here’s some news you may have missed while out on trail this week.

The hot and dry conditions this summer have increased the risk of wildfires across the state. Pasayten Wilderness. Photo by Susan Kostick. 

Burn bans: Wildfire danger levels are high across much of Washington and widespread burn bans are in effect. Check with the land manager of the area you want to visit for the latest.

SR 18 closure this weekend: Highway 18 will be closed in both directions between I-90 and Issaquah-Hobart Road from 9:00 p.m. on Friday, July 9 through 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 11. The East Tiger Mountain Parking Lot will be inaccessible to hikers during this road closure.

Sunrise is open: The road to the Sunrise Visitor Center at Mount Rainier reopened this week after its annual winter closure. The Mowich Lake Road is still closed but is expected to reopen this week.

Eagle Creek reopening: Closed since 2017 due to wildfire damage and recent landslides, the Eagle Creek Trail on the Oregon side of the Columbia River Gorge has reopened.

BE IN THE KNOW

• Keep up to date with Trail News, our monthly email newsletter.
• Check our Hiking Guide for information on what trails are open.
• Check trip reports for latest conditions on trails. And if you go for a hike, file your own trip report.
• Sign up for Families Go Hiking, our email newsletter for families with plenty of tips on keeping kids busy.