Hiker Headlines: Heat wave, new fires near North Cascades Hwy, Cascade Crest 100, bugs & beauty

It’s July 18. A heat wave and poor air quality hit central and eastern Washington. A new wildfire near Rainy Pass temporarily closed a section of the North Cascades Hwy. It's reopened, but unplanned pass closures are possible due to wildfire activity. New fire flares up in the southeast corner of the state. The Cascade Crest 100 is this weekend. It's buggy and beautiful out there, say trip reporters.

Crown fire runs through dense timber on the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest on the evening of July 17, 2024 approximately 20 air miles east of the Mazama community in the Methow Valley in Washington. Source: USFS

Heat wave: The central and eastern half of the state is under a heat advisory, with temperatures expected to climb above 100 from Wenatchee to Spokane over the weekend. Lewiston is expected to see 112 degree temps. While there are ways to stay cool when summer hiking, this is the kind of daytime weather that can make hiking dangerous for everyone, and especially for kids, older folks and pets. If you were planning to hike east of the Cascade Crest, maybe just sit this weekend out? The trails will be there for you when the danger has passed.

North Cascades Highway (SR 20) fire activity: A section of the highway closed  and then reopened late Thursday due to the new, Easy Fire. Drivers beware: Unplanned road closures are still possible. There are also a number of trails closed, including the Pacific Crest Trail in the Easy Pass/Rainy Pass area is closed as well as the Heather Maple Pass Trail due to closed road access.

New fire in the Blues. The Cougar Creek Fire on the border of Washington and Oregon in the southeast corner of the state has prompted evacuations and area and trail closures.

Classic ultra. The Cascade Crest 100 ultra marathon is this weekend.

Bugs and beauty. The bugs are out, say trip reporters (and some of our staff). So is the wildlife, especially bears! But, there's an awful lot of beauty out there, too. Take a look (especially if you are stuck inside this weekend). We also passed a quarter million reports this week.

BE IN THE KNOW

• Keep up to date with Trail News, our monthly email newsletter.
• Search our Hiking Guide to find your next adventure.
• 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.
• Sign up for Trail Action Network to stay up to date on issues impacting trails and ways to get involved.