The Three Queens Fire on Washington's Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest has reached 90% containment at 9,575 acres, with significant reductions to the existing forest closure order and all evacuation levels lifted as of October 9, fire managers reported this week.

Located six miles east of Snoqualmie Pass in Kittitas County, the Three Queens Fire burned primarily through high-elevation subalpine fir stringers above Lake Kachess — a mountainous, terrain-challenging area characterized by extreme slopes, unstable ground, and rolling material that complicated suppression efforts throughout the summer and fall.

Closure Reductions Effective November 1

The forest closure associated with the Three Queens Fire was significantly reduced on November 1, reopening several key access points for residents and recreationists:

  • West side: Boundary pulled back to the north side of the 4930 road, reopening the Box Canyon/Rachel Lake Trailhead.
  • South boundary: Moved approximately one mile west of the Cle Elum River between Little Kachess Lake and French Cabin Creek; French Cabin Creek Road #4308 is now open.
  • East side: Roads 4600 and 4616 to Cooper Lake and Pete Lake Trailhead are now accessible.
  • Upper east section: Reduced to just west of Tired Creek, reopening the Waptus River Trail and Waptus Lake in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness.

Areas that remain closed include Pete Lake, Spectacle Lakes, Road #4312, and the Thorp Lookout area.

Remaining Fire Activity

Despite reaching 90% containment, uncontained perimeter remains in areas that are inaccessible due to terrain hazards. Fire staff continue patrols, observing creeping, smoldering, and isolated tree torching.

"The fire has not yet received any measurable precipitation, so there still is potential for additional perimeter growth," fire officials noted in their most recent update. Significant changes will trigger new updates on the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest website.

Washington's Broader 2026 Fire Season

The Three Queens Fire is one of several Washington fires still listed on InciWeb as the state winds down its worst fire season in recorded history. The Little Giant Fire on the Okanogan-Wenatchee NF burned 172,912 acres at its peak — one of the largest fires ever recorded in Washington state. The Sisi Fire burned 4,615 acres in the same national forest complex.

Statewide, Washington burned more than 1 million acres in 2026. The state committed $207 million in emergency firefighting funds between July and October. The Sinlahekin Fire near Tonasket reached 166,000 acres, making it another of the season's defining incidents.

Residents and recreationists planning to access areas near the Three Queens Fire area are urged to call the Cle Elum District Ranger Office at (509) 852-1100 — open weekdays 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (closed for lunch 12:30–1:15 p.m., closed Tuesdays, weekends, and federal holidays) — for current conditions and closures.