The Three Queens Fire, burning in Washington's Alpine Lakes Wilderness, continues to expand and has prompted the closure of several popular recreation areas and trail corridors. Safety closures are in effect around Lake Kachess, Lake Cle Elum, and sections of the Cle Elum Valley, and the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) between Snoqualmie Pass and Deception Pass remains closed to all travel.

Fire in Washington's Prized Wilderness

The Three Queens Fire is burning in some of the most remote and rugged terrain in the Cascade Mountains. The Alpine Lakes Wilderness, one of Washington's most-visited backcountry destinations, spans roughly 400,000 acres of glacially carved mountain terrain straddling Kittitas and King counties between Interstate 90 and U.S. Highway 2. The terrain makes direct fire attack difficult and creates complex logistics for suppression resources that must be moved primarily by helicopter or on foot.

Adding to the challenge, resources from the Three Queens incident have been cross-utilized to support the nearby King Fire, which has grown to 459 acres at 0% containment in the same wilderness area. The King Fire drew rappeler crews and helicopter support from the Three Queens operation, reflecting the resource competition that has characterized the 2026 season throughout the Northwest.

Active Recreation Closures

The Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest has issued emergency closure orders covering:

  • Lake Kachess and surrounding trailheads and campgrounds
  • Lake Cle Elum recreation area and associated access roads
  • Sections of the Cle Elum Valley corridor
  • Pacific Crest Trail between Snoqualmie Pass (milepost 2393) and Deception Pass (milepost 2404)

Hikers, backpackers, and PCT thru-hikers planning travel through this area must use alternate routes or adjust itineraries. The Forest Service strongly urges visitors to check current closure maps at fs.usda.gov/okawen before entering the Alpine Lakes region.

Partial Evacuation Downgrades Announced

As of last week, fire managers announced partial evacuation downgrades in some adjacent communities as cooler temperatures and lighter winds slowed fire behavior. Some cabin owners and permanent residents in lower-risk zones of the Cle Elum area were permitted to return. However, officials warn that conditions can reverse quickly, and residents should remain prepared to evacuate again on short notice.

Impact on Fall Recreation Season

The Three Queens Fire arrives at one of the busiest periods for Cascade backcountry recreation. Labor Day weekend hikers were turned away at multiple trailheads, and upcoming fall hunting seasons could also be affected if fire closures remain in place. The Forest Service is coordinating with Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife and other agencies to communicate impacts to affected user groups.

PCT thru-hikers — many of whom are in the final stretch of northbound journeys attempting to complete before winter — face particular disruption from the closure and are advised to consult the PCTA (Pacific Crest Trail Association) at pcta.org for current alternate routing guidance.