Washington Cascade Fires: Three Queens, King, and Goat Fires Continue Into Late Season

Several significant wildfires continue to burn across Washington's Cascade Range as the 2026 fire season moves into late September, though recent rainfall has helped moderate fire behavior statewide and led officials to lower the state's wildfire preparedness level. Forest closures, PCT trail restrictions, and infrastructure threats remain concerns on multiple incidents.

Three Queens Fire: Major Closure Persists Near Snoqualmie Pass

The Three Queens Fire in Kittitas County remains one of the most closely watched incidents in Washington state, with 9,566 acres burned and only 23 percent containment as of recent reports. The fire, burning near Snoqualmie Pass, has prompted extensive forest closures across the Cle Elum Ranger District.

Notably, a section of the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) between Snoqualmie Pass and Deception Pass remains closed due to the fire. Hikers and backpackers planning fall trips on the PCT through this corridor should check the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest website for the most current closure information before departing. Numerous residences and critical infrastructure continue to be listed as threatened in fire management briefings.

Goat Fire: Nearly Contained

The Goat Fire on the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, burning approximately 15 miles north of Ronald in Kittitas County, has reached 80 percent containment at 815 acres. The significant improvement in containment reflects the work of firefighting crews who leveraged more favorable weather conditions in recent days to make substantial progress on the fire's perimeter.

King Fire in Alpine Lakes Wilderness

The King Fire, burning in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness near Pete Lake and Spectacle Lake approximately eight miles northeast of Snoqualmie Pass, has grown beyond 3,000 acres with only 20 percent containment. The fire was first detected in late August. Its location in a federally designated wilderness area limits some suppression options, as mechanized equipment is generally restricted in wilderness zones — meaning crews rely primarily on hand tools and aerial resources.

North Cascades: Border 2 and Sisi Fires

Two additional fires in the North Cascades region remain active. The Border 2 Fire in North Cascades National Park recently grew by 345 acres in a single operational period, indicating active fire behavior persists in the park. Meanwhile, the Sisi Fire near Stehekin remains only 15 percent contained, with residences and energy infrastructure listed as threatened in NIFC briefings.

State Preparedness Level Lowered

Washington state officials lowered the state's wildfire preparedness level following recent rainfall that moderated fire behavior across the state. Several large incidents along the Cascade Range remain active, however, with crews focused on securing perimeters before the next period of dry or windy weather. Forecasts call for breezy west winds through Cascade gaps over the coming days, with gusts potentially reaching 35 miles per hour — conditions that fire managers will monitor closely for any impact on active incidents.