ASHFORD, Wash. — Fire activity on the northeast side of Mount Rainier National Park has prompted significant closures of some of the park's most popular destinations just days after Labor Day weekend. The Wonderland Complex, a multi-fire incident burning within the West Fork of the White River drainage, has forced the closure of the Sunrise area, White River Campground, associated access roads, and sections of the iconic Wonderland Trail.

About the Wonderland Complex

The Wonderland Complex initially encompassed five separate fires on the northeast side of the park: the Sluiskin, West Fork, White River, Garda Falls, and Pigeon Fires. The fires are burning in old-growth and mixed forest terrain that is difficult to access by ground crews, requiring aerial operations and strategic perimeter work.

As of late August, fire behavior across the complex was described as minimal, with creeping and smoldering, suggesting conditions are not immediately explosive. However, the proximity to residences and the difficulty of the terrain has kept evacuation and closure orders firmly in place. Officials from NIFC's September 1 situation report noted that residences remain threatened and that closures, road restrictions, and area closures remain active.

The complex is being managed alongside the Three Queens Fire, Goat Fire, and King Fire by a California Interagency Management Team (NR Team 2).

Park Closures at a Glance

  • Sunrise area — Closed to all visitors, including the visitor center and day-use areas
  • White River Campground — Closed
  • White River Entrance and associated roads — Closed
  • Sections of the Wonderland Trail — Closed through the northeast portion of the park

Three Queens Fire Closes Pacific Crest Trail

Immediately west of Mount Rainier, the Three Queens Fire is burning in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness in Kittitas County. This fire has prompted closures at Lake Kachess, Lake Cle Elum, and sections of the Cle Elum Valley.

Most significantly for long-distance hikers, the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) between Snoqualmie Pass and Deception Pass is closed through the end of October. Hikers planning fall PCT travel through Washington should verify current conditions with the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest and the Pacific Crest Trail Association before attempting passage through this section.

Statewide Burn Ban Remains in Effect

Washington DNR's statewide burn ban on all DNR-administered lands remains in effect through September 30. The ban prohibits outdoor burning, yard debris disposal, and uncontained campfires. Campfire restrictions are also in place across affected national forests in the region.

Planning a Visit to Mount Rainier

The Park's western and southern areas, including Paradise and the Carbon River corridor, remain open and accessible. Visitors are encouraged to check current conditions before travel: