Fire behavior allows recreationists to access portions of Entiat River Valley

ENTIAT – Recreationists longing to visit their favorite campsite in the Entiat River Valley are able to do so as of August 31. The successful construction of fire containment lines and decreasing fire activity have allowed a partial re-opening of the Entiat River Valley.

While some areas will remain closed for public safety, Fox Creek, Lake Creek, Silver Falls, and Cottonwood campgrounds will reopen Friday. Shady Pass Road #5900, North Fork Entiat Trailhead, and trails within the Glacier Peak Wilderness area on the Entiat Ranger District will also be open and accessible. In addition, the Chiwawa River Road, and campgrounds and trails off that road, will be open for use.  

“Public and firefighter safety remain our number one priority, so we encourage people to use caution as fire fighters and fire vehicle traffic will be in the area,” Entiat District Ranger James Simino said. 

To ensure public safety, road and trail closures remain in effect in the Tommy Creek, Mad River, Upper Mad River, Potato Creek, and Mud Creek areas. Ongoing suppression actions continue to occur in those areas. 

Forest visitors are encouraged to view the interactive closure map, located on the Okangan-Wenatchee National Forest website, before traveling to the national forest. This map shows areas of the national forest that are closed to public use, it is available at https://bit.ly/2vpoLOz . There are many area closures in effect due to wildfires. Check to make sure the area you want to visit is open.

Please contact the Entiat Ranger District office at (509) 784-1511 for more information.