Pacific Crest Trail closed near Suiattle River Trail

The Pacific Crest Trail is closed from Suiattle Pass north to High Bridge due to a fire that has burned 25 square miles near Lake Chelan.

Suiattle Pass is near the end of the Suiattle River Trail, and is where the trail leaves Snohomish County heading north. High Bridge is about 11 northwest of Stehekin.

The section of trail that is closed provides access to Holden and Stehekin.

Hikers can most easily get back on the trail at Rainy Pass on Highway 20.

Holden village and a mine remediation area were evacuated.

Here’s part of a press release from the Forest Service:

The Pacific Crest Trail Detour is CLOSED heading into Holden Village and out of Stehekin as conditions are rapidly changing on the ground. Northbound hikers will be rerouted out Suiattle River Trail to Suiattle River Road and can shuttle up Highway 20 to Rainy Pass and reconnect with the PCT.

The Detour is CLOSED southbound in Stehekin at the Harlequin Bridge/Stehekin River Road. Southbound hikers will need to backtrack or take the Lady of the Lake into Chelan. Hikers are advised to contact the National Park Service office in Stehekin or the Forest Service office in Chelan for information. Additional trail and area closures are expected in this area due to fire conditions.