MOUNT RAINER NATIONAL PARK — Mount Rainer National Park announced that it will close hiking trails due to smoke from nearby wildfires.
Heavy smoke from the nearby Wildcat Fire has caused hazardous air quality across the park.
The wildfire, located outside the park, just east of the U.S. Forest Service - Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, has grown to 6,696 acres since Friday.
Park officials say the following areas are now closed because of smoke conditions:
- Naches Peak Loop Trail
- Pacific Crest Trail
- Shriner Peak Trail
- Deer Creek Trailhead
- Owyhigh Lakes Trailhead (southern access)
However, Deer Creek Camp via the Owyhigh Lakes Trail, the Eastside Trail, and the Owyhigh Lakes Trailhead from the northern access will remain open.
Officials also say State Route 123 is closed until further notice between Cayuse Pass and Stevens Canyon Road. The highway had previously been open with limited traffic because of construction.
The park is asking that visitors with sensitivities to air quality review the smoke forecast here and adjust outdoor activities for safety.