Easy and Pioneer Fire Update
Welcome cooler temperatures with associated rain is falling throughout western Washington. The North Cross Highway or Washington State Highway 20 has just reopened after several closures over the course of the last month due to fire and mudslides. These events have blocked hikers passage for the past several weeks and will continue to do so between Stevens and Rainy passes. The rain may allow for hikers heading north to Canada a bit more promise. As of today (August 22, 2024) the Easy fire is 36% contained. That means that it will continue to be a presence until the fall rains move in weeks from now in a typical pattern. Since this fire began so early in the season there is no accurate way to predict when it will be declared a contained fire. What is 'typical' is very hard to define throughout the western United States in 2024.
The bigger fire, the Pioneer fire near Stehekin on Lake Chelan is still only 23% contained. The fire is staying within it existing 38,735 acre footprint. For now, Stehekin is not accepting visitors (hikers or anyone else) so hikers coming from the south will need to exit the PCT at Stevens Pass for the most direct way to leapfrog to Hart's Pass near Mazama.
We will continue to monitor these fires and their impact on the PCT. Todays cool and unseasonable rain is welcome but also brings the threat of lightning all along the Cascade crest. As August wanes the opportunity for hikers to thru hike the entire PCT once again is not ensured before temperatures drop and snow flies in the North Cascades.
Pioneer fire along the shores of Lake Chelan
