Olympic National Forest and Olympic National Park will reopen FS-24, various Lake Cushman recreation sites, and the Staircase developed area on July 8th, 2026. The area closed when the Bear Gulch Fire ignited in the Olympic National Forest on July 6, 2025.
“Repair efforts of this scale require coordination with many partners, including Olympic National Forest and the Washington Department of Natural Resources,” said Olympic National Park Superintendent Sula Jacobs. “We appreciate everyone’s support and teamwork as we work to restore this beloved corner of Olympic National Park, and we can’t wait to welcome everyone back.”
“Our teams have worked tirelessly to recover access to this cherished area,” said Joyce Hamilla, Acting Forest Supervisor for Olympic National Forest. “We are grateful for the collaboration across agencies and for the patience of the community as we restore safe access to these public lands.”
Multiple developed sites along FS?24 and within Staircase will open on July 8 including:
· Day use sites along Lake Cushman
· Mt. Rose Trailhead and Trail
· Mildred Lakes Trailhead and Trail
· Dry Creek East Trailhead
· Staircase Campground
· Staircase Ranger Station
· Rapids Loop Trail
The Staircase campground within Olympic National Park will begin accepting reservations on Recreation.gov on July 8th.
FS?2451, Copper Creek Trail, and wilderness trails beyond the developed area of Staircase will remain closed while crews complete hazard assessments and repair damaged backcountry infrastructure, including bridges and privies.
Throughout the winter and spring, crews and specialists performed a variety of mitigation and monitoring efforts, including stabilizing roadways, clearing drainage infrastructure, installing barriers, monitoring rockfall, repairing the Mt. Rose Trail and Rapids Loop Trail, and removing hazard trees in developed areas.
Restoration work will continue throughout the summer, including trail stabilization, erosion control, culvert repairs, and vegetation management. Area closures may change as recovery efforts continue.
Visitors should use extreme caution when entering burned areas. Though risks are always present in wilderness exploration, fire impacts increase those risks. Burned landscapes may contain falling trees and branches, loose boulders, unstable ground, stump holes, landslides, and debris flows. Changing conditions such as wind, rain, or storms can rapidly trigger hazards. To reduce risks in burned areas and help them recover faster, visitors should:
Stay on open trails.
Allow trail crews time to repair trail tread and bridges. Even if trails appear intact, there may be hidden holes from burnt out roots. Turn around when you encounter closed areas. Entering closed areas creates risks for others, such as search and rescue crews. Without trail infrastructure, crews may struggle to enter and exit these closed areas.
Beware falling trees and rolling rocks.
Branches and trees may fall without warning and when there is no wind. Stay aware and scan for overhead hazards. Keep track of escape paths and run if you hear trees or rocks cracking, snapping, or rolling. Don’t linger or camp under trees in burned wilderness areas. Watch your footing for stump holes and unstable ground.
Drive carefully.
Rocks, debris, and downed trees may block the road at any time. Be alert and drive slowly, especially during rainy or windy weather. Bring extra supplies, like food and water, in case the road becomes blocked.
Check the weather.
Weather can increase hazards in burned areas. Wind can knock down standing dead trees and branches. If high or gusty winds are forecasted, do not go into a burned area. If wind picks up while in an area, leave immediately. Major storms including rain or snow can trigger flash floods, landslides, and debris flows.
Help the forest recover.
Burned areas are especially susceptible to invasive species. Check shoes and gear for seeds and remove them before hitting the trail. About the Forest Service: The Forest Service has, for more than 100 years, brought people and communities together to answer the call of conservation. Grounded in world-class science and technology — and rooted in communities — the Forest Service connects people to nature and to each other. The Forest Service cares for shared natural resources in ways that promote lasting economic, ecological, and social vitality. The agency manages 193 million acres of public land, provides assistance to state and private landowners, and maintains the largest wildland fire and forestry research organizations in the world. The Forest Service also has either a direct or indirect role in stewardship of about 900 million forested acres within the U.S., of which over 130 million acres are urban forests where most Americans live.