Wildland Fire Information

For millennia, wildland fire has played an important role in shaping the landscape around Mount Rainier. Fires have benefited the ecosystem by removing dead wood accumulation, opening the canopy and allowing sunlight through to the floor of dense forests. Fire has also allowed for the recycling of nutrients to the soil, which encourages the germination and regrowth of plants, shrubs, and trees. But while natural fire processes are important, they also impact air quality, cause health issues, and poor visibility.

The park's primary goal is to suppress fires (actively putting out any fire that starts). The current fire management program is designed to protect natural and cultural resources but life and property are always the highest priorities during any firefighting activity. In-depth information on fire management in the park is available in the Mount Rainier National Park Fire Management Plan.

 

Grand Park Fire 2 observed by aviation firefighters. Taken on August 10, 2026.

NPS Photo

What You Need to Know Now

Wildland Fires: Active

Fires in the park

• Grand Park 2 Fire and Wonderland Complex Fires
  • August 27, 2026: In addition to the Grand Park 2 Fire, several new fires are burning in the northern area of the park. These fires have expanded closures in the Sunrise and White River areas.
  • Closures in effect until further notice:
    • Wonderland Trail from Carbon River Suspension Bridge to White River Campground: Due to the Garda Falls Fire, part of the Wonderland Complex, the trail is closed including the following backcountry camps: Dick Creek, Mystic Lake, Granite Creek, and Sunrise Camp. Carbon River Camp, Ipsut Creek Camp, and the upper and lower Carbon River crossings remain open.
    • Northern Loop Trail from Berkeley Park to the Wonderland Trail junction near the Carbon River: Backcountry camps closed in this area include Yellowstone Cliffs, Lake James, Fire Creek, and Berkeley Park.
    • Sunrise Road and White River Road to SR410: Closed until further notice (News Release, 8/9/2026). All trails originating from the Sunrise and White River Roads, and all trails in the Grand Park area, are also closed.
    • For a map of the closure area, see the attached emergency regulation (updated 8/27/26), signed by the Deputy Superintendent.
    • Check trail conditions for the status of specific trails and backcountry camps.
  • For more detailed fire updates visit the following:
    • Grand Park 2 Incident Information (InciWeb)
    • Wonderland Complex Incident Information (InciWeb)
• Plummer Peak Fire
  • Closures in effect until further notice:
    • Pinnacle Peak Trail and the surrounding area, including the ridge from Lane Peak to Foss Peak across the ridge and from Stevens Canyon Road to the southern park boundary.
  • Stevens Canyon Road remains open.

Nearby fires

• Backbone Fire
  • August 21, 2026: Burning just outside the southeast boundary of Mount Rainier National Park and Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Smoke from the fire may be visible from SR123 and US12 outside the park.
  • For more detailed updates, visit: Backbone Fire Incident Information (InciWeb)
• Additional fires are active across the Pacific Northwest. For a broad view, visit: InciWeb the Incident Information System

Air Quality: Moderate

Update as of August 25: Air quality in the park is expected to be moderate for the next few days.

When air quality is a concern:

• Monitor air quality and smoke forecasts.
• Consider your own sensitivity to smoke, as well as others in your group.
• Adjust outdoor activities as needed.
• You may want to choose a shorter or less strenuous hike. If you notice worsening air quality or have difficulty breathing while on the trail, consider turning back.
• The most effective way to protect yourself during smokey conditions is to limit your time outdoors when there is smoke in the air.

Air Quality Resources

• For the latest air quality information, including webcams, visit: Air Quality.
• For the latest smoke outlooks, visit: Current Smoke Outlook on Airfire.org.
• For more impacts of smoke, visit: Wildland Fire Smoke.

Parkwide Fire Ban

A fire ban for Mount Rainier National Park has been in effect since June 26 until further notice (News Release, 6/24/26).

• During fire bans, all campfires and the ignition of wood, briquettes, or any fuel in fire pits, fire pans, and barbeque grills are prohibited. Fire bans are put in place to reduce the risk of human-caused wildland fire.
• A fire ban includes all developed campgrounds; including White River, Cougar Rock, and Ohanapecosh. Fires are never allowed in Mount Rainier's wilderness areas.

Fire Potential for Summer 2026: High

• During the summer, fire potential may be high as drought conditions, such as hot, dry, above normal temperatures and below normal precipitation, can affect the Pacific Northwest region, including areas within and around Mount Rainier National Park. Source: Drought.gov.
• Within Mount Rainier, an acceleration in tree mortality has been identified due to drought and disease with a heavy amount of down woody material offering higher amounts of fuel.

 

Wildland Fire Smoke

Smoky conditions can affect air quality, health issues, and impair visibility.

Wildland Fire History

Every fire that has occurred at Mount Rainier has a lesson to teach if we only pay attention.

Air Quality

Air quality, which can be affected by wildfire smoke and other pollutants, is one of the environmental factors monitored in the park.