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Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

Air Quality Alert issued August 3 at 12:05PM PDT by NWS Pendleton OR

August 3rd, 12:05 PM — August 10th, 12:15 PM

The Washington State Department of Ecology, Benton Clean Air Agency, and the Yakima Regional Clean Air Agency have issued an Air Quality Alert until further notice. For the Smoke Air Quality Alert, wildfires burning in the region combined with forecasted conditions may cause air quality to reach unhealthy levels. Pollutants in smoke can cause burning eyes, runny nose, aggravate heart and lung diseases, and aggravate other serious health problems. Limit outdoor activities and keep children indoors if it is smoky. Please follow medical advice if you have a heart or lung condition. Information from the Washington Department of Ecology web site is available at http://www.ecy.wa.gov/air.html or call 360-407-6000. Information from the Yakima Regional Clean Air Agency web site is available at http://www.yakimacleanair.org or call 509-834-2050. Information from the Benton County Clean Air Agency web site is available at http://www.bentoncleanair.org or call 509-783-1304.

Air Quality Alert issued August 9 at 1:47PM PDT by NWS Spokane WA

1:47 PM — August 10th, 2:00 PM

An Air Quality Alert has been issued by the following agencies: Washington Department of Ecology Colville Confederated Tribes Environmental Protection Agency Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency An Air Quality Alert has been issued for Adams, Asotin, Chelan, Douglas, Ferry, Garfield, Grant, Lincoln, Okanogan, Pend Oreille, Spokane, Stevens, and Whitman Counties until further notice due to current and expected smoke from regional fires. Critical fire weather this weekend will produce significant smoke from ongoing and emerging fires. Particulate matter (PM2.5) may reach Very Unhealthy levels for areas directly downwind from active wildfires. Other areas may reach Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups or worse. Intermittent clearing may occur due to windy conditions, but smoke production continues to be significant. When air quality is Unhealthy, everyone should reduce exposure. Limit time outside, avoid strenuous outdoor activity, and follow tips for cleaner indoor air. When air quality is Very Unhealthy, everyone should reduce exposure. Stay inside and filter indoor air to keep it cleaner. Go elsewhere for cleaner air, if needed.

Air Quality Alert issued August 8 at 7:36PM PDT by NWS Pendleton OR

August 8th, 7:36 PM — August 10th, 11:30 AM

The Washington State Department of Ecology, Benton Clean Air Agency, and the Yakima Regional Clean Air Agency have issued an Air Quality Alert until further notice. For the Smoke Air Quality Alert, wildfires burning in the region combined with forecasted conditions will cause air quality to reach unhealthy levels. Pollutants in smoke can cause burning eyes, runny nose, aggravate heart and lung diseases, and aggravate other serious health problems. Limit outdoor activities and keep children indoors if it is smoky. Please follow medical advice if you have a heart or lung condition. Information from the Washington Department of Ecology web site is available at http://www.ecy.wa.gov/air.html or call 360-407-6000. Information from the Yakima Regional Clean Air Agency web site is available at http://www.yakimacleanair.org or call 509-834-2050. Information from the Benton County Clean Air Agency web site is available at http://www.bentoncleanair.org or call 509-783-1304.

Overview

The Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest is currently open and encompasses 3.8 million acres along the east slopes of the Cascade Range in Washington, stretching from the Canadian border to the Yakama Indian Reservation. Fire danger is currently LOW across all rating areas (Methow, Chelan, Valley, and Upper Yakima). Several fire-related closures remain active from the 2025 fire season: the Lower Sugarloaf Fire closure on the Entiat District (updated 10/22), Labor Mountain Fire closure on the Wenatchee River & Cle Elum Districts (updated 10/24, effective through December 31, 2025), Wildcat Fire closure around Bumping Lake on the Naches District, and the North Tommy Trail remains closed due to fire suppression damage. The Pomas Fire closure was rescinded on October 24, 2025. Moore Point and Cascade Creek Campgrounds are closed to overnight use due to post-fire flooding hazards from the Pioneer Fire, though day use is permitted. Christmas tree permits are available online through Recreation.gov. The forest has transitioned to cashless fee collections at most recreation sites. Be aware of post-fire hazards in recently burned areas, and note that wildlife-safe food storage is required forest-wide. Elevation ranges from below 1,000 to over 9,000 feet with highly variable terrain from glaciated alpine peaks to dry shrub-steppe.

Campgrounds

19 Mile Campground 25 Mile State Park Campground Alevin Campground Alpine Meadows Campground American Forks Campground American Ridge Lodge American River Guard Station Antilon Lake Campground Atkinson Flat Campground Atkinson Flats BARTON CREEK Ballard Campground Beverly Campground Big Hill Cabin Campsite Blackpine Cr Horsecamp Blackpine Horse Camp Blackpine Lake Campground Buck Lake Campground Bumping Lake Campground Camp 4 Campground Cascade Creek Campground Cayuse Horse Camp Cedar Springs Campground Chatter Creek Group Site Chewuch Campground Chiwawa Horse Camp Cle Elum River Group Site Clear Lake North Campground

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