the wild side
Hood Canal & South Puget Sound
Visitor Advisory: 8/31/2025
Recreation Areas affected by Bear Gulch Fire
Estimated size: 9,301 acres Containment: 13%
Area of Origin: North side of Lake Cushman near Mount Rose in the Olympic National Forest, Hoodsport, WA.
Cause: Human-caused, under investigation Structures Damaged: 0 Fire Personnel: 267
Update: Yesterday, aviation operations were limited due to poor visibility. However, drones or Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) successfully mapped heat signatures in the No Name and Copper Creek drainages. Fire crews continued suppression repair efforts to restore areas disturbed by fire response activities. Firefighters, working with heavy equipment, also chipped and masticated woody debris along contingency lines to the south. Firefighters continue installing water bars and clearing culverts to mitigate erosion, chipping accumulated fuel loads and grading roads to improve access. Crews are backhauling, or removing, excess hoses and equipment to be cleaned and prepared for future use as needed. As visibility improves aviation assets will prioritize water drops in the steep inaccessible terrain of No Name and Copper Creek drainages.
Fire Behavior & Weather: Today, a marine layer is expected to trap smoke in the valleys and temperatures will remain in the low 70s, helping moderate fire behavior. Heading into next week, conditions will gradually get warmer and drier, with near-record high temperatures possible.
Smoke Outlook: Air quality can change quickly. Know your risk to wildfire smoke and plan to reduce exposure. For current smoke reports, visit: https://fire.airnow.gov
Lake Closure: The southern half of the lake is open to recreation. The north half of the lake is closed to ensure firefighter and public safety with the Bear Gulch fire suppression efforts.
Fire Restrictions: All campfires are prohibited in Olympic National Forest and Olympic National Park. All outdoor burning is prohibited in Mason County.
Olympic National Forest Closures: There are many road, trail, and campground closures in the southeast portion of the Forest. Closure information: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/olympic/alerts
Olympic National Park Closures: There are extensive closures on the southeast corner of Olympic National Park. Closure information: https://www.nps.gov/olym/planyourvisit/fire-conditions-and-updates.htm
closed areas
Current Olympic National Park Trail Closures
Staircase Trailheads and Campground
Northfork Skokomish River Trail from Staircase to Flapjack Lakes Trail junction
Wagonwheel Lake Trail
Shady Lane Trail
Four Stream Trail
Slide Camp and Wagonwheel Lake wilderness campsites
Skyline Ridge Trail from Lake Beauty to Low Divide Camp
Visit the Hikes Guide for a list of area hikes.
>> 5 Top Hikes Open in the Hood Canal Region
itinerary ready.
Find the best places for biking, kayaking, boating, motorsports & more. View parks, waterfalls, birding and SCUBA areas, and find a spot to camp. Browse museums, shopping and tastings from local vendors. Learn about shellfish harvesting and fishing on the Hood Canal.
Looking for inspiration?
Hikers, check out Craig Romano’s South Olympics & South Puget Sound Hikes Guide.
HOOD CANAL is a natural fjord, not a canal, that sits between the Puget Sound and Olympic Mountains in Mason County, Washington. The area hosts plenty of outdoor activities including paddling, hiking, SCUBA, racing and even skydiving. Visit for the solitude, oysters and waterfalls – return again and again for year round hiking trails, fantastic views and amazing people!
