the wild side
Hood Canal & South Puget Sound
Visitor Advisory: 9/08/2025
Recreation Areas affected by Bear Gulch Fire
Estimated size: 10,275 acres Containment: 9%
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: 147
Update: Cooler temperatures and higher humidity kept fire activity low over the weekend, allowing ground crews to continue steady progress on suppression repair. Road grading was completed along Forest Road 24, and crews are installing erosion control measures such as water bars and drainage features to reduce runoff and protect natural resources. Firefighters also scattered woody debris to help stabilize burned areas long-term. A Burned Area Emergency Response team, known as BAER, has begun assessing fire-impacted soils and identifying post-fire threats like debris flow and rock fall that could occur when heavy rain returns. The weather system is expected to continue into early next week, bringing cooler temps, higher humidity, and rain chances that should further reduce fire behavior.
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!
