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THE HOOD

IS CALLING

Fire Information For Bear Gulch Fire near Lake Cushman:

Bear Gulch Fire Closure Area Expanded to include Mt. Ellinor 

OLYMPIA, Wash., July 16, 2025 — Due to continued dry conditions and an increase in fire behavior elevating the risk of fire spread the Bear Gulch Fire closure area has been extended to include the following: 

Roads:

  • NF-2451

  • NF-2419

  • NF-2419-014

Trails and Trailheads: 

  • Mt Ellinor (Upper and Lower)

  • Mt Ellinor Connector Trail

  • Copper Creek

  • Upper Big Creek Loop Trail

  • Dry Creek Trail

  • Jefferson Pass Trail

All day use sites, trails, trailheads and other sites beyond the current closure at milepost 10.5 on NF-24 remained closed including the Staircase Area in Olympic National Park. Currently, the Big Creek Campground remains open.

These closures ensure the safety of the public and crews while allowing firefighters to strengthen containment lines. For daily updates on the Bear Gulch Fire visit InciWeb or the incident’s social media.

Embark on the ultimate road trip and find adventure on Hood Canal. Discover trails, beaches, islands, cascading creeks, old growth forests, sparkling alpine lakes and airy mountains. An easy drive from Seattle or Portland, your next adventure is right around the corner.

Welcome to the #WildsideWA.

Lodging

Head off the grid, stay in luxury or refresh waterside.

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Dining

Enjoy incredible seafood as well as culinary events.

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Events

Experience the ‘scene’ and a landscape.

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Hiking

Countless hikes for all skill levels around Mason County.

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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!