A human-caused fire, dubbed the Bear Gulch Fire, was reported in the Olympic National Forest on July 6. The fire originated near the Mt. Rose Trailhead along the Lake Cushman Corridor (FS-24) and is currently burning on a steep, rocky slope north of Lake Cushman and southeast of the Staircase area of Olympic National Park.
The fire has resulted in the closure of FS-24 along Lake Cushman, affecting the Staircase Campground and Trailheads. At present, the fire covers an estimated area of 200 acres. Despite the fire’s size, there are no current threats to nearby structures or communities.
The National Park Service continues to monitor the situation and updates will be provided as more information becomes available. Visitors and residents are advised to stay informed and heed any evacuation orders or warnings.