The Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest has ordered restrictions to public access in the Cle Elum Ranger District because of the Three Queens Fire.
Officials with the national forest announced the expanded closure late Wednesday, and said the shutdown was needed “to protect public safety and to support firefighters working in steep and hazardous terrain.”
The closure will stay in place through Oct. 31.
The shutdown prohibits all public entry within the area, including travel on Forest Service roads, use of Forest Service trails, and any off-road vehicle travel.
Officials said many trails and developed recreation sites within the closure area remain either inaccessible or closed.
Approximately 50 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail have been closed between Snoqualmie Pass and Deception Pass.
Access trails to the Pacific Crest Trail corridor are also affected.
Closure signs have been posted at roads, trailheads, campgrounds and other access points.
Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest officials said law enforcement officers and forest protection officers are enforcing the closure order.
Details about closed trails, roads and recreation sites are available online on the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest alerts page.