Park Fire Forces 100-Mile Closure of the Pacific Crest Trail

California’s devastating Park Fire has led to significant closures on the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) as emergency personnel battle the state’s fourth-largest wildfire in history. The blaze has consumed more than 400,000 acres near Chico, Butte County, and Lassen National Forest/Park.

The fire, which is only 18 percent contained as of Thursday morning, has forced the closure of a crucial 109-mile section of the PCT from Bucks Summit (mile 1,270) to Old Station/CA 44 (mile 1,379). Hikers are advised to stay clear of the area as the fire continues to spread rapidly under triple-digit temperatures, dry conditions, and high winds.

In addition to the PCT closure, Lassen Volcanic National Park is now closed. The Pacific Crest Trail Association (PCTA) warns, “Please do not travel to or near the park, as it will bring you close to the area where the fire is projected to spread. In addition, current smoke levels (AQI) are extremely hazardous north of the incident.”

There are currently no detours available for hikers. The PCTA recommends using public transit or other transportation to bypass the fire-affected area, east of Lake Almanor to CA-44, and to the town of Old Station. If evacuation zones expand, hikers may need to travel even further north to rejoin the trail near CA 299 or Burney Falls State Park.

The Park Fire has also prompted the evacuation of 26,000 residents across four counties: Butte, Plumas, Shasta, and Tehama, and has destroyed 165 structures.