KING

Forest closures reduced as unstaffed wilderness fire continues minimal smoldering

The King Fire continues to burn in remote, rugged terrain in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness near Snoqualmie Pass. Activity over the last 72 hours has been minimal, with the fire smoldering and creeping against natural barriers while remaining unstaffed due to steep, inaccessible slopes. The fire does not threaten any communities or structures today, though recreation closures remain in effect around the burn scar.

Evacuations and Closures

• No evacuation orders or warnings are in effect as of November 1, 2026.
• Pete Lake and Spectacle Lake remain closed to public access through April 30, 2027, under a revised Forest Service closure order effective November 1, 2026.
• Trails kept closed as of November 1, 2026, include Pete Lake Trail 1323 past the tie road, Spectacle Lake Trail 1306, Lemah Meadows Trail 1323.2, and Waptus Pass Trail 1329 between Pete Lake Trail and Waptus Burn Trail.
• Forest Roads 4600 and 4616 reopened on November 1, 2026, restoring access to Cooper Lake and the Pete Lake Trailhead.
• Access reopened on November 1, 2026, to Box Canyon and Rachel Lake Trailhead along Forest Road 4930, as well as Waptus Lake and Waptus River Trail west of Tired Creek.

Conditions and Outlook

Light west-northwest winds will shift easterly by midweek as humidity recovers and chances for drizzle and rain increase across the Cascades. Fire behavior is expected to remain minimal with light creeping and smoldering confined by natural rocky barriers. Officials plan to keep the fire unstaffed due to steep, hazardous terrain while continuing to monitor the perimeter and maintain closure boundaries.

Cause and Context

Officials determined the King Fire was ignited by lightning on August 19, 2026, in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. Its closure area is coordinated alongside the nearby Three Queens Fire to manage public safety across the Cle Elum Ranger District.

Official updates current through October 30, 2026.