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For millennia, wildland fire has played an important role in shaping the landscape around Mount Rainier. Fires have benefited the ecosystem by removing dead wood accumulation, opening the canopy and allowing sunlight through to the floor of dense forests. Fire has also allowed for the recycling of nutrients to the soil, which encourages the germination and regrowth of plants, shrubs, and trees. But while natural fire processes are important, they also impact air quality, cause health issues, and poor visibility.
The park's primary goal is to suppress fires (actively putting out any fire that starts). The current fire management program is designed to protect natural and cultural resources but life and property are always the highest priorities during any firefighting activity. In-depth information on fire management in the park is available in the Mount Rainier National Park Fire Management Plan.
A view of the Wonderland Complex Fires observed by aviation firefighters. Smoke from the Garda Falls Fire can be seen on the valley wall to the left and the larger smoke plume from the West Fork Fire can be seen on the valley to the right. Taken on August 24, 2026.
USFWS/B. Gold
What You Need to Know Now
Wildland Fires: Active
Fires in the park
Grand Park 2 Fire and Wonderland Complex Fires
September 21, 2026: The Wonderland Complex Fires continue to burn in the northern area of the park. The Grand Park 2 Fire is still burning but 100% contained.
CLOSED until further notice:
Wonderland Trail from Carbon River Suspension Bridge to Frozen Lake near Sunrise: Due to the Garda Falls Fire, part of the Wonderland Complex, the trail is closed including the following backcountry camps: Dick Creek, Mystic Lake, & Granite Creek. Carbon River Camp, Ipsut Creek Camp, and the upper and lower Carbon River crossings remain open.
Northern Loop Trail from Berkeley Park to the Wonderland Trail junction near the Carbon River: Backcountry camps closed in this area include Yellowstone Cliffs, Lake James, Fire Creek, and Berkeley Park.
Grand Park Area, including Huckleberry Creek Trail.
Sunrise Road closed to vehicles, open for hiking/bicycling ONLY.
Sunrise Trails north of Sourdough Ridge remain closed, including Mount Fremont Trail.
Sunrise Trails: Sunrise Road remains CLOSED to public vehicles from the White River Road junction. Pedestrian and bicycle access are permitted on Sunrise Road. Trails open in the Sunrise area between Sunrise and White River include Burroughs Mountain, Sourdough Ridge, and Palisades Lakes. Open camps: Sunrise Camp, Upper Palisades, Dick's Lake.
For previously detailed fire reports, visit the following:
September 21, 2026: Burning just outside the southeast boundary of Mount Rainier National Park and Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Smoke from the fire may be visible from SR123 and US12 outside the park.
September 21, 2026: Air quality is expected to be good for the next week in all areas of the park.
When air quality is a concern:
Monitor air quality and smoke forecasts.
Consider your own sensitivity to smoke, as well as others in your group.
Adjust outdoor activities as needed.
You may want to choose a shorter or less strenuous hike. If you notice worsening air quality or have difficulty breathing while on the trail, consider turning back.
The most effective way to protect yourself during smokey conditions is to limit your time outdoors when there is smoke in the air.
Air Quality Resources
For the latest air quality information, including webcams, visit: Air Quality.
A parkwide fire ban that previously went into effect on June 26, 2026, has now been lifted (News Release, 6/24/26).
During fire bans, all campfires and the ignition of wood, briquettes, or any fuel in fire pits, fire pans, and barbeque grills are prohibited. Fire bans are put in place to reduce the risk of human-caused wildland fire.
A fire ban includes all developed campgrounds; including White River, Cougar Rock, and Ohanapecosh. Fires are never allowed in Mount Rainier's wilderness areas.
Fire Potential for Summer/Fall 2026: Moderate
Drought conditions, such as abnormally dry, above normal temperatures and below normal precipitation, can affect the Pacific Northwest region, including areas within and around Mount Rainier National Park. Source: Drought.gov.
Within Mount Rainier, an acceleration in tree mortality has been identified due to drought and disease with a heavy amount of down woody material offering higher amounts of fuel.
