Sunrise and White River Are Closed

Mount Rainier National Park closed the Sunrise and White River areas effective August 13 because of the Grand Park 2 Fire. Sunrise Road and White River Road are closed, along with trails originating from those roads that travel into the northeast area and trails in the Grand Park area.

The August 14 trail report lists closures affecting Mt. Fremont, Palisades Lakes, Grand Park and portions of the Northern Loop, while some routes remain reachable only through longer Wonderland Trail approaches.

Trail, Camp and Area Closures Are Expanding the Planning Problem

The park’s August 14 fire update keeps trail, camp and area closures in effect for the Border 2 and Luna fires. Hozomeen-area access, multiple Ross Lake camps, sections of the Eastbank system, Big Beaver, Little Beaver and Sourdough Mountain are among the affected places.

The same update warned of a Red Flag period for lightning and gusty outflow winds, while the park described mid-August conditions as hot, dry and hazy with variable smoke and some water sources beginning to dry.

Edith Cavell and Parts of Maligne Canyon Remain Off-Limits

A Jasper closure taking effect August 14 keeps several wildfire-impacted areas closed. Edith Cavell Road and the Edith Cavell area remain closed, including Path of the Glacier and Cavell Meadows. Access to Maligne Canyon trails and surrounding land is prohibited from First Bridge to the Fifth Bridge junction.

The bulletin also separates corridors that have reopened from those that remain closed, making older saved itineraries unreliable.

A Bold Wolf Triggered a New Valley Closure

Parks Canada closed the Ä’äy Chù Valley beginning August 14 after reports of a young lone wolf displaying unusually bold behavior, including following people and making contact with a visitor and property. The closure includes Bullion Plateau, Sheep Creek, Shepherd’s Knoll, Ä’äy Chù East and Ä’äy Chù West trails.

Eight New Lightning Fires Put Fire Conditions Back Into the Itinerary

Yosemite reported eight new wildfire starts on August 13 after early-morning lightning on August 12. At that update, no site closures or evacuations had been implemented because of the fires, but several were still being staffed or monitored.

Separately, fire restrictions below 8,000 feet remain in effect, and Bridalveil Creek Campground was scheduled to close for the season on August 14 after a lightning strike affected potable-water and restroom infrastructure.

Open Trails Still Come With a Fire Ban and Bear-Season Constraints

Banff’s park-wide fire ban, effective July 30, remains in force heading into the weekend. The August 14 trail report also shows bear warnings on Lake Minnewanka-area trails and wet or muddy conditions across many routes. The Bryant Creek seasonal hiking restriction is active through September 30 to reduce disturbance to bears feeding on berries.

The W Is Easier to Access Again—But Winter Rules Still Matter

CONAF removed the exceptional June–July permit requirement for the W beginning August 1. The park still recommends specialized-guide accompaniment and registration at control points for winter travel. Base Torres continues to require an authorized guide through August 30, while the O / Macizo Paine circuit remains closed through October 31 unless CONAF announces a change.

Hooker Valley Is Again Connected Through to Hooker Lake

New Zealand’s Department of Conservation opened the new 189-metre second suspension bridge on the Hooker Valley Track on July 28. DOC now describes the full track through to Hooker Lake, restoring the upper route that had been cut off after erosion forced the former bridge closure in 2025.

DOC also warns that winter conditions can be icy and extremely cold, with solid footwear and warm clothing still necessary.