EAST CREEK FIRE UPDATE - AUGUST 1, 2025The East Creek Fire, burning in the North Cascades Scenic Highway corridor on the Methow Valley Ranger District, is estimated to be 23 acres. This lightning-caused fire is burning in timber and brush in steep inaccessible terrain 12 miles northwest of Washington Pass and approximately 32 miles northwest of Winthrop, WA.
Due to the remote location, firefighters are not able to directly access the fire so they are looking for existing natural features to use as fuel/fire breaks. Firefighters have provided protection for structures in the area and are looking for opportunities to engage the fire where it is safe to do so.
Fire behavior has been minimal; it is crawling in and around the rocky terrain in steep avalanche chutes.
A closure order is in place surrounding the East Creek Fire (closure information and a map are available in the Alerts section in the forest website at https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/okanogan-wenatchee/alerts).
The objective of this order is to provide for the health and safety of both the public as well as firefighting personnel by implementing an area closure in the vicinity of the East Creek Fire. The closure was determined by examining current fire conditions, weather forecasts, and the potential for fire spread. East Creek Trail, Mill Creek Trail, Azurite Trail, and Boulder Creek Trail are closed.
Photos: Smoke rises from the East Creek Fire burning in steep inaccessible avalanche chutes in the Methow Valley Ranger District on July 29, 2025. Credit: USDA Forest Service