This week, a 6.5-mile stretch of the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail reopened. The section of trail, located in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness Area of Washington has been closed since last year when the Lemah Fire burned over 700 acres of land near Kachess Lake.
Officials with the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest had closed the trail to prevent erosion and keep hikers and horseback riders safe from the possibility of falling trees that may have been damaged in the fire. The closure also cut off access to one of the popular destinations along the trail in that area, Spectacle Lake.
For those backpacking in the area, or even thru-hikers on the PCT, detours were made available, though separate trails for horses and hikers were provided to keep the impact to a minimum. After the danger of fire was eradicated, National Forest wilderness rangers got to work rebuilding damaged bridges and removing trees that could post a hazard to hikers. Work has been completed and now that portion of the PCT is open for all to enjoy again.
-via Yakima Herald
