One of the problems with fires is that they’re unpredictable. Not being rude, just being honest- there is no way to tell. If I were you I’d have some back up plans ready just in case, different parks in different areas of the state (if possible). There are almost never fires out on the coast and that’s the Olympic National Park, and the Hoh Rainforest. The east side is more likely to have fires.

At least a handful of our recent wildfires have been cause by human negligence, and you never know when a gender reveal part will go wrong.

Totally unlikely in the Olympics, mildly likely in the Cascades, mildly likely around Rainier. Last year at that time, there was some smoke from wildfires in the much wider area affecting visibility for a few days. It wasn’t too bad though. I don’t think it’s worth worrying about at that time of year.

Probably a good idea to be wary, but we don’t see them much on the west side of the state just the smoke. If your planning rainier or any out along the coast. Your going to be fine, but if you deal with asthma plan accordingly because the smoke will mess you up.

Maybe

Not as common, though they do happen. However, isn't always fires IN the park that are a problem. Access to a park can be cut off because of brush fires near the highways or entrances, or because it's approaching the park. Really unpredictable.

Yes, they're are going to happen, you just don't know where. It's not everywhere but it's always somewhere.

You may be more likely to be impacted by campfire bans as you are by actual closures.

Definitely. Also don’t build a camp fire.

Unfortunately it’s a possibility. We have had worsening wildfire seasons and air quality in recent years. Wouldn’t say cancel your trip but maybe have some back up plans just in case? If the area you plan to visit has a wildfire or smoke issue, you could go to a different area, or spend time on the coast, or San Juan Islands instead, for some ideas.

they’re pretty random in the summer

Lived here, and fought wildfires here, for 34 years. As previously mentioned, it is very tough to predict what kind of season we'll have. Some years are busy, with state and federal attack resources maxed out, and other years, it's a relief to see a downturn in major incidents. My advice, to expand on other comments, is to come and plan to enjoy as many cool places as possible, but with alternative destinations at the ready. Listen to area news reports, but more importantly, talk to state and federal park volunteers and rangers about any concerns they have (and they can give you tips on the safety of alternative areas). And it should go without saying (but we have to say it anyway), practice safe and sensible precautions wherever you go. During most seasons, too much of the devastation is caused by people, exacerbated by climate change.

Hope to see you on the trails!

There may not be fires, but there may well be limitations on having a campfire if we’re really dry.

Yes.

Depends on where you visit. If you’re going to be hanging out in a city, I’d be more worried about smoke.

There will be wildfires (almost guaranteed) but you don't know exactly where. Less likely on the Olympic Peninsula than the Cascades. Be flexible and prepared to adjust your destination.

It’s a possibility but it’s hard to predict how wet will be April through June. Sometimes it’s raining during 4th of July, sometimes there’s a fire ban already in place.

It's rarely the fires themselves that prevent access--oftentimes they are burning in less accessible areas that affect a specific system of trails far from the frequently used trailheads. For example, last year the PCT was closed near the Canadian border. The bigger problem is smoke making the hiking unpleasant and obscuring the views. The smoke might be from local fires as it was last year, or from fires in Canada, Montana, etc--the effect can be the same. If there are smoke issues, there are smoke forecasts and predictions you can look at to see which areas are relatively clear.

A good general rule is to plan for the worst, but expect the best. Can't exactly predict when a wildfire is gonna break out, but you can do research and see what you'll need if that does happen. Thats the best way to approach it, imo.

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