Crater Lake lifts Mazama Village Level 1 evacuation notice

Cooler temperatures and recent snow and rain have slowed fire activity on the Spruce Lake and Blanket Creek fires in Crater Lake National Park. As a result, the park lifted the Level 1 evacuation notice for Mazama Village on Friday afternoon. The Pacific Crest Trail from the North Entrance Road to the north boundary of the park also reopened.

Fire operations continue on both the Spruce Lake and Blanket Creek Fires, and visitors may encounter firefighters in the area. North Entrance Road and East Rim Drive are open for travel, weather permitting. At this time, West Rim Drive is only open from 4:00 PM Fridays through 9:00 PM Sundays. That portion of road is currently closed on weekdays to facilitate road construction.

The following trail closures due to the Spruce Lake and Blanket Creek Fires continue to be in effect until further notice:

· Pacific Crest Trail, from the park boundary to Highway 62 and from the intersection of Dutton Creek Trail north to the North Entrance Road

· Watchman Peak Trail

· Boundary Springs Trail

· All of Bald Crater Loop Trail

· Bert Creek Trail

· Lightning Springs Trail

· Union Peak Trail

· Stuart Falls Trail

· Pumice Flat Trail

The park continues to monitor this situation and will reopen these trails as soon as it is safe to do so. In many cases trails have been burned over by the fires and need to be evaluated before they can be reopened.

Fall is a beautiful time to enjoy Crater Lake National Park, officials said, and visitors are not at risk. All other trails in Crater Lake National Park remain open, as well as all park entrances, facilities and services. Annie Creek Restaurant and Gift Shop and the Cabins at Mazama Village are scheduled to close for the season on Monday. Crater Lake Lodge will remain open until Monday, October 16.

The Spruce Lake and Blanket Creek Fires were ignited by lightning in late July and are being managed as part of the East Zone of the High Cascades Complex. The fires are being managed with a full suppression strategy. More information on the fires is available at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5503/.