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BLM ends fire closure in the White Mountains National Recreation Area

Summer access restored to popular trails, cabins and shelters
Alaska
Fairbanks DO
Media Contact
BLM Office:
Eastern Interior Field Office
The line of the Summit Trail boardwalk runs across the photo of the area burned by the Obrien Fire.
The Obrien Fire (#172) burned over the Summit Trail, damaging parts of the boardwalk.

FAIRBANKS, Alaska – Due to reduced wildland fire activity associated with the Obrien Fire (#172), the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Eastern Interior Field Office issued a fire order to end the emergency closure for the White Mountains National Recreation Area north of Fairbanks, Alaska. The fire closure will end August 15 at 12:01 a.m., lifting the closure on Summit, Wickersham Creek, and Moose Creek trails and opening public use cabins and shelters.

Until the fire closure ends, parts of the western White Mountains will remain closed to the public. See the attached map file of fire closure AK020-25-007.

BLM trails closed until Aug. 15:

  • Wickersham Creek Trail (north of junction with Trail Creek Trail)
  • Moose Creek Trail (near junction with the Trail Creek Trail)
  • Summit Trail (north of Wickersham Dome)

BLM public use cabins and shelters closed until Aug. 15:

  • Eleazar’s Cabin
  • Yeager’s Cabin
  • Summit Trail Shelter
  • Wickersham Creek Trail Shelter

Cooler, wet weather has helped reduce fire activity, but visitors should remain alert as fires are still active nearby and Alaska remains in fire season.

Visitors should use caution if traveling through burned areas and should avoid areas where you see burning or smoldering. The Obrien Fire burned nearly two miles of the Summit Trail, including sections of boardwalk. See the attached map file for the location of 2025 fires. Hazards encountered along trails may include damaged boardwalk, blowdown across trails, falling trees, and ash pits – holes in the ground filled with ash, possibly containing hot embers beneath.

Visitors should stay informed on fire activity and other fires at akfireinfo.com. For current BLM fire closure or fire prevention orders, check out the BLM Alaska fire restrictions webpage.

To start planning your visit go to the White Mountains National Recreation Area webpage and download the free digital summer recreation map for the White Mountains. Public use cabin reservations are available through recreation.gov.

-BLM-

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The BLM manages about 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.