Summer is nearing an end, and it’s time to get that epic last-minute hike in before the rain and snow descends on the mountains. With so many amazing hikes close to Seattle it’s hard to know where to start. 

But here’s the problem: The end of summer in our region often coincides with prime wildfire season, meaning large fires, smoke, and road closure can make it hard to know where to safely and easily go hiking. Just last weekend, wildfires were burning near Leavenworth. 

You can avoid these problems by consulting one of the many online interactive maps that detail the location of wildfires. Fire.arinow.gov is a great place to start, providing an overview of where fires are, their exact size and containment level, and the AQI, or Air Quality Index rating.

For an up-to-date list of wildfires, closures, and restrictions, check out northwestportal.com/fires.

You can also download the Outdoors NW app for an interactive way to view fire locations at your fingertips: Web | Android | Apple.

A safe bet for finding information about road closures is on the Washington Department of Transportation’s real-time map. Look for the black exclamation mark icon to find closures. You can also download the WSDOT app for easy access: Android | Apple. And don’t forget to follow their account on X for regular updates.

It can feel overwhelming to figure out where a safe, smokeless, and perhaps less crowded place for a hike is this time of year. Instead of picking a specific hike, start by ruling out exact areas, away from fires and smoke, and then backtrack to find a hike that suits you. Breathe easy, and just check where fires are before you choose your next hike.