Local News

Pearrygin Lake State Park reopens Thursday

Aug 01, 2014

The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission reopened Pearrygin Lake State Park Thursday, July 31, for camping and day use. The park, located near Winthrop off Highway 20, has been closed since July 18 because wildfires in the area caused power outages to the park.

Power is now restored, and the water is clean and safe. The wildfire has not burned into the park.

State Parks wants to let the public know of some significant activities going on above the park in both the Pearrygin and Bear Creek drainages:

Helicopters will be dipping water from east end of the lake during daylight hours to help fight the Carlton Complex wildfire. The helicopters will be flying directly over the east campground. State Parks asks boaters to recreate in the area west of the East Boat Launch and to stay clear of the air operations.

Fire crews are using the East Boat Launch to fill water tanks for frontline use and using the main road into the park. Visitors should watch out for heavy truck traffic, drive slowly and proceed with caution, especially on the hill. The boat launch is set up to accommodate both the water truck and the public. Swimming is not allowed at the launch.

Campers may use pressurized gas and propane stoves and lanterns. Campfires are currently prohibited in all areas of the park as are candles, tiki torches or other open flames. Also, smoking is not allowed on trails or other areas outside of the irrigated parts of the park. State Parks asks visitors to not drive vehicles off roadways and to not park along the roads.

Most of the campsites are already reserved.

Alta Lake State Park

Alta Lake remains closed due to damage sustained when the wildfire swept through the area on July 17. Parts of the park—the south beach loop campsites—were not damaged by the fire, and State Parks staff are working to reopen this area and the boat launch in early August. Reopening the park depends largely on when power will be restored.

Campfire restrictions in state parks

Because of the dry conditions, many parks in Central and Eastern Washington have restrictions on the use of wood campfires and other open flames. State Parks staff assess each park to determine if campfires are safe. Because conditions can change, the public should check an individual parks’ status on the State Parks website at www.parks.wa.gov.