County closing Horse Lake, Burch Mountain roads around Fourth of July

WENATCHEE — Chelan County will temporarily close Horse Lake Road and Burch Mountain Road from July 1 through July 8 as part of an effort to reduce wildfire risk during the Independence Day holiday period.

The closure, coordinated by Chelan County, the Chelan County Fire Marshal's Office and local fire agencies, is intended to address elevated wildfire danger and concerns about illegal fireworks activity in the area. The roads are expected to reopen July 9 unless conditions warrant an extension.

While the roads will be closed to vehicle traffic, the Horse Lake Reserve trail system will remain open. Visitors may still access the trail network by walking along the closed roadway or connecting through other trails within the Wenatchee Foothills trail system.

The temporary closure follows a similar Fourth of July-period restriction implemented in 2025, when county officials closed the roads because of wildfire concerns during the holiday week.

Horse Lake Reserve, managed by the Chelan-Douglas Land Trust, is one of the region's most popular outdoor recreation destinations and sits adjacent to neighborhoods and natural areas that can be especially vulnerable to wildfire during the summer months.

“Protecting our community, natural areas and nearby neighborhoods is our top priority,” CDLT Stewardship Director Sam Jordan said in a statement. “We appreciate the public's understanding as local agencies take proactive steps to reduce wildfire risk during the holiday weekend.”

Although vehicle access will be restricted, hikers, runners and cyclists will still be able to reach portions of the reserve through the broader Wenatchee Foothills trail network. CDLT also encouraged recreationists to explore other public lands and trail systems throughout the valley during the closure period.

Fireworks, campfires and other ignition sources remain prohibited on all Chelan-Douglas Land Trust properties and City of Wenatchee foothill lands.

The annual closure is intended to reduce the likelihood of human-caused wildfires during one of the most fire-prone periods of the year, when dry conditions, increased recreation activity and illegal fireworks can elevate fire danger across the foothills surrounding Wenatchee.

Questions regarding the road closures may be directed to the Chelan County Fire Marshal's Office at (509) 667-6464.

Andrew Simpson: 509-433-7626 or andrew@ward.media