Forest Closure Order Revised for SQF Complex Fire; Includes Monache Meadows
Sierra REc Magazine – Public Notice – Fire Update Sept 4, 2020 –
The Inyo National Forest has revised the forest closure order due to the SQF Complex (Castle Fire and Shotgun Fire) for firefighter and public safety. This encompasses additional areas of the Golden Trout Wilderness and now includes Monache Meadows (outside of the wilderness). Monache Meadows is a popular Off Highway Vehicle (OHV) destination.
In addition, the Sequoia National Forest has closures for the SQF Complex under their administration.
The Inyo’s closure follows trail networks from Siberian Pass at the northern boundary with Sequoia National Park, remains west of Big Whitney Meadow, Ramshaw Meadow, Hessian Meadow, and Cow Canyon at the southern boundary with Sequoia National Forest. Please see the map for better detail.
For now, the north eastern part of the Golden Trout Wilderness on the Inyo remains open, which keeps the Pacific Crest Trail and trails at Cottonwood Pass, Trail Pass, and Cottonwood Lakes open as long as those itineraries avoid the closure areas on the Inyo and the Sequoia National Forest (as a rule itineraries heading north from these trails).
If you are considering hiking or backpacking into the South Sierra Wilderness, the Golden Trout Wilderness, or southern parts of the John Muir Wilderness from the Inyo National Forest, understand that there is uncontained wildfire and substantial smoke in the area. Other alternatives are highly advised.
The SQF Complex Fire started by lightning and is currently 46,328 acres and 1% contained.