CARSON — The Indian Heaven Wilderness in the southern Gifford Pinchot National Forest is closed to the public because of an approximately 1,000-acre wildfire dubbed the East Crater fire, burning near East Crater, a small peak in the interior of Indian Heaven Wilderness
The U.S. Forest Service announced the closure Sunday. Also closed is a large area on the west and east sides of the wilderness.
Forest Service staff on Sunday evacuated the Pacific National Scenic Crest Trail and swept campgrounds in the area to get all visitors safely out of the area.
The closed area is bounded by Gifford Pinchot roads Nos. 30, 24, 60, 6020 and 6030.
Indian Heaven is a large plateau full of meadows, small lakes, sub-alpine timber and huckleberries. It is laced with trails and a well-used summer hiking area due to the gentleness of the terrain.
The Pacific Crest trail is closed from Crest camp on road No. 60 north to Surprise Lakes trailhead on road No. 24. Goose Lake campground is open.
