Spokane Reopened Camp Sekani After Upriver Fire
The park is accessible again following three months of restoration work to address fire-related damage.
Updated on Oct. 11, 2026 in Camping
Spokane officials have officially reopened Camp Sekani to the public after a three-month closure necessitated by the destructive Upriver fire. The blaze, which burned over 200 acres in June, led to the loss of 14 homes and the death of 83-year-old Marilyn Haugen.
Why it matters
The reopening follows significant safety efforts to restore the area after the devastating fire. Local residents can now access the trail system, which remained closed while crews mitigated hazardous conditions left by the intense urban wildfire.
The park was closed for three months following an urban wildfire that scorched over 200 acres and impacted the surrounding community. State and city teams worked to secure the area, while the reopening marks a return to public access for the site.
The players
Marilyn Haugen
An 83-year-old resident who died during the Upriver fire.
Spokane Parks and Recreation
The local government department responsible for managing public land and maintaining trail safety.
The details
Recovery efforts centered on removing downed, hazardous trees that threatened trail safety after the fire. Volunteers and city crews also focused on filling deep pits left by burned tree root systems to prevent tripping hazards. These mitigation steps were required to restore the trail system for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts after the site was deemed unsafe following the intense blaze.
Timeline
June 2026: The Upriver fire burned more than 200 acres in the area.
Late September 2026: Camp Sekani reopened to the public.
Health Landscape
This reopening occurs against the backdrop of four urban wildfires in Spokane this year, highlighting the increasing frequency of fire-related hazards in local recreational spaces. Management strategies are evolving to prioritize rapid environmental restoration to mitigate physical risks to public trail users.
While the trails are open, visitors should remain cautious of any remaining unstable ground or debris left by the fire. It is worth discussing with your doctor if you have respiratory concerns regarding air quality in fire-affected regions before heading outdoors.
The takeaway
The reopening of Camp Sekani represents a return to public access following the hazardous conditions created by the Upriver fire. Hikers should monitor local park updates regularly and be mindful of uneven terrain while the landscape continues its natural recovery.
Further reading
For more information on trail safety and local site status, visit the Camping section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Moscow-Pullman Daily News.
