Before your weekend outing, check new Tahoe National Forest fire restrictions and the latest Yosemite access update. If you fish commercially in Maine, a new federal summer flounder landing closure also needs your attention.

Illustrative Yosemite Valley landscape from Tunnel View: NPS / C. Jacoby, National Park Service. This is not a photograph of the current Dome Fire. No claim to original U.S. Government works.

Fishing and Regulations

• Maine commercial summer flounder landings close October 13: NOAA Fisheries’ October 9 bulletin says Maine’s 2026 commercial summer flounder quota has been harvested. The federal closure takes effect at 0001 on October 13 and prohibits vessels from landing summer flounder in Maine for the rest of the 2026 fishing year, unless additional quota becomes available through a transfer announced in the Federal Register. Maine closed its state fishery on October 7. If you operate in this commercial fishery, check the notice before planning a landing; this bulletin does not announce a recreational closure. (NOAA Fisheries).

Wildfire and Fire Restrictions

• Tahoe National Forest issues Stage 1 restrictions: An order executed October 9 puts Stage 1 restrictions in effect from October 9 through November 30. Fires, campfires and stove fires are prohibited except in provided charcoal grills or fire rings at recreation sites specifically listed in Exhibit A. A California Campfire Permit alone does not exempt a wood fire. Permit holders may use qualifying gas, kerosene, jellied-petroleum or pressurized-liquid-fuel equipment with a shutoff valve at least three feet from flammable materials. Before you cook or light a fire, check your exact site and the order’s additional smoking and engine restrictions. (U.S. Forest Service).
• Yosemite Dome Fire reaches 61% containment: The National Park Service’s October 9 morning update reports 6,829 acres, 61% containment and 968 personnel assigned to the Dome Fire. Fire restrictions remain in effect below 8,000 feet in Yosemite National Park. Check the park’s current fire rules and access notices before choosing your campsite. (National Park Service).

As you review your trip checklist, browse our Camping collection. Always confirm that your planned equipment and cooking method are permitted at your destination.

Trail and Access Closures

• Glacier Point Road remains closed in Yosemite: The October 9 update keeps Glacier Point Road closed because of smoke-related visibility and firefighting operations, with reopening dependent on conditions. Four Mile and Panorama trails remain open to hikers. Alder Creek Trail is open north to Deer Camp Trailhead, and Chilnualna Falls Trail is open east from the trailhead to Chilnualna Fall and Crescent Lake. Buena Vista Trail and trails within the active fire footprint remain closed, including all south- and eastbound trails accessed from Glacier Point Road. Check the park’s closure map before setting out, rather than assuming an open trail means every connecting route is open. (National Park Service).

Once you have confirmed an open route, review your essentials in our Hiking collection before heading out.

Featured Gear: For your camping or hiking checklist, take a look at the Princeton Tec Apex LED Headlamp, Black/Grey. Review the product details to decide whether it fits your needs.

Stay up to date with the latest outdoor news every morning at lotzoutdoors.com. Shop gear for every adventure at shop.lotzoutdoors.com.