Austin

Evacuation orders remain in effect along upper Clackamas River corridor

The Austin Fire is burning in Mount Hood National Forest across portions of Clackamas, Marion, and Wasco counties, centered near the Collawash River corridor and Cabin Creek. Over the last few days, crews have conducted burnout operations along indirect control lines and caught spot fires to secure the perimeter. Evacuation orders and extensive recreational closures remain in place across the upper Clackamas River area.

Evacuations and Closures

• Level 3 (Go Now!) evacuation orders remain in effect as of August 31 for the upper Clackamas River corridor, including Bagby Hot Springs, Lake Harriet, and campgrounds east of Carter Bridge.
• Oregon Highway 224 is closed east of Fish Creek and Carter Bridge, with travel prohibited on sections of Forest Roads 46, 57, 63, and 70, as of August 31.
• The U.S. Forest Service has closed all lands, trails, and roads across the Clackamas River Ranger District under Forest Order No. 06-06-05-26-14 through December 31, 2026, as of August 30.
• Timothy Lake and all affiliated campgrounds and boat launches are closed by Portland General Electric as of August 30 due to fire hazards and restricted egress.

Impact

Heavy wildfire smoke has produced unhealthy to very unhealthy air quality across Clackamas County communities—including Estacada, Canby, and Sandy—with smoke also pushing south into Lane County. Intermittent smoke impacts are expected across eastern Clackamas County through midweek, prompting health advisories for sensitive groups.

Conditions and Outlook

A significant pattern shift brings gusty west-southwest winds, sharp humidity recovery, and widespread rain starting Wednesday, with damp and cool weather lingering through late week. The incoming rain is expected to substantially moderate fire activity. Crews plan to continue securing indirect lines and addressing spot fires as the weather changes.

Cause and Context

The cause of the fire remains under investigation as of August 31, 2026. The fire has been burning in timber and brush within the Mount Hood National Forest since August 12, 2026.

Resources

• Clackamas County Evacuation Alerts
• Mt. Hood National Forest Alerts and Closures

Official updates current through September 1, 2026.