GRASSHOPPER

Forest closures shrink and rain calms activity while evacuation orders persist

The Grasshopper Fire is burning in timber and brush across Mt. Hood National Forest west of Wamic and Rocky Butte, backing slowly in the Boulder Creek drainage. Recent rainfall and cool weather have significantly subdued fire behavior across the perimeter, allowing crews to advance mop-up, fell hazard trees, and conduct suppression repair. While active fire spread has slowed, uncontained edges continue to require evacuation orders for nearby rural zones.

Evacuations and Closures

• Level 3 "Go Now" evacuation orders remain in effect as of September 4 for Wasco County zones BC, FC, FR 27, GH, JB, NF 27, and RB, as well as the Badger Creek area in Hood River County.
• Level 2 "Be Set" evacuation warnings remain active as of September 4 for Elk Mountain and Mill Creek Buttes in Hood River County.
• Level 1 "Be Ready" advisories remain in place as of September 4 for Cooper Spur North, Cooper Spur South, Gibson Prairie, and White River.
• An emergency evacuation shelter remains open at The Dalles Middle School in The Dalles as of September 4.
• The Mt. Hood National Forest reduced its area closure order on September 4, reopening the Timberline Trail, Tamanawas Falls Trail, Rock Creek Campground and Day Use Area, and Timothy Lake.
• A full campfire ban remains in effect across Mt. Hood National Forest as of September 4 due to deeply dried fuels.

Impact

Air quality has remained mostly clear in neighboring communities including Pine Hollow, aided by recent rain. Mt. Hood Meadows Ski Area continues to host incident operations, and motorists along Highway 35 are urged to use caution around emergency equipment and personnel.

Conditions and Outlook

Cool and overcast weather will continue through the weekend with periodic chances of light rain and light winds shifting from easterly to north-northwesterly, before warmer and drier conditions arrive early next week. Fire behavior is expected to remain subdued with creeping, smoldering, and isolated interior torching as crews focus on securing the northwest flank, mopping up near Boulder Creek, and completing suppression repair.

Cause and Context

The fire was ignited by lightning during storms in late July 2026. Firefighters continue priority protection of The Dalles Municipal Watershed along the incident's northwest perimeter.

Resources

• Grasshopper Fire InciWeb
• Wasco County Evacuation Map
• Mt. Hood National Forest Alerts and Closures
• AirNow Smoke and Fire Map

Official updates current through September 4, 2026.