Grasshopper Fire Reaches 98% Containment on Mt. Hood National Forest, But Closures Remain

The Grasshopper Fire, which burned through tens of thousands of acres of the Mt. Hood National Forest during the summer of 2026, has reached 98% containment, officials reported on October 8. Spanning 93,972 acres in Hood River and Wasco counties east of Mt. Hood, the lightning-caused fire became one of Oregon’s most significant incidents of the season.

Current Status

Though nearly contained, the fire continues to burn within its established perimeter. The U.S. Forest Service has kept forest closures in place across affected portions of Hood River and Wasco counties. The closure order was last updated October 1, 2026, and remains in effect to protect both forest users and firefighting personnel conducting mop-up operations.

“This fire is 98% contained, but continues to burn in the Mt. Hood National Forest,” officials noted in an October 8 update. Visitors and recreationists are advised to check current advisories before entering the area, as road and trail closures remain in effect throughout the burn area.

A Difficult Season on the Mountain

The Grasshopper Fire ignited during an exceptionally dry summer in the Columbia River Gorge and eastern Mt. Hood region. At its peak, the fire experienced multiple rapid spread events driven by strong, erratic winds. During a particularly active stretch in August, containment dropped sharply as wind-driven growth pushed the perimeter northeast and added thousands of acres in a single day, growing the fire beyond 77,000 acres.

At its most intense, the fire prompted Level 3 “Go Now!” evacuation orders for portions of Hood River and Wasco counties. Thousands of residents and tourists were affected, and evacuation centers were opened across the region. Evacuation levels have since been reduced, but some areas remain at lower-level advisories.

The Austin Fire

The adjacent Austin Fire, also burning on the Mt. Hood National Forest, added 12,888 acres to the regional fire impact this season. Like the Grasshopper Fire, the Austin Fire is in late-stage suppression and recovery operations. Both fires together scorched more than 106,000 acres of federal forest lands east of Mt. Hood, an area that will require significant post-fire rehabilitation work.

Post-Fire Concerns

With the fall rain season approaching, post-fire watershed impacts are a growing concern. Burn scar areas lose the vegetative cover and root systems that hold soil in place, making them highly susceptible to debris flows and flooding during heavy rain events. The Forest Service and local watershed councils are coordinating on emergency stabilization measures, including seeding of erosion-prone slopes and installation of debris basins on key drainages.

Anglers, hikers, and outdoor recreationists should note that several streams flowing through the burn area may see elevated turbidity and debris transport this fall and winter. Water utilities drawing from affected watersheds are monitoring water quality closely.

Resources and Recovery