While eastern Oregon dominates the headline acreage numbers for 2026, two significant fires on the Mt. Hood National Forest in western Oregon are keeping crews busy this week as the season transitions into its mop-up phase.

Austin Fire: Burning Southeast of Estacada

The Austin Fire is burning approximately 25 miles southeast of Estacada on the Mt. Hood National Forest, in a mix of brush, timber, and closed timber litter. The fire is managed by the U.S. Forest Service and has required active suppression to protect both forest resources and nearby private lands.

Estacada, a small community in Clackamas County at the edge of the Mount Hood National Forest, has a history of exposure to wildfire risk along its eastern flank. Residents in the area are urged to maintain their emergency preparedness plans and stay connected to Clackamas County alert systems.

The terrain southeast of Estacada is deeply dissected with steep drainages, making aerial support critical to suppression operations. Fire managers report that crews are making progress, though rugged terrain continues to limit the speed of fireline construction.

Grasshopper Fire: 93,972 Acres Near Dufur

The Grasshopper Fire, burning in brush, hardwood litter, and closed timber approximately 14 miles southwest of Dufur in Wasco County, has grown to approximately 93,972 acres — making it one of the largest fires in the Mt. Hood National Forest's recorded history. The fire is currently in mop-up operations after its perimeter was established through the late summer months.

Dufur is a small agricultural community on the eastern slopes of the Cascades, and the Grasshopper Fire sent smoke across the Columbia River Gorge into the Portland-Vancouver metro area on multiple occasions this summer. The fire's smoke plumes affected air quality as far west as the Willamette Valley during peak burning periods.

Closures and Recreation Impacts

Both fires have resulted in closures of popular recreational areas on the Mt. Hood National Forest. Affected areas include:

  • Portions of the Timothy Lake area and surrounding trails (Austin Fire area)
  • Several forest roads and OHV routes in the upper Badger Creek watershed
  • Sections of the Wasco County trail system south of Dufur (Grasshopper area)

Recreationists are strongly advised to check the Mt. Hood National Forest website or call the ranger district offices before planning trips in these areas. Hazardous conditions including hazard trees, unstable slopes, and smoldering hot spots will persist long after containment is achieved.

Looking Ahead

With the Cascades receiving their first hints of fall precipitation, fire behavior on both incidents has moderated. Full mop-up and final containment are expected within the next two to three weeks. Post-fire BAER (Burned Area Emergency Response) teams are being assembled to assess watershed impacts ahead of the first significant fall rainfall events, which could generate debris flows and flash flooding in steep burn-scar drainages.