Two fires burning within the Clackamas River Ranger District of Mt. Hood National Forest — the Austin Fire and the Mitchell Fire — are prompting closures and evacuation notices in the popular recreation corridor southeast of Portland. The Austin Fire has jumped the Clackamas River, complicating suppression efforts and triggering a Level 3 "Go Now" evacuation order for affected campgrounds and recreation areas.
Current Fire Status
The Austin Fire is burning in mixed fuels in the Clackamas River drainage, where the primary fuel types are timber litter, down logs, and dense understory vegetation. As of mid-August, the fire has consumed approximately 2,016 acres with 0% containment and 140 personnel assigned. After crossing the Clackamas River, the fire's spread potential increased significantly, as the natural barrier previously used to anchor suppression lines was compromised.
The Mitchell Fire is burning in an adjacent drainage. Together, the two fires have prompted a closure order on the Clackamas River Ranger District, with Forest Road 46 closed between Forest Road 63 and Forest Road 4660. Hideaway Lake, Shellrock, and Riverford Campgrounds have been evacuated and closed.
Evacuation Notices
Clackamas County has issued a Level 3 "Go Now" order for areas most directly threatened by the Austin Fire, primarily affecting campsite users and remote residential properties. Level 1 "Ready" notices have been issued for additional areas. Clackamas County residents can sign up for alerts at clackamas.us/clackcoalerts.
Public Access Restrictions
The Sinlahekin closure order covers a significant portion of the Clackamas River corridor — one of the most accessible wild areas for Portland-area outdoor enthusiasts. Hikers, anglers, and campers are urged to check the Mt. Hood National Forest website before heading to the area, as closure boundaries may shift as fire conditions change.
Firefighting Operations
Crews are focused on protecting structures and preventing the fire from spreading toward more densely populated areas to the west. Air attack resources have been deployed to slow spread on the most active flanks. Fire managers are watching weather forecasts closely, as warm, dry, and breezy conditions are expected to continue through mid-week.
Residents near the Clackamas River Ranger District can monitor the Mt. Hood National Forest fire alerts page for the most current closure and evacuation information.