The Grasshopper Fire burning in and around the Badger Creek Wilderness on the Mt. Hood National Forest has grown to more than 86,000 acres, making it one of the largest fires in Oregon this season and the state's current highest-priority incident. As of August 12, Level 1, 2, and 3 evacuation orders are in place across large portions of Wasco, Clackamas, and Hood River counties.

From Wilderness Fire to Regional Emergency

The Grasshopper Fire ignited in a lightning strike and initially burned in the remote Badger Creek Wilderness east of Mount Hood. Fueled by drought-cured vegetation and driven by erratic winds, the fire grew rapidly, jumping from roughly 34,659 acres at 19 percent containment in early August to more than 86,000 acres as crews struggled to establish durable containment lines.

More than 1,320 personnel are currently assigned to the fire, with multiple crews working around the clock to protect the Highway 35 corridor — a key transportation route on the east side of Mount Hood that connects Hood River to communities in Wasco County. Fire managers say the highway corridor and adjacent structures are among the top priorities for resource deployment.

Evacuation Zones: Know Your Level

The Wasco County Sheriff's Office, Clackamas County Sheriff's Office, and Hood River County Sheriff's Office have jointly issued evacuation orders covering broad areas east and southeast of Mount Hood:

  • Level 3 — GO NOW: Immediate threat to life. Leave immediately by the safest available route. Do not wait.
  • Level 2 — BE SET: Be prepared to leave at a moment's notice. Have your go-kit packed and be ready to leave immediately upon notice.
  • Level 1 — BE READY: Be aware of the danger. Be ready to evacuate if conditions change.

Residents and visitors should check the latest evacuation maps issued by each county's sheriff's office, as zone boundaries have shifted multiple times as the fire has grown. The Mt. Hood National Forest has a forest closure order in place — anyone traveling through the area should check current closure boundaries on the forest website or InciWeb before entering.

Recreation Closures and Community Impacts

Mt. Hood Meadows ski resort, despite being outside the immediate fire perimeter, has been operating under go-now evacuation orders at various points this summer, with resort staff stockpiling water containers, deploying fire pumps, and preparing lifts to run if needed for cable protection. Smoke from the fire has periodically forced resort closures and impacted air quality throughout the Hood River Valley and Columbia Gorge.

Containment Outlook

Firefighters had achieved roughly 20 percent containment as of the most recent update. Continued thunderstorm chances in the forecast add uncertainty to containment efforts — the same outflow winds that can exceed 40 mph from nearby storm cells present the most significant short-term threat to existing fire lines. Cooler overnight temperatures and modest humidity recovery have been helping crews consolidate gains, but any significant wind event could reverse days of progress. Fire managers urge residents in all evacuation zones to remain ready to leave on short notice.