Evacuations, ski-area and Pacific Crest Trail closures as Mount Hood fires spread

Mt. Hood-area wildfire restrictions widened this week as the Grasshopper Fire pushed evacuation notices across parts of Hood River, Wasco and Clackamas counties and closed recreation access on the east side of Mount Hood. The U.S. Forest Service said a fire closure order took effect August 4 on the Barlow and Hood River ranger districts, covering lands, roads and trails in the closure area. The Pacific Crest Trail Association said Hood River County’s Level 2 warning overlaps sections of the trail near the fire, while Clackamas County issued a Level 1 alert for the Mount Hood corridor. Portland-area disruptions spread beyond the mountain on Wednesday, when KPTV reported wildfire smoke forced closures and cancellations across the metro area. ### Which fire is driving the Mount Hood closures? The Grasshopper Fire was reported at 7:41 p.m. on July 23 on the east side of Mt. Hood National Forest, about 3.5 miles west of Rock Creek Reservoir, according to the Forest Service. The agency said firefighters responded that evening and brought in additional crews and aircraft as the fire grew. July 26 brought what the Forest Service called a “very active fire day,” with winds gusting 25 to 30 mph and dry fuels producing spotting and crowning. (fs.usda.gov) The agency said the fire reached Badger Creek that afternoon and that Wasco County had Level 3 “Go Now” evacuation notices in effect. ### What exactly is closed around Mount Hood? The Forest Service said its expanded closure order became effective August 4 and can remain in place through December 31 unless updated or rescinded. (fs.usda.gov) The order bars the public from entering closed National Forest lands, roads and trails within the mapped fire area. The closure notice lists affected recreation sites including Tamanawas Falls Trailhead, Tamanawas Falls Trail, White River West Sno-Park, Polallie Campground, Polallie Trailhead, Badger Lake Campground, Rock Creek Reservoir day-use and campground areas, and several other campgrounds, trailheads and trails. (fs.usda.gov) The closure boundary includes an area tied to Oregon Highway 35 and Forest Road 48. ### Is the Pacific Crest Trail closed there or still open? (fs.usda.gov) The Pacific Crest Trail Association said in an update posted August 4 that the PCT remains open near the Grasshopper Fire, even though evacuation warnings overlap parts of the route. The group said hikers should expect conditions to change quickly and should check for updates regularly. Hood River County’s Level 2 “Be Set” warning overlaps sections of the PCT near the fire, according to the association. (fs.usda.gov) Clackamas County’s Level 1 “Be Ready” alert also covers the Mount Hood corridor from Rhododendron east through Government Camp and surrounding forest areas. ### What about Timberline Lodge and the ski areas? Travel Oregon said Mt. Hood Meadows is closed under a Level 3 evacuation notice issued August 4 and told visitors to stay away from the area and highways so fire personnel can work. (closures.pcta.org) The same state travel alert said nearby Timberline Lodge had temporarily closed its outside operations and directed visitors to check its conditions page for updates. Timberline Lodge’s conditions page remained the place the resort directed visitors for current operating information. (closures.pcta.org) Outside and other local coverage said the fire threatened the broader Mount Hood recreation zone, including access around Timberline and nearby resorts, as smoke and evacuation orders shifted. ### How far did the disruptions spread beyond the mountain? KPTV reported on August 6 that poor air quality from wildfire smoke forced closures and cancellations across the Portland area. (traveloregon.com) Separate Portland-area coverage described camps, community centers and events shutting down as smoke and heat worsened conditions. Oregon’s wildfire information site says residents should use county sheriff and emergency management updates for the latest evacuation information. (timberlinelodge.com) Mt. Hood visitors can also monitor the Forest Service alerts page and the Pacific Crest Trail closure page before traveling, because both agencies said conditions can change quickly. (wildfire.oregon.gov) (msn.com)