The Grasshopper Fire is now 93% contained as crews return to steep terrain in Boulder Creek and continue repairs across the 93,990-acre burn area.

From ranchers racing toward the flames to families evacuating through smoke, the Grasshopper Fire is changing how Wasco County residents prepare for wildfire — and what they believe it takes to protect their homes and communities.

The Dalles Public Works Department will begin cleaning stormwater catch basins across the city Tuesday, Sept. 8, with work expected to continue through Friday, Oct. 2.

Don’t forget your appetite — and your steak knife. The Dalles Kiwanis’ 70th annual Steak Feed returns Thursday, Sept. 10, from 5-7 p.m. at Sorosis Park, raising money for local youth programs and scholarships.

As a precaution, the City will implement a Stage 1 Water Restriction Advisory beginning September 8, 2026, the day after Labor Day. Customers are asked to voluntarily reduce water use to help extend the City’s surface water supply until fall rains return, which is anticipated in mid-October.

Woofstock 2026 brings live music, dinner and auctions to Hood River on Sept. 18, raising money to give Gorge shelter animals another chance at home.

This Week The Gorge Giggin’ Guide is 100% Contained with Gigs! Cooler Weather is in the Air and that means Festivals and More Special events are on Your Calendar. Get Out and Thank all the Hard Working Musicians for bringing in a Great Lineup! Have Fun and Get Out There!

Black Thumb goes Green: A failed Tygh Valley garden led Hilary Jensen to the Master Gardeners — and ultimately her dream job helping Wasco County communities grow stronger, more resilient and deeply rooted.

Dufur’s Josiah Dean is betting voter frustration, a bruised incumbent and more than 20,000 unaffiliated voters can turn his long-shot challenge to 13-term Rep. Greg Smith into a real fight.

The Grasshopper Fire has reached 91% containment as soaking rain slows fire activity, though muddy roads and unstable terrain are creating new hazards for crews.

The Dalles Public Library has a full slate of activities during the second week of September, ranging from anime and chess to Pilates, clogging, family science and a virtual conversation with Pulitzer Prize-winning author Daniel Kraus.

Popular trails and recreation areas are reopening as the 93,993-acre Grasshopper Fire holds at 84% containment amid cooler weather and milder fire behavior.

Hood River welcomes the peak of harvest season with two signature waterfront celebrations on back-to-back October weekends. The second annual Hood River Orchard & Ale Festival and the 44th annual Hood River Valley Harvest Festival bring together the flavors, makers, and scenery that define fall in the Columbia River Gorge.

Columbia Gorge Food Bank invites the community to support its annual Empty Bowls Benefit, a beloved evening dedicated to raising critical funds to help end hunger across the Columbia Gorge.

Rain has calmed the 93,993-acre Grasshopper Fire and helped crews reach 84% containment, though slick roads, falling rocks and weakened trees pose new hazards.

From 1,800 firefighters to showers, kitchens, medics and mobile bunkhouses, the Grasshopper Fire camp operates like a small city — one built to move overnight.

Since 1988, Community Health Workers (CHWs) have been showing up in the Mid-Columbia Gorge for their neighbors in orchards, exam rooms, at kitchen tables, community events, and wherever people needed a helping hand.

If approved, Wasco County’s endowment could eventually generate millions of dollars annually for infrastructure, essential services and community investments — without raising taxes or spending the fund’s principal.

Tattooing was once the realm of sailors, bikers and “pirates.” For Jacob Hanks, it became a family calling — and a way to turn memories, insecurities and ideas into art, confidence and powerful personal expression.

Rain and cooler temperatures are helping tame the 93,972-acre Grasshopper Fire, but gusty winds, weakened trees and muddy roads could create new hazards for crews.