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.

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.

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.

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.

Wasco County has downgraded Level 1 and Level 2 evacuation notices as the 93,972-acre Grasshopper Fire remains 83% contained and crews prepare for substantial rain.

This Week The Gorge Giggin’ Guide is all about The Labor of Music - You’ve Worked Hard and Now We Get to Celebrate - Make Sure You Put The Guide to Work - So You Don’t Have to! Have Fun and Get Out There!

Containment of the 93,961-acre Grasshopper Fire has climbed from 76% to 83% as crews secure active areas and prepare for cooler, wetter weather.

The Grasshopper Fire remains at 76% containment and 93,886 acres as crews make progress in the southwest corner and forecasters eye possible rain by Wednesday.

Columbia Center for the Arts will open two exhibitions Friday, Sept. 4, that converge around identity, ecology, and the layered histories of the American West as well as the geological, cultural, and political story of the Columbia River. Both run through Oct. 30 and open with a First Friday reception from 5 to 7 p.m. at the center, located at 215 Cascade Ave.

For residents scattered across roughly 1,000 square miles of south Wasco County, getting to a doctor can mean a long drive. Deschutes Rim Health Clinic is working to make that trip a lot shorter.

Critically dry fuels, falling humidity and gusty winds are challenging crews on the 93,794-acre Grasshopper Fire, with worsening fire weather expected Wednesday.

The Summer is Flying by and The Gorge Giggin’ Guide is Keeping Your Music Schedule in Top Gear with Festivals, a Barge-a-Palooza, Summer Nights in the Park, special performances and benefit shows - and more - Have Fun and Get Out There!

Grasshopper Fire containment jumped from 49% to 61% Wednesday as crews secured more of the 92,408-acre blaze, with the southern perimeter now in patrol status and heat detections declining around homes.

Grasshopper Fire containment reached 49% Tuesday as crews reported major progress on the northeast flank, but winds gusting up to 30 mph could test eastern fire lines during Red Flag conditions.

This week The Gorge Giggin’ Guide is all about The Music, The Music, and More Music! All of Your Favorite Venues are on the Ball with Gigs catering to Everyone! Have Fun and Get Out There!

Containment on the 90,667-acre Grasshopper Fire jumped to 47% Monday as firefighters secured large portions of the northeastern perimeter, though warmer, drier and windier conditions could test lines Tuesday.

The Grasshopper Fire got me thinking about county fairs. Not necessarily about the rides, ribbons, or livestock shows, but about why county fairs matter in the first place.

The Grasshopper Fire grew to 86,974 acres Friday as crews expanded structure protection southeast of the active Tygh Creek headwaters flank, with National Guard personnel helping prepare homes around Shadybrook.

The Grasshopper Fire has destroyed at least six homes and 15 outbuildings as the 85,114-acre wildfire continues threatening communities along its eastern flank, officials reported Thursday.

A $2.3 million grant will help the Columbia Gorge Health Council expand community health worker training while strengthening connections between health care and underserved Gorge communities.