Grasshopper Fire Closure Shrinks as Popular Trails Reopen for Labor Day Weekend

Sep 4

Written By Columbia Community Connection

By Joshuah Albert

The Dalles, Ore., Sept. 4, 2026 — Popular recreation areas near Mount Hood are reopening ahead of Labor Day weekend as officials shrink the Grasshopper Fire closure, another sign that weeks of firefighting and recent cool, wet weather are bringing the nearly 94,000-acre wildfire under greater control.

The Mt. Hood National Forest reduced its Grasshopper Fire closure Thursday, citing increased containment and milder fire behavior.

The change reopens popular destinations including the Timberline Trail, Tamanawas Falls Trail and Rock Creek Campground and Day Use Area.

The Grasshopper Fire remains at 93,993 acres and 84% contained, unchanged from Thursday. The number of personnel assigned to the fire continues to decline, falling from 393 Thursday to 337 Friday.

Fire officials are asking Labor Day weekend travelers to use caution around the Mt. Hood Meadows Ski Area, which continues to serve as the main fire camp. Firefighters, support personnel and equipment remain active in the area.

Crews work to secure southwest corner

Lighter precipitation Thursday allowed firefighters to return to the ground and strengthen containment features in the Boulder Creek drainage.

Fire managers are working to make the southwest corner completely secure as the fire continues slowly backing downhill toward established containment features.

Crews also worked hot spots near the northwest fire line that persisted despite the recent cold and wet conditions.

Elsewhere, firefighters continued chipping, removing slash piles, repairing damage caused during suppression operations and mopping up remaining heat.

Cool, damp weather continues

Cool weather is expected to continue through the weekend, reducing the likelihood of a significant return of active fire behavior.

The National Weather Service forecast for about 6,000 feet near Mount Hood calls for a high near 48 degrees Friday with a 70% chance of showers and possible thunderstorms. Another round of showers and thunderstorms is possible Saturday, with a high near 51.

The unsettled weather could linger into Sunday before conditions gradually improve. Labor Day is expected to be mostly cloudy before becoming sunnier, with temperatures beginning a more noticeable climb Tuesday and Wednesday.

The cooler, wetter conditions follow several days of precipitation that helped firefighters increase containment and substantially reduce fire activity.