PNW wildfire update: Current containment levels and where travel is affected

Wildfires continue to burn across the Pacific Northwest, resulting in closures of multiple highways, campgrounds, trails, and popular recreation areas.

In Oregon, fires are disrupting travel around Mount Hood, southern Oregon and the northeast corner of the state.

In Washington, new and ongoing closures are affecting recreation near Snoqualmie Pass, Lake Chelan and other parts of the Cascades.

Here’s what travelers should know.

How is the Grasshopper Fire affecting Mount Hood?

The Grasshopper Fire has burned more than 83,000 acres southeast of Mount Hood and was 20% contained Wednesday, according to fire officials.

The fire has destroyed at least six homes and 15 other structures.

Mt. Hood Meadows closed for the remainder of its summer season because of the fire. Campgrounds and other recreation areas in the area remain affected by evacuation orders and closures.

Oregon 35 has faced repeated closures as fire conditions change along the highway. Travelers should check current road conditions before driving between the Mount Hood area and Hood River.

Where are other major Oregon fires affecting travel?

In southern Oregon, the Wrights Spring Fire has burned about 52,500 acres and was 5% contained. Evacuations remain in effect in parts of Klamath County, and a large section of the Fremont-Winema National Forest is closed near the fire.

In northeast Oregon, the Hagen Fire has burned more than 49,000 acres and was 11% contained. Oregon 204 is closed between Weston and Elgin, and evacuation notices remain in place for parts of Umatilla and Union counties.

Where are Washington wildfires affecting recreation?

Wildfires are also limiting access to popular outdoor destinations across Washington.

Near Snoqualmie Pass, the Three Queens Fire has prompted a broad closure in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. The closure includes:

• Lake Kachess and Lake Cle Elum: Recreation areas around both lakes are closed.
• Campgrounds and trailheads: Multiple sites in the closure area are off limits.
• Pacific Crest Trail: The section between Snoqualmie Pass and Deception Pass is closed.

Farther north, fires are affecting recreation and travel in parts of Chelan and Okanogan counties.

Evacuation notices have been issued around the Little Giant Fire near Lake Chelan, and wildfire activity has also affected access near Tonasket and the Pasayten Wilderness.

Near the Idaho border, the Alpowa Fire was estimated at more than 1,400 acres as of Aug 13 and remained 0% contained. The fire is burning about 10 miles west of Clarkston near U.S. 12.

Washington officials have warned that wildfire danger remains elevated, particularly east of the Cascades, where dry vegetation and shifting winds can drive rapid fire growth.

Travelers heading into the Cascades or eastern Oregon and Washington should check highway, forest, campground and trail closures before leaving, since conditions can change quickly.