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Wildfire Erupts Near Rowena Crest, Level 3 Evacuations Ordered

Tyler James
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ROWENA, Ore. — A fast-moving wildfire erupted Wednesday afternoon near the iconic Rowena Crest viewpoint in the Columbia River Gorge, forcing urgent Level 3 “Go Now” evacuations in the area.

The Wasco County Sheriff’s Office reported the fire shortly after 1:30 p.m., burning dangerously close to the Tom McCall Preserve and Mayer State Park. With smoke blanketing the region, Interstate 84 has been shut down in both directions from Hood River to The Dalles, according to the Oregon Department of Transportation.

Visibility is extremely poor, and there’s currently no estimate for when the highway will reopen.

An emergency evacuation map shows a Level 3 zone stretching along Highway 30 and Rowena Ferry Road, stopping just short of The Dalles. Evacuation shelters have been set up at The Dalles Middle School and the Gloria Center for anyone in need.

Meanwhile, across the river, another fire has closed State Route 14 near Carson, Washington—essentially blocking traffic through the heart of the Columbia Gorge in both states.

Officials are urging drivers to steer clear of the area and use Highway 20 to Highway 26 as an alternate route. ODOT’s TripCheck website is being updated frequently with the latest closure info.

Fire danger remains high across much of central Oregon and Washington due to strong winds and critically low humidity. The Storm Prediction Center has flagged the Columbia Gorge as an area of elevated risk through at least the next day.

If you’re near the Gorge today, stay alert, follow local evacuation notices, and avoid travel through affected areas unless absolutely necessary. And as always, if you have photos or updates to share with the community, we’d love to see them. Stay safe out there, Oregon.

Written By Tyler James

Tyler James was born in Oregon and founded That Oregon Life in 2013 after finding peace and a renewed sense of purpose in the state’s forests, mountains, and coastline. What started as a personal connection to the outdoors became a way to help others discover new places, support local businesses, and appreciate Oregon’s quirks. He writes about local history, outdoor adventures, good food, and the occasional bit of satire, or whatever catches his attention before the coffee wears off.

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