In a part of Oregon known more for its sweeping high desert beauty than wildfire headlines, the Ferry Fire has erupted into a full-blown blaze, scorching over 10,458 acres near Cottonwood Canyon State Park in Sherman and Gilliam counties. As of this morning, the fire is 65% contained, but not before rattling nerves, forcing evacuations, and temporarily closing one of the state’s most underrated outdoor gems.
\The fire, first reported earlier this week, ignited in steep, rugged terrain along the John Day River, a region defined by dry grasslands, sharp canyons, and endless sky. The blaze quickly exploded past 9,000 acres in just a few days, driven by gusty winds and high temperatures, before crews managed to slow its growth. Thankfully, no structures have been reported lost in the Ferry Fire, though its smoke and reach were felt across much of central and eastern Oregon.
Firefighters on the ground — supported by engine teams, dozers, and mop-up crews — have made significant progress in the last 48 hours. Containment has jumped to 65%, and the north and northwest lines are fully secured. According to Central Oregon Fire Info, today’s mission includes reinforcing those lines and continuing mop-up operations on the southern edge, where deep canyons make access more challenging.
Air support was staged on Saturday but ultimately wasn’t needed, a welcome sign that the fire’s behavior had calmed. Even better news: the fire perimeter around Cottonwood Canyon State Park is now fully secure, and mop-up is complete. The Bureau of Land Management has reopened the John Day River, which had previously been closed to recreation in the area.
How to Stay Informed (and Safe)
Officials have downgraded evacuation alerts, but residents are still urged to remain alert. Current alerts include Level 1 (Be Ready) zones around the fire’s perimeter.
To stay informed:
- Sign up for Sherman County Emergency Alerts
- Check ORAlert.gov for statewide notices
- Follow Sherman County Emergency Services on Facebook for the latest updates
While the exact cause of the fire is still under investigation, conditions in the region have been ripe for ignition: dry grass, low humidity, and gusting winds. Officials have repeatedly warned that even a single spark from machinery, vehicles, or an unattended campfire can trigger catastrophe in these landscapes. With fire danger rated as high across much of Oregon right now, the Ferry Fire serves as a loud seasonal wake-up call.
If you’ve ever driven the lonely, winding route to Cottonwood Canyon State Park, you know it’s a place where Oregon's wild spirit is on full display. The park sits along the John Day River corridor, surrounded by cliffs, grasslands, and trails that seem to stretch forever. It's a favorite for hikers, anglers, birders, and those looking to escape the noise — until this week, when helicopters, fire crews, and smoke replaced the usual chorus of river birds and the hum of wind in dry grass.
But this too shall pass.
As fire crews continue to battle the blaze and work toward full containment, officials are optimistic that the worst is over — at least for now. And when the smoke clears, as it always does in Oregon, we’ll be reminded once again that this land is both fragile and fiercely resilient
🗺️ If You’re Planning to Visit (Later)
Cottonwood Canyon State Park is located about:
- 30 miles southeast of Wasco, Oregon
- 2.5 hours east of Portland
- Roughly an hour from The Dalles
To get there:
Take Highway 206 from Wasco or Highway 19 from Condon. Be advised the final stretch to the park is narrow, winding, and sometimes unpaved — but the scenery makes every bump worthwhile.
🔥 Final Tip
This fire is a reminder that wildfire season is no longer a “maybe” in Oregon — it’s a guarantee. Whether you’re a weekend hiker, river runner, or just someone hitting the road for summer adventure, always check local fire restrictions and travel prepared.
Because sometimes, the only thing more powerful than fire is the way Oregonians rise from it.
