Saturday, August 1, 2026
Last night the Flag Point Lookout burned in the Grasshopper Fire, a lightning-caused fire that was spotted east of Grasshopper Point on July 23. Crews worked hard to protect it, but the fire was fierce and the forest is so dry. You can see coverage from OregonLive and the Statesman Journal. The lookout was staffed in the summer (the person staffing it was safely evacuated) and was available to rent in the winter. The 41′ tower was built in 1973.
The Mt. Hood National Forest posted this on Facebook:
Fire officials have confirmed that the Flag Point Fire Lookout was destroyed by the Grasshopper Fire last night.
Flag Point has long been an important part of the Mt. Hood National Forest and holds a special place for many members of the surrounding communities. While the first lookout at this site was installed in 1924, the current Flag Point Lookout was constructed in 1973. It continued to be staffed every summer as part of the network of lookouts, forest staff patrol, cameras, and other remote sensing technology to detect wildfires on Mt. Hood.
In the preceding days, firefighters made an extensive effort to prepare the lookout. Over three days, crews cleared surrounding vegetation, removed trees where possible, and utilized fire retardant around the structure to improve its chances of surviving the approaching fire. Firefighters remained engaged in structure protection operations as long as conditions allowed.
Fire behavior, dense smoke and hazardous conditions ultimately made it unsafe to continue direct protection efforts. Firefighter and public safety remain the highest priority on every incident. The dedication and efforts of the firefighters who worked to protect it reflect the commitment to safeguarding lives and the surrounding communities.
Firefighters remain fully engaged in suppressing the Grasshopper Fire, protecting nearby communities and critical infrastructure. The public is reminded to observe all forest closures and fire restrictions to help reduce the risk of additional wildfires.