Current PCT conditions in Oregon for the week of October 17, 2016.
With the current weather conditions impacting the PCT in Oregon, this will likely be the final weekly conditions update for the season. Winter conditions are now in effect for the next 6–7 months. Look for occasional updates and information on PCT: Oregon’s Facebook and Twitter channels. You can also subscribe to PCT: Oregon’s blog feed (see sidebar) for winter updates and hiking suggestions. Weekly conditions updates will return in spring 2017. Happy winter!
Weather
The big storm that slammed into the Pacific Northwest late last week continues to dump rain and snow across Oregon and Washington. Combined with high winds and thunderstorms, the PNW is experiencing an epic fall weather event, and what could be an early entry to winter conditions. Rain and snow are expected to continue through much of the week, with some possible clearing later in the week in the southern parts of the state. If you’re heading out onto the trail this week, be prepared for extreme, and possibly hazardous winter conditions. Stay safe.
Mt. Ashland: The week begins with mixed rain and snow showers; up to 5 inches of accumulation is possible. Skies begin clearing midweek to lead into a mostly sunny weekend. Daytime temps begin in the mid-30s and climb gradually to the mid-50s by Friday, then slip back to the mid-40s into the weekend. Overnight temps begin in the lower 30s and climb to the lower 40s into the weekend.
Sky Lakes: The week begins with snow showers; up to 8 inches of accumulation is possible. Skies begin clearing midweek to lead into a mostly sunny weekend. Daytime temps begin in the mid-30s and climb gradually to the mid-50s by Friday, then slip back to the mid-40s into the weekend. Overnight temps begin in the lower 30s and creep up to the upper 30s into the weekend.
Crater Lake: The week begins with snow showers; up to 18 inches of accumulation is possible. There’s a chance of showers midweek before skies begin clearing to lead into a mostly sunny weekend. Daytime temps begin in the lower 30s and climb gradually to the upper 40s by Friday, then slip back to the mid-40s into the weekend. Overnight temps begin in the upper 20s and climb to the upper 30s into the weekend.
Diamond Peak: The week begins with snow showers; up to 18 inches of accumulation is possible. There’s a chance of showers midweek before skies begin clearing to lead into a mostly sunny weekend. Daytime temps begin in the mid-30s and climb gradually to the mid-50s by Friday, then slip back to the mid-40s into the weekend. Overnight temps begin in the mid-20s and climb to the upper 30s into the weekend.
Three Sisters: The week begins with snow showers; up to 13 inches of accumulation is possible. Showers are likely midweek before skies begin clearing to lead into a partly sunny weekend with a chance of more showers. Daytime temps begin in the mid-30s and climb gradually to the mid-40s by Friday, then slip back to the lower 40s into the weekend. Overnight temps begin in the upper 20s and climb to the upper 30s into the weekend.
McKenzie Pass: The week begins with mixed rain and snow showers; up to 4 inches of accumulation is possible. Showers are likely midweek before skies begin clearing to lead into a partly sunny weekend with a chance of more showers. Daytime temps begin in the lower 40s and climb gradually to the lower 50s by Friday, then slip back to the upper 40s into the weekend. Overnight temps begin in the mid 30s and creep up to the upper 30s into the weekend.
Jefferson Park: The week begins windy with snow showers; up to 5 inches of accumulation is possible. Skies remain mostly cloudy into the weekend with showers likely midweek, and decreasing into the weekend. Daytime temps begin in the mid-30s and climb gradually to the mid-40s into the weekend. Overnight temps begin in the lower 30s and creep up to the upper 30s into the weekend.
Mount Hood: The week begins windy with snow showers; up to 9 inches of accumulation is possible. Skies remain mostly cloudy into the weekend with showers likely midweek, and decreasing into the weekend. Daytime temps begin in the lower 30s and climb gradually to the lower 40s into the weekend. Overnight temps begin in the mid-20s and creep up to the mid-30s into the weekend.
Cascade Locks: The week begins with rain showers likely through mid-week, then tapering off for a partly sunny weekend. Daytime temps begin in the mid-50s and and creep up to the upper 50s into the weekend. Overnight temps hover in the mid-40s through the week.
Weather conditions and forecasts are subject to change. Click on individual locations for detailed daily forecasts at NOAA.gov. Check for PCT: Oregon’s midweek updates on Twitter.
Water
With rain returning to the Cascades, small creeks and springs are beginning to get recharged. Most lakes and larger streams have remained reliable. As snow comes in, many smaller water sources will get buried. If you’re planning fall and winter snow hikes, there should soon be ample fresh white stuff for melting as needed.
For more detailed information on Oregon’s PCT water conditions, visit the PCT Water Report.
Trail/Road Closures
The current storm is dropping a good amount of snow in the mid and higher elevations along Oregon’s Cascade Crest. If you’re planning on fall and winter PCT outings, be sure you’re carrying your map and compass (or GPS) and are comfortable with route-finding in snowy conditions. Also beware of avalanche conditions after heavy snowfall.
• Crater Lake National Park – The north entrance road and Rim Drive have been temporarily closed due to the amount of snow from the current storm. The southern entrance road is still open, as is the Steel Visitor Center, Rim Village Cafe and Crater Lake Lodge. All park campgrounds have been closed for the season.
Wildfires
There are currently no wildfires or closures that affect the PCT in Oregon.
Critters!
Most animals are hunkering down in preparation for the winter season, and most bugs are gone. Continue to store food properly to discourage little critters from getting a free winter meal.
Hunting Season
Hunting season is still open in Oregon. The burned wilderness areas in Central Oregon (Mt. Washington, Mt. Jefferson) are popular during the High Cascade Hunt for the good visibility for hunters and the fresh shrubbery for deer. When hiking in these areas, it is advisable to wear bright colors to identify yourself as a hiker, and if hiking with a dog, keep it on leash. More info here.
Contributors
PCT: Oregon will be looking for Oregon hikers to help contribute trail condition information to this site for the summer 2017 hiking season. If you’re interested in helping out your fellow PCT hikers by sharing news and info on trail conditions in your area, please contact site admin here. Thank you!
The information on this page is collected from a variety of sources, including NOAA, PCTA, PCT Water and the U.S. Forest Service. For more information on PCT Conditions in Oregon CLICK HERE. This page will be updated on a weekly basis during the summer hiking season.