Current PCT conditions in Oregon for the week of Sept. 11, 2016.
Weather
This week, Oregon is getting a lease on summer with clear and sunny conditions for the upcoming week. Daytime temps along the PCT will be generally mild and comfortable, however overnights will dip down to near-freezing in most upper elevations.
Mt. Ashland: Sunny! There may be smokey, hazy skies due to the nearby Gap Fire, depending on wind direction. The week begins with daytime highs in the upper 50s, climbing to the upper 60s into next weekend. Overnight lows begin in the lower 40s, then rise slightly into the upper 40s into next weekend.
Sky Lakes: Sun and clear skies! The week begins with daytime highs in the upper 50s, climbing to the lower 70s into next weekend. Overnight lows begin chilly in the upper 30s, then rise into the upper 40s into next weekend.
Crater Lake: Sun and clear skies! The week begins with daytime highs in the mid-50s, climbing to the mid-60s into next weekend. Overnight lows begin cold in the mid-30s, then rise into the upper 40s into next weekend.
Diamond Peak: Sun and partly cloudy skies! The week begins with daytime highs in the lower 60s, climbing to the upper 60s into nexte weekend. Overnight lows begin cold in the mid-30s, then rise into the mid-40s into next weekend.
Three Sisters: Sun and partly cloudy skies! The week begins with daytime highs in the upper 40s, climbing to the mid-60s into next weekend. Overnight lows begin cold in the mid-30s, then rise into the mid-40s into next weekend.
McKenzie Pass: Sun and mostly clear skies! The week begins with daytime highs in the mid-50s, climbing to the lower 70s into next weekend. Overnight lows stay cold through the week, beginning in the lower 30s, then rise slightly into the upper 30s into next weekend.
Jefferson Park: Sun and mostly clear skies! The week begins with daytime highs in the lower 50s, climbing to the mid-60s into next weekend. Overnight lows begin chilly in the upper 30s, then rise into the mid-40s into next weekend.
Mount Hood: Sun and mostly clear skies! The week begins with daytime highs in the mid-40s, climbing to the lower 60s into next weekend. Overnight lows begin chilly in the mid-30s, then rise into the mid-40s into next weekend.
Cascade Locks: Sun! The week begins with daytime highs in the upper 60s, climbing to the upper 70s into next weekend. Overnight lows begin in the mid-40s, then rise into the mid-50s into next weekend.
Weather conditions and forecasts are subject to change. Click on individual locations for detailed daily forecasts at NOAA.gov.
Water
Recent reports indicate that most major water sources (e.g. larger creeks, streams and lakes) are still reliable for clean water.
Water Alerts:
Section 2 (B): Fish Lake to Cascade Crest
- Honeymoon Creek (Sky Lakes Wilderness): muddy and stagnant
- Jack Spring (Sky Lakes Wilderness): dry
Section 3 (C): Cascade Crest to Willamette Pass
- Six Horse Spring (Mt. Thielsen Wilderness): upper pools stagnant; proceed to lower cascade
Section 4 (E): Willamette Pass to Santiam Pass
- Washington Ponds (Mt. Washington Wilderness): stagnant; not recommended
Section 5 (F): Santiam Pass to Timberline Lodge
- Jude Lake (Warm Springs Reservation): becoming stagnant
- Lemiti Creek (Warm Springs Reservation): stagnant; not recommended
Section 6 (G): Timberline Lodge to Cascade Locks
- Indian Spring: questionable
- Teakettle Spring: questionable
For more detailed information on Oregon’s PCT water conditions, visit the PCT Water Report.
Obstructions
Sections 4/5 (F): Santiam Pass Trailhead
- CLOSED: OR 20 – Highway 20 is closed about 25 miles east of Sweet Home to tend to an active landslide. For approaching the PCT at Santiam Pass from the west side (from the Salem/Albany areas) plan to use OR 22 instead. The closure is estimated to last through September.
Section 6 (G): Timberline Lodge to Cascade Locks
- NOT RECOMMENDED: Eagle Creek Alternate Route – Despite what other sources may report, the Forest Service is requesting that thru-hikers stick to the official PCT from Wahtum Lake to Cascade Locks and not use the alternate Eagle Creek Trail due to the bridge washout on Tish Creek. In addition to the crossing being unsafe, officials are noticing that hikers ignoring this recommendation are beginning to have a negative impact on the creek’s watershed due to trampling and stream damage. Please be considerate of this recommendation.
Wildfires
There are currently no wildfires or closures that affect the PCT in Oregon.
Gap Fire (Northern California): This large fire in the Seiad Valley, south of the California–Oregon border, continues burning within its containment lines. The fire has grown to more than 32,000 acres, but is currently 85% contained and mop-up operations are in play. The PCT remains closed between Hwy 96 and the northern fire boundary, which is currently still south of Donomore Pass. The closure is not impacting access to the PCT at the pass/border from the Medford/Ashland areas, and is still accessible. Depending on wind direction, air quality in the area may be diminished due to smoke and drifting ash. More info at InciWeb.
Critters!
- Mosquitoes: You may find a few outliers in moist and shady areas, but otherwise the coast is clear.
- Bears: Bear activity typically increases in late summer/early fall as the furry critters are gorging themselves in preparation for their winter naps. Make sure you are keeping a clean camp and storing/hanging your food properly.
Hunting Season
Hunting season has begun 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.
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.