Current PCT conditions in Oregon for the week of October 3, 2016.
Weather
Fall is wasting no time showing its frosty face and changing colors across the Cascades in Oregon. Last week ended on a chilly note with temps plummeting and the mountains receiving a fresh blanket of powdery snow. Is winter already knocking? This week’s forecast suggests it is, with snow showers continuingย through most of the state in the beginning half of the week. By the weekend, the southern half of Oregon may see some sun, but the northern half looks to stay cold and wet. If you’re going to be on trail this week, use caution and be prepared.
Mt. Ashland:ย The week beginsย with mixed rain and snow showers;ย possible accumulation of up toย 3ย inches. By Thursday, skies clear for mixed sun and clouds. Daytime temps for the week begin in the mid-30s and will climb to the mid-50s into the weekend. Overnight temps begin in the mid-30s and will creepย up to the lower 40s into the weekend.
Sky Lakes: The week beginsย with mixed rain and snow showers; possible accumulation of up to 3ย inches. By Thursday, skies clear for mixed sun and clouds.ย Daytime temps for the week begin in theย mid-30s and will climb to the mid-50s into the weekend. Overnight temps begin in the mid-30s and will inchย up to the upper 30s into the weekend.
Crater Lake: The week beginsย with snow; possible accumulation of up to 14 inches. By Thursday, skies clear for mixed sun and clouds.ย Daytime temps for the week begin in the lowerย 30s and will climb to the lowerย 50s into the weekend. Overnight temps begin in the lowerย 30s and willย inchย up to theย upper 30s into the weekend.
Diamond Peak: The week beginsย with snow; possible accumulation of up to 14 inches. By Thursday, skies clear for mixed sun and clouds.ย Daytime temps for the week begin in the upperย 30s and will climb to the mid-50s into the weekend. Overnight temps begin in the lowerย 30s and willย inchย up to theย upper 30s into the weekend.
Three Sisters: The week beginsย with snow; possible accumulation of up to 15 inches. By Thursday, snow turns to clouds and occasional rain showers.ย Daytime temps for the week begin in theย upperย 30s and will creep up to the mid-40s into the weekend. Overnight temps begin in the mid-30s and willย inchย up to theย upper 30s into the weekend.
McKenzie Pass:ย The week looks to be mostly cloudy with rain likely early in the week, then occasional showers into the weekend.ย Daytime temps for the week begin in the mid-40s and willย creep up to the lower 50s into the weekend. Overnight temps hover in theย mid-30s through the week.
Jefferson Park: The week beginsย with snow and rain showers; accumulation is not expected. By Thursday, snow turns to mixed sun and clouds, with occasional rain showers.ย Daytime temps for the week begin in the lower 40s and will inchย up to the upperย 40s into the weekend. Overnight temps begin in theย mid-30s and willย inchย up to theย upper 30s into the weekend.
Mount Hood:ย The week beginsย with snow; possible accumulation of up to 18 inches. By Thursday, snow turns to clouds and occasional rain showers.ย Daytime temps for the week begin in the mid-30s and willย creep up to the lowerย 40s into the weekend. Overnight temps begin in the lowerย 30s and willย inchย up to the mid-30s into the weekend.
Cascade Locks: The week looks to be mostly cloudy with rain likely in the middle of the week, then occasional showers into the weekend.ย Daytime temps for the week begin in the upper 50s and willย creep up to the lower 60s into the weekend. Overnight temps begin in the mid-40s and willย inchย up to the upper 40s into the weekend.
Weather conditions and forecasts are subject to change. Click on individual locations for detailed daily forecasts at NOAA.gov.ย Check for PCT: Oregon’s midweek updates onย Twitter.
Water
As the PCT hiking season nears its end, water conditions reports have tapered off. However, 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’sย PCTย water conditions, visit theย PCT Water Report.
Obstructions
With winter weather already hitting the PCT through much of the state, encountering snow on trail is becoming more and more likely. Some sections of the PCT may see up to 18 inches of new snow this week, completely burying the trail. 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.
Section 6 (G): Timberline Lodge to Cascade Locks
- NOT RECOMMENDED: Eagle Creek Alternate Routeย – 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 onย Tish Creek.ย 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 inย Oregon.
Critters!
- Mosquitoes:ย The coast is clear.
- Bears:ย Bear may still be active fatteningย themselves up in preparation for their winter naps. Make sure you are keeping a clean camp and storing/hanging your food properly.
Hunting Season
Hunting season is now openย 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 advisableย to wear bright colors to identify yourself as a hiker, and if hiking with a dog, keep it on leash.ย More info here.
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 Oregonย CLICK HERE. This page will be updated on a weekly basis during the summer hiking season.