Looking toward UO Campus, downtown Eugene and Coastal Range along the Willamette River

: Dominick Barbero

Travel Alerts & Advisories

Updated: August 5, 2024

Oregon Wildfire Information

The Willamette National Forest Alerts page is the best resource to check before your trip for the most up-to-date information on wildfire alert levels and current restrictions affecting the Willamette National Forest.

For information on active wildfires in the State of Oregon and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands please visit the Oregon Department of Forestry fire restrictions and closures.

We recommend always checking official resources for the latest information on active wildfires, smoke and restrictions before heading out into Oregon's outdoors:

Current Air Quality in Lane County
Travel Oregon
Northwest Interagency Coordination Center
Forest Service: fire danger levels
Oregon Department of Forestry
Oregon Smoke Information
TripCheck road & weather updates from the Oregon Department of Transportation

Be Prepared & Know What to Do

We care about the safety and well being of our residents and visitors. During an emergency, conditions and information may change rapidly. Please sign up for emergency alerts with Lane County's emergency response agencies. This service addresses severe weather, fire, flooding, hazardous materials, evacuations, civil danger and missing persons.

Lane County's resources for how to prepare and what to do in an emergency.

Road Conditions

No matter the season, we want to make sure you travel safely and have a great time while you're here. Before you head out to the Oregon Coast or into the Cascade Mountains, we encourage you to Know Before You Go.

TripCheck - Oregon Department of Transportation

800.977.6368 or 511

Lane County

(Non-emergency weather-related calls) 541.682.3977

Transportation

Maps

Regional Maps

Weather Conditions

Ski & Snow Reports

Willamette Pass Ski Area
- 541.345.SNOW
Hoodoo Recreation & Ski Area
- 541.822.3337
Berg's Ski Shop in Eugene (with links to the larger region)

a person sits smiling in a kayak on the water

: Melanie Griffin

The Adventure Checklist

Here's how to explore the outdoors safely while making the most of the rich rewards that await you.

Drive Safe

Drive the roads throughout the Eugene, Cascades & Coast region safely. Travel with extra water, snacks and blankets in your car and keep your gas tank at least half full.

Watch for deer, turkeys and smaller animals crossing the roadways, even in urban areas.
Watch for cyclists throughout the towns and along the scenic byways.
Plan your trips by checking weather and road conditions before you go.
Do not drive or walk through flood waters. Floodwaters may be contaminated with oil, gas or sewage and may be hiding hazards and debris. Just six inches of moving water on a roadway can knock over an adult. Twelve inches can carry away a small vehicle. Turn around, don't drown.
If your car stalls in water, immediately abandon the vehicle and move away from the flood waters. If you and your vehicle are trapped in rapidly moving water, stay in the vehicle and call for help. If water is rising inside, move to the roof.
Chains may be required seasonally when traveling over the Willamette and McKenzie-Santiam passes, even if the weather appears fine.
Highway 242 between the McKenzie River and Sisters is typically closed November - June. Instead, drive Highway 20.
The Aufderheide connecting McKenzie River to Oakridge is not maintained during the winter.
If roads are closed due to hazards, please respect the barriers and do not circumvent on foot. Hillsides, roadways, structures and trees may be unstable.
Download the Oregon Winter Driving (PDF).
Download or print maps in advance, as cell service may not be accessible in rural areas. Always share your planned route with someone before departing.
Remember to take your time and enjoy the journey!