Wildfire Updates & Resources

Willamette Valley fire travel information updated on October 3, 2023

With summer 2023 in full swing, we wanted to offer updates on the latest wildfire news to help you understand the latest conditions and provide everything you need to make up-to-the-minute travel decisions.

As of October 3, 2023, several fires are impacting visitors to the Willamette Valley:

McKenzie Bridge fires: The lightning-caused Lookout Fire is currently burning on about 25,750 acres roughly three miles north of McKenzie Bridge in the Cascade Range; it is 50% contained. Nearby, the Horse Creek Fire is currently burning on 765 acres, and the Pothole Fire is currently burning on 110 acres; both are 100% contained. Some popular recreation sites (such as Tamolitch Falls/Blue Pool) are currently closed; click here for a map with the affected areas, click here for an updated map of recreation sites that are currently closed to the public, and visit the Lookout Fire Facebook page for the most current news.

Bedrock Fire: The Bedrock Fire is currently burning about 31,590 acres of forest near the Bedrock Campground in the Willamette National Forest's Middle Fork Ranger District—about 35 miles southeast of Eugene in the Cascade Range foothills; it is 98% contained. Click here for a current list and map of closures. Follow the Bedrock Fire Facebook page for the latest updates.

Petes Lake Fire: The Petes Lake Fire is currently burning 3,250 acres near its namesake lake in the Cascade Range at the far eastern edge of Lane County; it is 80% contained. Stay updated with Central Oregon Fire Info and the official Petes Lake Fire Information Facebook page for the latest updates and information. Click here for a map with affected areas and current evacuation levels.

As you make travel plans, learn about visiting wildfire-impacted areas in Oregon; the guide helps visitors stay safe, have fun, and show their support for communities that have experienced wildfires in recent years.

Travelers should expect delays throughout the West Cascades and Cascade Range. Here’s a look at what to expect as you plan your upcoming travels.

Highway 126: Short stretches of Highway 126, largely between the McKenzie Bridge area in the south and the highway's intersection with Highway 20 in the north, may be intermittently closed while firefighters remove hazardous trees from along the roadway. If traveling Highway 126, give yourself extra time to account for potential closures and periods of heavy smoke.

Highway 58: Running between Eugene and Central Oregon, Highway 58 is currently open to vehicular traffic. Drivers may experience delays or temporary closures while crews work to remove debris.

Highway 22: Travelers should expect delays along Highway 22 as crews continue to clean debris from 2020 wildfires and work to ensure safety of drivers and residents. Many businesses were damaged or destroyed in the fires; with limited services in the Santiam Canyon area, be sure to fill your gas tank, and pack plenty of water, food, and other supplies. Learn more about outdoor recreation in the Santiam Canyon area and how to make the most of your next visit.

Oregon Route 224: Oregon Route 224 around Estacada has reopened following the Riverside Fire, which began around Labor Day 2020. Visitors should expect temporary road closures and delays as crews remove debris, repair asphalt, and work to clean up the wildfire-scarred area.

Visit TripCheck.com for up-to-the-minute travel alerts, maps, webcams, closure information, and other advisories.

Several outdoor recreation areas remain closed in the wake of various wildfires. Here's a quick rundown of what might be impacted:

County parks: Several county parks throughout the Willamette Valley remain closed due to various wildfires; visit Marion County Parks, Linn County Parks, and Lane County Parks for the latest on county-park closures.

McKenzie River: Vast stretches of forest burned along the McKenzie River in the Holiday Farm Fire; Travel Lane County has put together a Google Map showing recreation sites along the river (and along OR-126)—and whether they’re open or closed at this time.

Even though the region's wildfires have been contained, it's a long road to recovery for displaced residents, small-business owners, and others impacted by the natural disaster. Here are a few ways to help those in need.

santiam canyon fire

• The Mid-Valley Wildfire Relief Fund (from United Way of the Mid-Willamette Valley) offers support for those impacted in the Santiam Canyon area.
• Breitenbush Hot Springs suffered devastating losses in the Beachie Creek and Lionshead fires— numerous buildings were completely destroyed— and is accepting donations to help rebuild.
• Santiam Hospital has also set up a Santiam Canyon Wildfire Relief Fund to help those who were impacted by fires in the area.

holiday farm fire

• In Lane County, where the Holiday Farm Fire had devastating effects, a GoFundMe drive has been created to help employees of the McKenzie River Mountain Resort (which was burned in the fires). United Way of Lane County has also started a Wildfire Response Fund to support the unmet needs of individuals and families most impacted by the Holiday Farm Fire.

broad relief efforts

• Cascade Volunteers is the nonprofit partner of the Willamette National Forest; the group coordinates volunteers and directly invests in the forest's recreational facilities— including the Santiam and McKenzie districts, both battered by wildfires. Funds are going toward post-fire restoration efforts.
• The Red Cross Cascades Region is getting emergency financial assistance into the hands of residents whose homes were burned or lost in the wildfires— and is still accepting donations.
• The Wildland Firefighter Foundation is accepting donations to support wildland firefighters and their families.

(All wildfire photos courtesy of Oregon Department of Transportation / Flickr)