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Deschutes National Forest

Fire Weather Watch issued August 29 at 1:33PM PDT until August 31 at 8:00PM PDT by NWS Medford OR

1:33 PM — August 30th, 7:00 AM

The National Weather Service in Medford has issued a Fire Weather Watch, which is in effect from Monday afternoon through Monday evening. * IMPACTS...Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly. * AFFECTED AREA...In California...The Scott Valley in Fire weather zone 280, Fire weather zone 281, Fire weather zone 284 excepting the southeast portion of the zone, and Fire weather zone 285. In Oregon...Fire weather zone 624, excepting the Highway 97 corridor from Modoc Point to Chemult. * WIND...South winds 10 to 20 mph with gusts to 30 mph in the Scott Valley, and 15 to 25 mph with gusts to 35 mph in the Shasta Valley. Elsewhere, southwest winds 10 to 20 mph with gusts to 30 mph. * HUMIDITY...Minimum humidity 9 to 15 percent. * DETAILED URL...View the hazard area in detail at https://weather.gov/wrh/hazards?wfo=mfr

Air Quality Alert issued August 29 at 12:13PM PDT by NWS Pendleton OR

12:13 PM — August 30th, 12:00 PM

Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has issued an Air Quality Advisory until noon PDT Monday. For the Smoke Air Quality Advisory, wildfires burning in the region combined with forecasted conditions will cause air quality to reach unhealthy levels. Pollutants in smoke can cause burning eyes, runny nose, aggravate heart and lung diseases, and aggravate other serious health problems. Limit outdoor activities and keep children indoors if it is smoky. Please follow medical advice if you have a heart or lung condition. For additional information...please visit the Web site at http://www.oregon.gov/DEQ

Alcohol Prohibitions

This Order describes acts that are prohibited upon lands, roads and trails within the National Forest System administered by the Forest Service Pacific Northwest Region in regards to alcoholic beverages.

Overview

Deschutes National Forest remains open for year-round recreation, though several important closures are currently in effect. The 14-day camping limit order is active (effective November 14, 2024), restricting consecutive occupation at a single location. A significant closure to note is the Cabin Butte Area south of Bend—approximately 35,000 acres (40 square miles)—closed since May 1, 2025 for at least a year for vegetation management, prescribed burns, and thinning operations to reduce wildfire risk. Four seasonal winter range closures (Cabin/Silver Lake, Metolius Winter Range, Opine Travel Management Area, and Tumalo Winter Range) protect deer and elk habitat from December 1 through March 31, prohibiting motorized vehicles including snowmobiles and e-bikes in these areas. The West Bend Area also has ongoing trail, road, and area closures for forest restoration work, with the Forest Service reporting increased closure violations. Wilderness permits for Central Cascades are managed through a reservation system. Fire season typically runs with industrial fire precaution levels monitored. Blue-green algae advisories are posted when needed, though sampling is limited mainly to Odell Lake. Firewood cutting season runs May 1 through November 30.

Campgrounds

Allen Springs Campground Allingham Campground Big River Blue Bay Bull Bend Campground Camp Sherman Campground Chief Paulina Horse Camp China Hat Campground Cinder Hill Campground Cold Springs Campground Contorta Flat Campground Contorta Point Group Camp Cow Meadow Campground Crane Prairie Campground Crescent Creek Campground Crescent Lake Campground Crescent Lake Guard Station Crescent Lake Yurts Cultus Corral Horse Camp Cultus Lake Boat In - Big Cove Campground Cultus Lake Boat In - Little Cove Campground Cultus Lake Boat In - West Campground Cultus Lake Campground Deschutes Bridge Campground Devils Lake Campground Driftwood Campground - Deschutes East Davis Campground East Lake Campground

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