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Oregon › Deschutes County

Deschutes National Forest

Fire Weather Watch issued July 20 at 12:40PM PDT until July 22 at 11:00PM PDT by NWS Medford OR

12:40 PM — July 21st, 5:15 AM

The National Weather Service in Medford has issued a Fire Weather Watch, which is in effect from Wednesday morning through Wednesday evening. * IMPACTS...Abundant lightning on dry fuels will likely create new ignitions across the region. Any fires that develop could spread rapidly. Numerous new fire starts could overwhelm initial attack. * AFFECTED AREA...Areas in southern Oregon along and east of the Cascades, along the western foothills and slopes of the Cascades, and over the Siskiyous, including Fire Weather Zones 617...621...622...623...624 and 625. * THUNDERSTORMS...Moving roughly north to northeast around 15 to 20 mph. Storm mode will be mostly wet thunderstorms, but dry lightning strikes can occur outside of wet cores. * OUTFLOW WINDS...Isolated gusts up to 45 mph. * DETAILED URL...View the hazard area in detail at https://weather.gov/wrh/hazards?wfo=mfr

Red Flag Warning issued July 20 at 12:37PM PDT until July 22 at 11:00PM PDT by NWS Pendleton OR

12:37 PM — 8:45 PM

...The upper level low over the region will shift to the east just enough to allow for monsoonal moisture to move into the region. Instability will accompany the moisture and allow for increased chances of thunderstorms across central Oregon and the eastern mountains. Isolated dry thunderstorms could spark new wildfires and gusty outflow winds can affect fires already on the landscape... * AFFECTED AREA...Fire Weather Zones 698 Southern Blue Mountains, 700 Central Mountains of Oregon and 705 Southern Deschutes National Forest. * TIMING...From 11 AM to 11 PM PDT Wednesday. * IMPACTS...Any fire that develops will catch and spread quickly. Outdoor burning is not recommended. * THUNDERSTORMS...Isolated to scattered dry thunderstorms after 11 AM Wednesday. * OUTFLOW WINDS...Gusts from 25-35 mph

Air Quality Alert issued July 20 at 6:03PM PDT by NWS Pendleton OR

6:03 PM — July 22nd, 9:00 AM

Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has issued an Air Quality Advisory until 4 PM PDT Wednesday. 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

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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