Hot Spring Closures, Fire Restrictions and Soaking Safety
Oregon Wildfire Overview
A widespread mid-July lightning bust, paired with hot, dry weather, has sparked active fire complexes across Central, Eastern and Southern Oregon. Fire danger across the state is currently rated Extreme.
- Central & Eastern Oregon: Large fire complexes (including the Brewer, Box Springs, Hay Creek Complex, and Rowe Creek Complex) are actively affecting BLM lands, the Ochoco National Forest and the John Day River basin.
- Northeast Oregon: The Wallowa-Whitman and Umatilla National Forests have active fires (Salmon, Olive Butte, Anthony and Hagen fires) resulting in localized forest and road closures.
- Cascades & Southern Oregon: High fire activity in Rogue River/Medford (East Evans Creek Fire) and elevated risk across the Willamette and Mt. Hood National Forests have prompted strict public use restrictions.
Wildfire data from Watch Duty.
Regional Hot Spring Access & Alert Zones
- John Day & Central Oregon: BLM closures affect public lands along portions of the John Day River corridor. Soakers traveling toward Eastern Oregon hot springs (such as Snively or Juntura) should double-check highway conditions and smoke levels before heading out.
- Blue Mountains & Northeast: Temporary forest closure orders are active around fire perimeters in the Malheur, Umatilla and Wallowa-Whitman National Forests. Check local ranger districts if visiting sites near Baker City or the Blue Mountain region.
- Cascades Corridor: Popular spots like Terwilliger (Cougar), McCredie and Bagby remain accessible, but strict fire bans are active across surrounding forest lands and wilderness areas.
Campfire Restrictions & Rules in the Woods
Public Use Restrictions (PURs) are in effect across nearly all public lands in Oregon.
- No Open Campfires: Wood, charcoal and biomass fires are banned on Mt. Hood, Willamette, Deschutes, Ochoco, Umatilla and Wallowa-Whitman National Forests outside specific developed campgrounds. Stage 1 restrictions in wilderness areas ban all open flames.
- Allowed Stoves: Pressurized liquid or propane stoves equipped with an instant shut-off valve are permitted in cleared areas. Note that specific BLM river corridors prohibit all open flames, including propane fire pits.
- Vehicle & Smoking Rules: Smoke only inside an enclosed vehicle or a cleared 3-foot diameter zone. Never park over tall, dry grass, as hot exhaust pipes are a leading cause of roadside fire starts.
Know Before You Go: Soaker’s Checklist
- Check Live Maps: Use Watch Duty and official agency sites (InciWeb, BLM and USFS) for real-time evacuation zones and road closures.
- Monitor Smoke & AQI: Smoke tends to settle in deep river drainages where hot springs sit. Check PurpleAir for local air quality conditions.
Keep it Real
With crowds increasing and water tables dropping, it is critical to practice Leave No Trace principles.
- Leave it better than when you found it: Pack out ALL TRASH – even if it’s not your own.
- Keep soaps, detergents, plastics and glass completely out of the natural runoff channels.
Stay safe out there and look out for each other!
