: Mountains Legacy

Travel Alerts

Travel Oregon’s first priority is the safety of our residents and visitors. As we navigate life through historic wildfires, we always recommend consulting official resources prior to traveling to ensure access to your destination is safe.

Winter Driving
Updated January 18, 2024

Oregon’s winter adventures are calling, but your decision whether or not to drive very much depends on the weather. Be prepared, know your comfort and skill level and consider a car-free alternative or guided experience when possible.

Current Travel Alerts

  • Check highways for chain requirements and know that many roads are closed due to downed trees and powerlines.

Tips for Driving Safely

Knowing what to expect can help you prepare and consider alternative travel options.

  • Keep an eye on the weather forecast as your travel dates near; if you see poor conditions in the forecast, consider rescheduling your trip.
  • On the day of travel, refer to TripCheck (or call 511) for live road cams and current road conditions including closures, accidents and delays
  • Oregon mandates that you must have chains or traction tires for your car in snowy conditions at certain times of the year. Don’t leave home without them in winter if you plan to drive in the mountains. See the updated information about Oregon’s chain laws and requirements before you leave home.
  • Don’t depend on Google Maps or GPS directions in winter, as they may not avoid routes that are closed or unsafe during winter storm conditions.
  • Leave plenty of room between vehicles on the road, and be sure to maintain your vehicle for winter conditions. Check tires to ensure there’s plenty of tread, replace worn windshield wipers or switch to winter-specific blades. Check that you have plenty of windshield-washer fluid, and top off with a winter-specific fluid if needed.

Allow plenty of extra time, and be prepared with an ice scraper, water, blankets and a full tank of gas. Follow winter driving safety best practices.

Wildfire Conditions
Updated November 6, 2023

Like many states in the West, Oregon has seen an increase in the size of wildfires in recent years. While natural wildfires are a part of healthy forest ecosystems, uncontrolled wildfires caused by people can endanger lives, homes and vital natural resources.

Many wildfire-impacted areas remain closed, while others have reopened but still require caution when visiting. Here’s what you should know about visiting Oregon’s wildfire-impacted areas, and visiting during wildfire season in Oregon.

Before you head out, check road conditions at TripCheck and sign up for alerts and review emergency info, air quality data and latest fire updates at: Oregon Department of Forestry.

Stop into an Oregon Welcome Center to pick up a free, limited-edition Keep Oregon Green Field Notes memo book while supplies last. These pocket-sized notebooks feature vintage illustrations and simple tips to help curb wildfires caused by debris burning, campfires and vehicles.

More ways to stay informed: 

  • Sign up or update your information with OR – Alert to receive evacuation alerts.
  • Check your phone settings to ensure wireless emergency alerts are turned on.
  • Find the websites for your county emergency management, sheriff’s office or tribal police and follow them on social media.

Oregon Welcome Centers
Updated December 11, 2023

Where can I find an Oregon Welcome Center?

Oregon’s Welcome Centers (Portland International Airport, Ashland, Brookings, Seaside, Ontario, Klamath Falls, Boardman and Oregon City) are valuable resources for travelers exploring the state. Our team of friendly and knowledgeable travel advisors can assist visitors with recommendations and itinerary-building, as well as complimentary printed visitor guides, brochures, state highway maps, and more. Kindly check the operating hours before your visit, as some centers may experience temporary closures during winter months or major holidays.

Additional visitor information is available by calling 1.800.547.7842 (Monday -Friday) or submitting your question to us via Ask Oregon.

 

illustration of a beaver with responsible recreation message.