This summer, those of us who weren’t preparing for an evacuation spent time looking for good pockets of clean air. AQI numbers had a whole new meaning. But now that fall is here, we are left with a patchwork of crispy forests, some closed forest roads and areas that will take years to recover. At Dirty Freehub (think gravel cycling), 35 of our gravel bike routes across Oregon have been impacted by fires. Some with major impact. The good news is, thanks to our firefighters, we still have lots of open green places. The key to getting back out there?
Credit: Dirty Freehub
Check for fire perimeters and area/road closures
Before heading into a fire-affected area, spend a few minutes doing your homework and answer these questions: Where did the fire burn? Is the area legally open? Central Oregon Fire Information at centraloregonfire.org is a great starting point for local fire updates, smoke conditions and closures. Watch Duty is another great source: app.watchduty.org/.
Remember: a fire being out — or a road appearing on your favorite mapping app — doesn’t necessarily mean the area is open or ready for recreation.
But a fire perimeter doesn’t tell the whole story. A fast-moving grassland fire near Antelope may have a very different impact on recreation than an intense forest fire through mature ponderosa pine near McKay Creek. In forested areas, hazards can remain long after the smoke clears: weakened trees can fall, culverts can fail and erosion can damage roads and trails.
AI can be useful for pulling information from multiple sources. Try a prompt in ChatGPT that includes a GPX file or the name of the area you plan to visit:
“Check this route for current conditions. Look for road closures, fires and recent condition reports from credible sources. Is this area or route open?”
This fall, pay particular attention to the Metolius Basin, Lake Billy Chinook and Lake Simtustus, the Deschutes River area north of Madras, the Ochoco National Forest, (areas near Post and Paulina, McKay Creek, Mitchell, Antelope, Twickenham), Dufur/Tygh Valley and the Painted Hills/John Day Fossil Beds region. Many of these landscapes were affected by this summer’s fires, and closures and conditions can vary dramatically from one area to the next. Bottom line: Check both the fire history and official closure status before you go.
Research the recreational experience
The questions we ask at Dirty Freehub include: ‘Is this still a quality experience?’ Looking at charred trees or riding routes that were damaged by heavy equipment isn’t fun. We have asked our community to report back, and leave comments on our Ride Guides, but Facebook and Reddit are full of niche groups with a solid chance somebody just tried to ride, hike or stay at that special place you are thinking about.
Also remember wildfire smoke contains tiny particles that can penetrate deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream. A road can be legally open while lingering smoke makes a strenuous ride a poor choice. The AQI apps such as Purple Air, at purpleair.com or Google Maps (turn on the Air Quality overlay) can help you understand the levels of smoke.
Again, AI can be helpful because it scans across a number of resources and reports current conditions. Here’s a prompt that I used: “I would like to go cycling through the Painted Hills Recreation Area. Can you check social media and credible sources to see what I can expect from the recent fires. Here’s the route I am going to do: dirtyfreehub.org/routes/oregon/priest-hole/.”
Become the “eyes on the ground”
Recreationists can also provide something land managers desperately need after a major fire season: eyes on the ground. When you find downed trees, washed-out roads, damaged signs and other hazards, report them to the appropriate land manager or stewardship organization. Take photos and note your exact location. Going back to the forums with current info will also help everyone.
Help rebuild the places we love
Wildfire recovery doesn’t end when the flames go out — and you can help. Central Oregon has a vast network of organizations working to care for our public lands. Don’t forget that the conservation organizations also are impacted. Join a work party!
Donate to recreation organizations
Donations are always appreciated to our nonprofits. But this year will be even more important as local organizations that are focused on conservation and recreation are all strained by the fires. Your funding matters!
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