Traveling west now with fires
We have a trip planned through Montana, Idaho, Washington, and then down the Oregon coast. We would leave in early September. With the current smoke and fire situation is that still doable?
Forum Discussion
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- In addition to Google Maps (left hand info column) the Government fire incident website will have up to date info on fires in western U.S.
InciWeb
https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/ - We just came back from the Oregon Coast, it was clear. It was good up Highway 22 to Detroit Lake, on the way to Bend it began getting a bit hazy, as we got up on Highway 97 past Madras it was getting bad. Once we hit I84 towards the Tri-Cities, WA it was awful and still is in Eastern WA. Hard to say what it's going to be like, but I would not want to vacation here right now.
This blog is a good source for WA State info and links to ID & OR as well. Washington Smoke Information
Here is a good smoke & fire map - The Oregon coast has been clear, and tends to stay fairly clear. It really depends on the proximity to the fire, and wind patterns. Unfortunately given the conditions this year it could change on a dime...so who knows regarding September
- Yes, IMO it is doable. First thing, though, forget XM radio. Keep tuned to local stations as you travel, so you will get local news about road closures, etc. Also, if you haven't traveled out here, don't trust GPS! It doesn't matter if it is in-dash, "smart" phone, or on-dash Garmin. They can, and often do, send you on roads that are either questionable, non-existent, or misplaced (the actual turn is 5 miles away).
Keep in mind that some State Parks and/or USFS campgrounds may be closed due to extreme fire danger. Those that are open will likely have extreme fire restrictions, i.e. no campfires, no smoking except in limited areas, etc. Of course, as always, many are "Pack it in, Pack it out". No garbage service, no dump station.
We recently made a trip from Billings to Kalispell and back in our motorhome. I had to make reservations in a campground I did not want to stay in, because everything else was booked up. There were, IMO, good reason for not wanting to stay there; first, the price was $120 per night. Second, all back in sites. Third, few amenities (no store, little cabins for laundry and showers). There were several open sites while we were there, probably due to the price. It is a new (a couple years old) park, so perhaps things will get better.
Make your reservations as far in advance as possible!
Good luck.
