This site offers helpful information for visitors interested in enjoying the eclipse from federal public lands along and near the path of totality in Eastern Oregon. Be sure to check back for additions and updates.
Looking directly at the sun is unsafe except during the brief total phase of a solar eclipse (“totality”), when the moon entirely blocks the sun’s bright face, which will happen only within the narrow path of totality (https://go.nasa.gov/2pC0lhe (link is external)).
The only safe way to look directly at the uneclipsed or partially eclipsed sun is through special-purpose solar filters, such as “eclipse glasses” (example shown at left) or hand-held solar viewers. Homemade filters or ordinary sunglasses, even very dark ones, are not safe for looking at the sun; they transmit thousands of times too much sunlight. Refer to the American Astronomical Society (AAS) Reputable Vendors of Solar Filters & Viewers (link is external) page for a list of manufacturers and authorized dealers of eclipse glasses and handheld solar viewers verified to be compliant with the ISO 12312-2 international safety standard for such products.
Always inspect your solar filter before use; if scratched or damaged, discard it. Read and follow any instructions printed on or packaged with the filter.
Always supervise children using solar filters.
Stand still and cover your eyes with your eclipse glasses or solar viewer before looking up at the bright sun. After looking at the sun, turn away and remove your filter — do not remove it while looking at the sun.
Do not look at the uneclipsed or partially eclipsed sun through an unfiltered camera, telescope, binoculars, or other optical device.
Similarly, do not look at the sun through a camera, a telescope, binoculars, or any other optical device while using your eclipse glasses or hand-held solar viewer — the concentrated solar rays will damage the filter and enter your eye(s), causing serious injury.
Seek expert advice from an astronomer before using a solar filter with a camera, a telescope, binoculars, or any other optical device. Note that solar filters must be attached to the front of any telescope, binoculars, camera lens, or other optics.
If you are within the path of totality (https://go.nasa.gov/2pC0lhe (link is external)), remove your solar filter only when the moon completely covers the sun’s bright face and it suddenly gets quite dark. Experience totality, then, as soon as the bright sun begins to reappear, replace your solar viewer to look at the remaining partial phases.
Outside the path of totality, you must always use a safe solar filter to view the sun directly.
If you normally wear eyeglasses, keep them on. Put your eclipse glasses on over them, or hold your handheld viewer in front of them.
Note: If your eclipse glasses or viewers are compliant with the ISO 12312-2 safety standard, you may look at the uneclipsed or partially eclipsed Sun through them for as long as you wish. Furthermore, if the filters aren't scratched, punctured, or torn, you may reuse them indefinitely. Some glasses/viewers are printed with warnings stating that you shouldn't look through them for more than 3 minutes at a time and that you should discard them if they are more than 3 years old. Such warnings are outdated and do not apply to eclipse viewers compliant with the ISO 12312-2 standard adopted in 2015. To make sure you get (or got) your eclipse glasses/viewers from a supplier of ISO-compliant products, see the American Astronomical Society (AAS) Reputable Vendors of Solar Filters & Viewers (link is external) page.
An alternative method for safe viewing of the partially eclipsed sun is pinhole projection (link is external). For example, cross the outstretched, slightly open fingers of one hand over the outstretched, slightly open fingers of the other, creating a waffle pattern. With your back to the sun, look at your hands’ shadow on the ground. The little spaces between your fingers will project a grid of small images on the ground, showing the sun as a crescent during the partial phases of the eclipse. Or just look at the shadow of a leafy tree during the partial eclipse; you'll see the ground dappled with crescent Suns projected by the tiny spaces between the leaves.
A solar eclipse is one of nature’s grandest spectacles. By following these simple rules, you can safely enjoy the view and be rewarded with memories to last a lifetime. More information:
The solar eclipse on August
21st is expected to attract up to one million visitors in Oregon and many will
likely be visiting public lands. Here are five tips to keep in mind before you
head out into the woods.
1.Have a plan. Make sure you
have a solid plan of where you're going and what you need to bring. Hotels and
campsites are booked, roads will be clogged, and normally remote areas will be
crowded. Fill up your gas tank and stock up on supplies well in advance. Cell
service may not be available so plan your route in advance and bring a hard
copy map. Visitors are encouraged to arrive early, stay put, and leave late to
help avoid the crowds.
2.Be prepared. Make sure you
have all the proper supplies and gear including solar glasses, sunscreen, hat
and sunglasses, plenty of food and water, warm clothes, map, flashlights,
pocket knife, and a first-aid kit.
3.Be safe with fire. August is
peak wildfire season in Oregon and a small spark can rapidly become a large
fire. Because of hot and dry conditions many areas have campfire bans in place
so check with local authorities on fire restrictions. If you're camping use a
propane or backpack stove for cooking outdoors not a barbecue grill or
campfire. As Smokey Bear reminds us: Only you can prevent wildfires.
4.Leave No Trace. Help to protect
your Malheur National Forest for everyone to enjoy. Wherever you're visiting
please leave the area better than you found it. Remove all trash and remember
that if you pack it in, pack it out!
5.Have fun. Be safe and be
prepared so that you can have fun and enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime event. Wear your approved solar eclipse glasses.
The only safe way to look directly at the uneclipsed or partially eclipsed sun is through special-purpose solar filters, such as “eclipse glasses” or handheld solar viewers. Homemade filters or ordinary sunglasses, even very dark ones, are not safe for looking at the sun.
Make Sure Your Solar Filter is Good to Go
Always inspect your solar filter before use; if scratched or damaged, discard it. Read and follow any instructions printed on or packaged with the filter. Always supervise children using solar filters.
Always use your Eclipse Glasses When Looking at the Sun
Stand still and cover your eyes with your eclipse glasses or solar viewer before looking up at the bright sun. After glancing at the sun, turn away and remove your filter — do not remove it while looking at the sun.
Do not look at the uneclipsed or partially eclipsed sun through an unfiltered camera
Do not look at the uneclipsed or partially eclipsed sun through an unfiltered camera, telescope, binoculars, or other optical device. Similarly, do not look at the sun through a camera, a telescope, binoculars, or any other optical device while using your eclipse glasses or hand-held solar viewer — the concentrated solar rays will damage the filter and enter your eye(s), causing serious injury. Seek expert advice from an astronomer before using a solar filter with a camera, a telescope, binoculars, or any other optical device.
Only Remove Your Solar Filter in the Moments of Totality
If you are within the path of totality, remove your solar filter only when the moon completely covers the sun’s bright face and it suddenly gets quite dark. Experience totality, then, as soon as the bright sun begins to reappear, replace your solar viewer to glance at the remaining partial phases.
The solar eclipse on August
21st is expected to attract up to million visitors in Oregon and many will
likely be visiting public land. Here are five tips to keep in mind before you
head out into the woods.
1.Have a plan. Make sure you
have a solid plan of where you're going and what you need to bring. Hotels and
campsites are booked, roads will be clogged, and normally remote areas will be
crowded. Fill up your gas tank and stock up on supplies well in advance. Cell
service may not be available so plan your route in advance and bring a hard
copy map. Visitors are encouraged to arrive early, stay put, and leave late to
help avoid the crowds.
2.Be prepared. Make sure you
have all the proper supplies and gear including solar glasses, sunscreen, hat
and sunglasses, plenty of food and water, warm clothes, map, flashlights,
pocket knife, and a first-aid kit.
3.Be safe with fire. August is
peak wildfire season in Oregon and a small spark can rapidly become a large
fire. Because of hot and dry conditions many areas have campfire bans in place
so check with local authorities on fire restrictions. If you're camping use a
propane or backpack stove for cooking outdoors not a barbecue grill or
campfire. As Smokey Bear reminds us: Only you can prevent wildfires.
4.Leave No Trace. Protect our
public lands for everyone to enjoy. Wherever you're visiting please leave the
area better than you found it. Remove all trash and remember that if you pack
it in, pack it out!
5.Have fun. We're excited that
so many people will be enjoying this spectacular event on public land. Be safe
and be prepared so that you can have fun and enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime
event.
Eclipse chasers from around the world are expected to come
to Oregon to see this rare astronomical event. The path of totality spreads
across a relatively rural area of the state that isn’t used to such large
numbers of visitors. For this reason, it’s important to show up with
accommodations booked and ready with a plan. Here are some tips to ensure a
good time for all.
RESERVE
ACCOMMODATIONS
Hotels and campsites have been booked for months and even years.
If you don’t have lodging reservations already, consider staying farther from
the path of totality.
BE PREPARED FOR
TRAFFIC
Many small communities have only one road leading in and
out. These will inevitably get backed up, making traffic a real problem. To
reduce congestion, plan to arrive at least one full day, and ideally several
days, in advance of the event. Avoid traveling into the path of totality on the
day of the eclipse, August 21, 2017.
BRING A MAP
You may encounter spotty cell phone and GPS reception in
rural Oregon during the eclipse. The increase of cell phone usage will overwork
services and make connections tougher. Know where you’re going, and don’t
expect to rely on your phone or online maps. You can order a highway map online
at TravelOregon.com.
FUEL UP
Most service stations won’t allow drivers to pump their own
gas, so sit back and let the attendant do it for you. Expect long distances between
gas stations in rural areas, so calculate your fuel needs in advance.
PACK PROVISIONS
There are a limited number of restaurants in some of
Oregon’s beautiful, remote places, and these eateries may run out of food. Make
sure you have picnic supplies, snacks, water and anything else that will help
you stay happy if you can’t find a meal.
BRING ECLIPSE GLASSES
To watch the eclipse safely, everyone will need
eclipse-viewing glasses, which block harmful light from damaging your vision. You
can get complimentary glasses at welcome centers around the state.
CARRY SOME CASH
The ATMs in these small to medium towns won’t be accustomed to
dispensing so many bills. While most services in Oregon take credit cards,
there are places in rural areas that only take cash.
PREPARE FOR SUN AND
HOT TEMPERATURES
Temps can reach over 100 degrees in summer, especially at
inland destinations. Pack hats, sunscreen, ice water or whatever you can to
help beat the heat.
ACT LOCAL
Oregonians are pretty nice. Smile, say hello, wait your turn
at stop signs and enjoy the journey as much as the destination. While you’re
there
LEAVE NO TRACE
When traveling around Oregon, it’s important to practice
“Leave No Trace” ethics, which includes leaving sites as you found them, disposing
of waste responsibly, respecting wildlife and being considerate of other
visitors.
DON’T TRESPASS
Many public buildings and private properties are not able to
accommodate visitors. Make sure you are not trespassing.
WILDFIRE PREVENTION
August is peak wildfire season in Oregon, so please be
vigilant about extinguishing and disposing cigarettes. Know fire risks and respect
fire restrictions, including campfire bans. Avoid parking or driving on dry
grass, as your vehicle can spark a wildfire. In many areas, drivers are
required to carry a shovel and fire extinguisher or gallon of water in their
car.
AVOID EXCESSIVE WASTE
Consider packing large water containers and refilling them with
tap water. Oregon’s water is some of the best in the world, so there’s no need
to buy bottled water.
So you’re in a hot car, on hot pavement, in high heat, with a long line of the same in front of you: Not the #OREclipse experience you expected? ODOT and the Oregon Health Authority have some tips to keep you out of that dark place—so you can enjoy the two minutes of dark you came to see.
A real concern for people who aren’t prepared is the possibility of heat-related illnesses. Being stuck in traffic under high heat conditions without enough cold air and cool water could lead to heat exhaustion or even heat stroke—which can be life threatening.
Now that we’re one month away from the big day, ODOT and OHA have six suggestions to help you beat the heat.
Stay cool: Make sure your car’s air conditioning is working properly—you may need it in Oregon in August, especially if you’re in central or eastern Oregon.
Stay hydrated: Make sure you’re traveling with plenty of water for everyone in your car—including your pets.
Stay informed about your planned travel path: Use www.TripCheck.com and its 400 highway cameras to check travel conditions on your route in real time. Listen to your radio to keep up with the changing temperature, humidity and heat index.
Avoid traveling at the expected peak times—Sunday and Monday. Treat this 3-hour event like it’s a 3-day event because of the large crowds on the roads: It is NOT anything like a college football game day.
Have a plan B: Where can you get off the highway to get into air conditioning and refill your water, if necessary?
OHA and ODOT want you to have a great time—and a safe time—in the days surrounding the eclipse. We’re doing what we can to keep things as safe as possible. Please remember that you and other travelers have a shared responsibility to keep yourself safe on and off the road.
Plan to have a good time in Oregon during the August #OREclipse. Plan ahead so you can.
A solar eclipse occurs when the moon blocks any part of the
sun. On Monday, August 21, 2017, a solar eclipse will be visible (weather
permitting) across all of North America. The whole continent will experience a
partial eclipse lasting 2 to 3 hours. Halfway through the event, anyone within
a roughly 70-mile-wide path from Oregon to South Carolina (https://go.nasa.gov/2pC0lhe) will
experience a brief total eclipse, when the moon completely blocks the sun’s
bright face for up to 2 minutes 40 seconds, turning day into night and making
visible the otherwise hidden solar corona — the sun’s outer atmosphere — one of
nature’s most awesome sights. Bright stars and planets will become visible as
well.
Looking directly at the sun is unsafe except during the
brief total phase of a solar eclipse (“totality”), when the moon entirely
blocks the sun’s bright face, which will happen only within the narrow path of
totality (https://go.nasa.gov/2pC0lhe).
The only safe way to look directly at the uneclipsed or
partially eclipsed sun is through special-purpose solar filters, such as
“eclipse glasses” (example shown at left) or hand-held solar viewers. Homemade
filters or ordinary sunglasses, even very dark ones, are not safe for looking
at the sun. To date four manufacturers have certified that their eclipse
glasses and handheld solar viewers meet the ISO 12312-2 international standard
for such products: Rainbow Symphony, American Paper Optics, Thousand Oaks
Optical, and TSE 17.
Always
inspect your solar filter before use; if scratched or damaged, discard it.
Read and follow any instructions printed on or packaged with the filter.
Always supervise children using solar filters.
Stand
still and cover your eyes with your eclipse glasses or solar viewer before
looking up at the bright sun. After glancing at the sun, turn away and
remove your filter — do not remove it while looking at the sun.
Do not
look at the uneclipsed or partially eclipsed sun through an unfiltered
camera, telescope, binoculars, or other optical device. Similarly, do not
look at the sun through a camera, a telescope, binoculars, or any other
optical device while using your eclipse glasses or hand-held solar viewer
— the concentrated solar rays will damage the filter and enter your
eye(s), causing serious injury. Seek expert advice from an astronomer
before using a solar filter with a camera, a telescope, binoculars, or any
other optical device.
If you
are within the path of totality (https://go.nasa.gov/2pC0lhe), remove your solar filter
only when the Moon completely covers the sun’s bright face and it suddenly
gets quite dark. Experience totality, then, as soon as the bright sun
begins to reappear, replace your solar viewer to glance at the remaining
partial phases.
An alternative method for safe viewing of the partially
eclipsed sun is pinhole projection. For example, cross the outstretched,
slightly open fingers of one hand over the outstretched, slightly open fingers
of the other. With your back to the sun, look at your hands’ shadow on the
ground. The little spaces between your fingers will project a grid of small
images on the ground, showing the sun as a crescent during the partial phases
of the eclipse.
A solar eclipse is one of nature’s grandest spectacles. By
following these simple rules, you can safely enjoy the view and be rewarded
with memories to last a lifetime.
This document does not constitute medical advice. Readers
with questions should contact a qualified eye-care professional.
Additional Safety Information
An eclipse is a rare and striking phenomenon you won't want
to miss, but you must carefully follow safety procedures. Don't let the requisite
warnings scare you away from witnessing this singular spectacle! You can
experience the eclipse safely, but it is vital that you protect your eyes at
all times with the proper solar filters. No matter what recommended technique
you use, do not stare continuously at the sun. Take breaks and give your eyes a
rest! Do not use sunglasses: they don't offer your eyes sufficient protection.
One excellent resource for safe solar eclipse viewing is here: http://www.nasa.gov/content/eye-safety-during-a-total-solar-eclipse(link
is external)
Viewing with Protection -- Experts suggests that
one widely available filter for safe solar viewing is number 14 welder's glass.
It is imperative that the welding hood houses a #14 or darker filter. Do not
view through any welding glass if you do not know or cannot discern its shade
number. Be advised that arc welders typically use glass with a shade much less
than the necessary #14. A welding glass that permits you to see the landscape
is not safe. Inexpensive eclipse glasses have special safety filters that
appear similar to sunglasses, but these do permit safe viewing.
Telescopes with Solar Filters – Eclipses are
best viewed directly when magnified, which means a telescope with a solar
filter or solar telescopes. These will give you a magnified view that will
clearly show the progress of an eclipse. Never look through a telescope without
a solar filter on the large end of the scope. And never use small solar filters
that attach to the eyepiece (as found in some older, cheaper telescopes.)
Pinhole projectors (link is external) --
Pinhole projectors and other projection techniques are a safe, indirect viewing
technique for observing an image of the sun. These provide a popular way for
viewing solar eclipses.
Many roads leading to key vantage points on public lands may be closed to motorized traffic during the eclipse for safety and capacity reasons, vantage points may only be accessible by foot.
Practice Good Stewardship of our Trails / Roadways:
You can help to take good care of our trails and roadways so that others may enjoy these areas for years to come by practicing some of the following actions:
Don't Litter... take along a trash bag or other receptacle for collecting your trash so that you can deposit it in the proper trash receptacle.
Make sure that you hike / walk on the designated trail or roadway in that area. Check with your destination ahead of time to ensure that the area you plan to hike in is allowed.
Don't hike in areas where it is not permitted. These areas have been declared "off limits" to hikers to protect wildlife, vegetation, or for your safety.
Safety While Hiking:
Wear proper clothing and footwear, according to the terrain and season
Be courteous and remember that you are sharing the trail or roadway with other hikers and recreationists
Do not hike or walk on unauthorized trails or roadways
Bring along extra safety items such as water, flashlights, maps, and a cellphone or radio
A solar eclipse occurs when the moon blocks any part of the sun. On Monday, August 21, 2017, a solar eclipse will be visible (weather permitting) across all of North America. The whole continent will experience a partial eclipse lasting 2 to 3 hours. Halfway through the event, anyone within a roughly 70-mile-wide path from Oregon to South Carolina (https://go.nasa.gov/2pC0lhe (link is external)) will experience a brief total eclipse, when the moon completely blocks the sun’s bright face for up to 2 minutes 40 seconds, turning day into night and making visible the otherwise hidden solar corona — the sun’s outer atmosphere — one of nature’s most awesome sights. Bright stars and planets will become visible as well.
Looking directly at the sun is unsafe except during the brief total phase of a solar eclipse (“totality”), when the moon entirely blocks the sun’s bright face, which will happen only within the narrow path of totality (https://go.nasa.gov/2pC0lhe (link is external)).
The only safe way to look directly at the uneclipsed or partially eclipsed sun is through special-purpose solar filters, such as “eclipse glasses” (example shown at left) or hand-held solar viewers. Homemade filters or ordinary sunglasses, even very dark ones, are not safe for looking at the sun. To date four manufacturers have certified that their eclipse glasses and handheld solar viewers meet the ISO 12312-2 international standard for such products: Rainbow Symphony, American Paper Optics, Thousand Oaks Optical, and TSE 17.
Always inspect your solar filter before use; if scratched or damaged, discard it. Read and follow any instructions printed on or packaged with the filter. Always supervise children using solar filters.
Stand still and cover your eyes with your eclipse glasses or solar viewer before looking up at the bright sun. After glancing at the sun, turn away and remove your filter — do not remove it while looking at the sun.
Do not look at the uneclipsed or partially eclipsed sun through an unfiltered camera, telescope, binoculars, or other optical device. Similarly, do not look at the sun through a camera, a telescope, binoculars, or any other optical device while using your eclipse glasses or hand-held solar viewer — the concentrated solar rays will damage the filter and enter your eye(s), causing serious injury. Seek expert advice from an astronomer before using a solar filter with a camera, a telescope, binoculars, or any other optical device.
If you are within the path of totality (https://go.nasa.gov/2pC0lhe (link is external)), remove your solar filter only when the Moon completely covers the sun’s bright face and it suddenly gets quite dark. Experience totality, then, as soon as the bright sun begins to reappear, replace your solar viewer to glance at the remaining partial phases.
An alternative method for safe viewing of the partially eclipsed sun is pinhole projection. For example, cross the outstretched, slightly open fingers of one hand over the outstretched, slightly open fingers of the other. With your back to the sun, look at your hands’ shadow on the ground. The little spaces between your fingers will project a grid of small images on the ground, showing the sun as a crescent during the partial phases of the eclipse.
A solar eclipse is one of nature’s grandest spectacles. By following these simple rules, you can safely enjoy the view and be rewarded with memories to last a lifetime. More information:
While the past six months in the Pacific Northwest have been cooler and wetter than normal, June, July, and August are predicted to be warmer than average. We will likely have a slower start to the fire season due to slow melt off of snow at the higher elevations.
Most years, lightning causes the majority of fires in the Pacific Northwest, this year we will have the added human factor of up to a million people visiting Oregon during the peak of fire season to witness the total solar eclipse. We are ramping up our fire prevention efforts with that in mind.
This year, we have a new partner in fire prevention. While we’ve worked with Rangeland Fire Protection Associations in fire suppression efforts for years, we are now embarking on a joint fire prevention campaign. YOU can help as well, by:
• ensuring campfires are cold to the touch before leaving them;
• avoiding parking or driving in dry grass; and
• remembering that fireworks and exploding targets are prohibited on Federal lands.
To learn more about the latest wildland fire conditions in the Pacific Northwest head on over to: http://gacc.nifc.gov/nwcc/
Video by Michael Campbell, BLM -- Graphics by Matt Christenson, BLM – Featuring Traci Weaver, BLM/U.S. Forest Service
Dispersed camping is allowed in Oregon State Forests with no
fee or permit requirements. Campers are required to adhere to ODF regulations
regarding placement of campsites, campfires, sanitation, and stay limits.
Campfires are not permitted during the regulated use portion of fire season.
There is no map of dispersed camp spots.
“With that many people potentially gathering on our public lands it could leave a significant mark,” said Traci Weaver with the Bureau of Land Management and the US Forestry Service. “We are asking people to follow the ‘leave no trace standards,’ to pack it in and pack it out.”
Weaver suggested eclipse watchers be very careful using any fire-starting device and to make sure campfires are completely extinguished. And she suggested you know what resources are there once you get to your spot.
“There isn’t a gas station for miles and miles, there isn’t water for miles and miles, so know what is around and be prepared.”
Both the Forest Service and the BLM want everyone to be on their best behavior. But they’re also providing extra knowledge for people.
“One of the things that we are trying to do here in Oregon is to help prepare for all the visitors we are going to have by adding extra fire education out there for those people who are viewing the eclipse,” said Lauren Maloney, a fire mitigation and education specialist with the BLM. “People might not know when they pull over and park on dry grass they can spark a wildfire.”
Both Maloney and Weaver want people to be “extra aware” and to prepare for “different scenarios that could happen.”
An extra layer of concern is there will be a lot of people in forestland during the eclipse. That means it may take extra time for firefighters to get to any wildfire that flare up.
“You can’t expect to get from Point A to Point B on a normal timeline if you’re in the path of totality, that prime area for viewing the eclipse. It will take extra time,” Maloney said. “If there are emergencies, if people are injured or wildfire events, emergency vehicles are going to need access.
People need to be aware and pay attention to emergency vehicles and pull over, not on dry grass, and let emergency vehicles get through.”
The eclipse is happening on Monday, Aug. 21, beginning at about 9 a.m. and reaching totality about 10:15 a.m. State officials expect some 1 million people to flood into Oregon for the eclipse, a mass gathering that will undoubtedly lead to clogged roadways, packed cities and overflowing campgrounds. http://www.oregonlive.com/travel/index.ssf/2017/03/17_places_to_watch_the_2017_so.html
Mid-August is peak wildfire season in the Pacific Northwest. Historically, we often have multiple large landscape wildfires burning on public lands that can force unanticipated, last-minute restricted access, including public lands roads. Smoke from nearby wildfires may also be an issue in August and could impede your view of the eclipse.
Familiarize yourself with the Forest Fire Danger Ratings - These signs will inform you about current conditions as you visit public lands.
Dispersed camping is the term
used for camping anywhere in the National Forest outside of a
designated campground. Dispersed camping means there are no toilets, no picnic
tables, no trash cans, no treated water, and no fire grates. Typically,
dispersed camping is not allowed in the immediate vicinity of developed
recreation areas such as campgrounds, boat ramps, picnic areas or trailheads.
There are extra responsibilities and skills that are necessary for dispersed
camping. It's your responsibility to know these before you try this new
experience.
Stay limits
Malheur National Forest -There is a 14 day stay limit in developed campgrounds and a 30 day stay limit at dispersed sites (non-developed
campgrounds).
Umatilla National Forest -There is a 14 day stay limit in both developed campgrounds and dispersed sites.
Wallowa-Whitman National Forest -There is a 14 day stay limit in both developed campgrounds and dispersed sites.
Picking a Campsite
If available, please pick a site that's been previously used by other
dispersed campers. Plants, soil and wildlife are impacted by new campsites, so
using existing ones will minimize your impact on the forest. If there is no
existing campsite, then follow these Leave
No Traceguidelines:
Camp on bare soil if possible, to
avoid damaging or killing plants and grass.
Do NOT camp within 200 feet of any
water source, plants near water are especially fragile.
Don't camp in the middle of a
clearing or meadow. Make your campsite less visible so that other visitors
will experience "wild" setting.
Don't try to level or dig trenches
in the ground at your campsite. Select a campsite with good natural
drainage.
Many wildfires are caused by human activity, typically escaped campfires
from dispersed campers. Campfires are allowed when you are dispersed
camping unless there are fire restrictions in effect due to
high fire danger conditions. It is your responsibility to know if fire
restrictions are in effect before you go camping.
Campfire Tips:
Use camp stoves to help conserve
ground cover resources. The animals, insects and micro-organisms in the
soil need downed, rotting wood to survive.
Select a site that is not in a
meadow or clearing, that is not next to a tree with low, overhanging
branches, that is AT LEAST 200 feet from any water source to protect
fragile vegetation.
Use existing fire rings if they exist.
Minimize the scarring of new rocks, soil and plants by using existing fire
rings.
Build your fire on a fire pan. An
old trash can placed on three rocks allows for a fire at camp without
scarring the ground or rocks. When the ashes are COLD and DEAD OUT,
the ashes can simply be scattered outside of the campsite.
Clear an area of combustible
material six feet away from a campfire to reduce the chance of it
spreading into a wildfire.
If you don't bring your own
firewood, collect only dead and downed wood that is on the ground. You
should not cut branches off of live trees. If a popular camping area does
not have dead and downed wood, bring your own firewood or use a camp
stove.
NEVER LEAVE A FIRE UNATTENDED.
You should have a bucket, shovel,
and axe available to control or extinguish escaped fire.
BEFORE YOU LEAVE YOUR CAMPFIRE,
MAKE SURE IT IS DEAD OUT. You should be able to put your whole hand
into the ashes without being burned and it should be cool to the touch.
Protect Water Quality
Water gets contaminated by visitors who don't take care of their human
waste or their garbage and food properly.
Human Waste - Dispersed camping
means no bathrooms and no outhouses. That means extra care has to be taken
in disposing of human waste.
To dispose of feces, dig a hole 6
inches deep and AT LEAST 200 FEET AWAY FROM ANY WATER SOURCE
(creeks, wetlands, springs, or lakes).
When you're done, fill the hole
with the dirt you dug up and take your toilet paper with you to dispose
of in a proper waste container.
Never defecate or leave toilet
paper on top of the ground, it could easily get into the local water
source and contaminate it.
Empty built-in or portable
toilets at sanitary dump stations.Waste Water and Washing
Wash your body, dishes, etc., and
dispose of waste water AT LEAST 200 FEET AWAY FROM ANY WATER SOURCE.
Do not use ANY soap directly in a
water source.
Use biodegradable soap.
Treating Your Water
We used to be able to take a cup and drink directly out of a sparkling
creek, a rushing waterfall or a clear, deep lake. There is NO safe water
source anymore. With an increasing population and high visitor use on our
National Forests, water sources have been contaminated with invisible,
micro-organisms that can make people very ill and even kill them in some cases.
Giardia is a common contamination that has been spread to many water sources
through improper care of human waste and wild animals. It will cause diarrhea,
cramping, and other physical problems.
The only way to ensure that water from an undeveloped source is safe is to
treat it. Drinking water should be heated until it comes to a
rolling boil, or treated using purification tablets or a water filter. Water
from faucets in developed recreation areas are periodically tested and are safe
to use without treating.
Camp Waste
If you “PACK IT IN”, always "PACK IT OUT"! Please leave your
campsite cleaner than you found it. Pack out ALL your garbage, including
aluminum foil, cans, toilet paper, cigarette butts and plastic products.
Have Fun!
If you follow the tips above, you can have a safe, low impact, primitive
camping experience. Thank you for helping care for YOUR National Forest!
For Specific Regulations on Individual National Forests- Please Visit:
If you are within the path of totality (https://go.nasa.gov/2pC0lhe (link is external)), remove your solar filter only when the moon completely covers the sun’s bright face and it suddenly gets quite dark. Experience totality, then, as soon as the bright sun begins to reappear, replace your solar viewer to look at the remaining partial phases.
ODF offers three types of camping opportunities: developed campgrounds, designated dispersed
sites, and dispersed camping. All available campground sites have been booked
Dispersed camping
