Wildfire Tips and Resources to Recreate Responsibly in Forest Park and Beyond

Guest AuthorEducation

As we enter dry summer weather conditions and the risk of wildfire becomes urgent, we want you to feel empowered to continue recreating outdoors in Forest Park and beyond, but have the information you need to do so responsibly.

We all know that loss of life, infrastructure, wildlife habitat, and more due to wildfire would be devastating. Forest Park improves the air quality of our region, sequesters carbon, and provides many other ecosystem services to the region’s population, and improves our collective quality of life.

Many remember that during last year’s fires, Forest Park closed under emergency orders due to extreme risk. This was a reminder of the park’s vulnerability and one that we take seriously. Let’s all do our part to prevent wildfires this year and protect Forest Park.

Here are some tips that are applicable anywhere you choose to recreate this summer.

#RecreateResponsibly Wildfire Edition Guidelines:

  • Know Before You Go – Be sure to check for any trail closures, or changes in local regulations before you recreate.
  • Practice Physical Distancing – Give people space – it’s critical to not crowd firefighting efforts. Please note that Forest Park is a no-drone-zone.
  • Plan Ahead – Know what fire restrictions are in place at your destination. Coming to Forest Park? In Forest Park, and any city park in Portland, no fires, camping, fireworks, or firearms are permitted.
  • Play it Safe –Understand the restrictions of your recreational destination. Again, from fireworks to camp stoves, fires of any kind are not permitted in Forest Park.
  • Explore Locally – Impacts from wildfire can change your travel plans. Have a back-up plan, like close-to-home gems like Forest Park. There are over 80 miles of trails for you to explore!
  • Leave No Trace – While campfires are not permitted in Forest Park, if you are recreating somewhere else, be sure to keep your campfire small, ensure that it’s out completely and cold to the touch prior to leaving or going to sleep.
  • Build an Inclusive Outdoors – Everyone experiences the outdoors differently, and we can work together to keep our communities safe. Join one of FPC’s upcoming volunteer events, become a member of the Forest Park Conservancy to help keep it healthy, and make sure you are receiving our newsletter for current updates about our work.

Our changing climate is a significant risk to Forest Park, but you can make a difference. Thank you for doing your part to #RecreateResponsibly outdoors this summer!

Click here to learn more about what work the Forest Park Conservancy has participated in to mitigate wildfire risk.

Additional Resources:

CDC Guidance: