AGP Executive Report

Wildfire & Travel Safety: Oregon’s July 22 thunderstorms sparked 8,357 lightning strikes and new fire starts, with Akawa Butte Fire driving fresh evacuations and trail closures near Sisters, while crews also work Hagen and East Evans Creek as smoke and road conditions keep shifting. Gas Prices: AAA says the national regular gas average jumped 15 cents to $4.09, with Oregon also climbing as crude oil stays volatile. River Safety: Springfield and Eugene-Springfield Fire are urging visitors to wear lifejackets and plan routes after recent river rescues and drownings, including guidance to avoid low-head dams near West D Street Boat Ramp. Local Culture in Eugene: Kesey Square in downtown Eugene is getting a spotlight for its public art and sculptures tied to Ken Kesey. Camping Planning: The Dyrt named 60 “Best Places to Camp” winners for 2026, signaling peak-season booking pressure. Portland Weekend Picks: A roundup highlights family-friendly Portlandia Mermaid Festival events plus the Washington County Fair and bilingual opera performances. Outdoor Health: A smoke-season action piece urges Central Oregon visitors to take wildfire air seriously and adjust plans.

Wildfire & Smoke Watch: National wildfire preparedness was raised to the highest level as Oregon crews juggle major incidents and worsening air; Central Oregon visitors are urged to limit outdoor time as smoke drives unhealthy conditions, with health guidance recommending air purifiers and N95s. Akawa Butte Fire Updates: Near Sisters, evacuations expanded amid extreme fire behavior from thunderstorms; firefighters strengthened lines overnight and a community meeting is set for tonight. Hagen Fire Shelter Shift: The Hagen Fire emergency shelter in Umatilla County moved to Sunridge Middle School in Pendleton, offering clean air, meals, and pet support. East Evans Creek Fire: Containment updates continue as crews mop up and adjust evacuation levels. Heat Advisory: A Columbia Basin/Yakima heat advisory warns of dangerous temperatures and urges hydration and avoiding strenuous outdoor activity. Portland Fun Picks: Here are 7 things to do around Portland this week, including the Washington County Fair and a bilingual mariachi opera. Coast & Gorge Getaways: Doug’s Beach in the Columbia River Gorge is highlighted as a classic wind-and-views day trip, plus a guide to weird and wonderful Oregon Coast attractions. Historic Win for Portland: Ursula K. Le Guin’s Portland home was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Local Food: Portland’s top taco spots are revealed in a readers’ choice roundup. Family Travel Note: A DNA ID solved a 14-year missing hiker case in the Grand Canyon—another reminder to plan carefully on remote trails.

Wildfire & Smoke Watch: Central Oregon tourism leaders are rolling out a new interactive smoke map to help visitors plan around haze, active fires, and road closures—aimed at reducing last-minute trip cancellations. Public Lands Funding: A federal fund for Crater Lake and other Oregon public lands is set to expire, raising questions for summer operations. Wildlife Impacts: Think Wild highlights how wildfire smoke and habitat loss can push wildlife into urban areas and disrupt ecosystems for years. Travel Safety: Oregon officials are urging drivers to prepare for wildfire season as smoke and closures affect road conditions. Family Travel Alert: A Peter Rabbit Organics fruit puree recall (plastic strand choking hazard) could affect carry-on snacks for toddlers during peak travel. Coast Events: The Coast Weekend Calendar (July 23–30) spotlights Seaside and Cannon Beach happenings, including an outdoor journaling workshop and a Cannon Beach theater show. Community Tourism: MountainStar’s Birdies 4 Babies gala & golf tournament is set for Aug. 8–9 in Central Oregon.

Wildfire & travel safety: Oregon’s wildfire season is surging with smoke, road closures, and worsening visibility. Officials urge drivers to plan routes around active fire areas, check TripCheck.com, and pack a car emergency kit. East Evans Creek Fire update: Containment rose to 26% on 15,705 acres after aggressive mop-up, but a Red Flag Warning calls for lightning and gusty winds that could stress fire lines. Fire restrictions: BLM reminds visitors that public lands in Oregon and Washington remain under fire restrictions, with local rules that can change fast. Evacuations expand: Umatilla County increased evacuation levels around the Hagen Fire, citing forecast weather, heavy fuels, and dry timber. Community & culture stops: A new Central Library celebration is set for Aug. 15 in Bend. Tourism marketing shift: A Portland firm highlights how digital storytelling and creators are changing how Oregon destinations reach travelers. Health watch: Oregon measles containment is getting harder amid mistrust, with new exposure cases tied to school transmission. Outdoor science: Surfing webcams are being used to study Oregon coastal fog patterns. New lodging: Construction has started on CASCADA, a Nordic-inspired Bend-area thermal wellness hotel, targeting late 2028.

Wildfire Update (Oregon): Oregon’s wildfire season has surged hard this week, with 26 major fires burning, smoke blanketing much of the state, and hundreds of thousands of acres already scorched; the East Evans Creek Fire is up to 26% containment and evacuation levels have been reduced as crews push mop-up and use infrared to find hot spots, while thunderstorms could bring both relief and new lightning-started blazes. Tourism & Standards (Portland): Destination leaders are in Portland for the 2026 Destinations International convention, highlighting destination stewardship and sustainability, and noting 33 destination organizations earned or renewed DMAP accreditation. Coastal Culture (Cannon Beach): Cannon Beach Gallery opens “Fire and Tide,” a free exhibit blending wood-fired ceramics and coastal art running through Aug. 23. Safety Watch (Portland): Portland Police report a spike in motorcycle crashes and deaths, urging riders to avoid illegal lane splitting and slow down. Local Shopping (Oregon City): Fox Den Antiques debuts downtown with about 50 vendors, including Ghoul Gallery’s smaller Halloween-focused booth. Business & Sourcing (Eugene): Mountain Rose Herbs wins a Nutrition Business Journal stewardship and sustainability award for its sourcing and supply-chain efforts. Travel Disruption (Weather): A flash flood watch is in effect for parts of Idaho and nearby areas, with storms possible across southeast Oregon. Health Alert (CDC): Cyclosporiasis cases top 4,000 across 41 states, with Oregon listed among states not currently reporting cases.

Wildfire & Smoke Watch: Oregon’s wildfire season has surged hard this week, with dozens of major blazes, hundreds of thousands of acres burned, evacuations, and widespread smoke—plus a July 22 storm setup that could bring some rain but also lightning that may spark new fires. East Evans Creek Fire Updates: The East Evans Creek Fire near Shady Cove is reported around the 15,000–17,000-acre range with rising containment, while officials keep adjusting evacuation levels and firefighting tactics. Air Quality Alerts: DEQ and regional agencies are warning of unhealthy smoke conditions across parts of Oregon (and into nearby states), urging residents—especially seniors and people with heart/lung issues—to limit outdoor time and follow air-quality guidance. Weather Shift: A tropical moisture remnant is expected to move through Oregon into Washington, changing conditions midweek. Coastal Science for Travelers: Oregon researchers say surfing webcams can track coastal fog in new detail—good news for anyone who loves the coast’s misty mornings. Local Life & Growth: Rogue River’s mayor talks infrastructure planning while protecting a small-town feel. Portland Streets: Neighborhood groups are pushing back on a West Burnside resurfacing plan, arguing it should better support walking, biking, and transit. Oregon Coast Food Event: Alba-Alba pairs Oregon albacore with albariño in a three-day festival celebrating the coast’s flavors. Travel Planning Tip: If you’re heading out this week, check smoke and heat advisories first—conditions are changing fast.

Wildfire & Travel Disruptions: Oregon’s wildfire season is in full swing, with 25 active blazes topping 350,000 acres and smoke pushing air-quality alerts across multiple counties; officials warn heat and possible thunderstorms could worsen conditions, so visitors should plan for hazy skies and check local advisories before heading out. Central Oregon Fire Updates: Crews on the East Evans Creek Fire report spot fires, repaired control lines, and containment reaching 17%, with ongoing mop-up and night work—another reminder that outdoor plans may shift quickly. Airport Growth (Central Oregon): Redmond Municipal Airport held a topping-off ceremony for its terminal expansion, adding major new space, jet bridges, concessions, and more seating to support travel demand. Dining & Resorts: Tetherow Resort opened Coorie, a new Scottish-inspired restaurant with reservations now available. Coast Festival: Garibaldi Days 2026 returns July 24–26 with parades, live music, a classic car show, and the Water Ball Competition—plus easy access to marina, beaches, and the Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad. Outdoor History Stop: Cornucopia Lodge hosts a history talk and walking tour Aug. 15, tied to veterans and local mining stories. Sports Travel: United adds special nonstop flights from Newark for Notre Dame home games, making it easier for fans to travel to South Bend.

Wildfire & Travel Disruptions: Oregon is adding 800+ firefighting personnel as multiple blazes burn with low containment, including the East Evans Creek Fire near Rogue River (15,015 acres, 8% contained) and new evacuations/updates for affected communities. Public Safety & Outdoor Advisories: Health officials issued a cyanotoxin/blue-green algae advisory for Brownlee and Hells Canyon reservoirs—avoid swimming and risky water contact; boating is OK without excessive spray. Local Permits for Visitors: Gold Beach updated its event permit rules for activities on city land, aiming to streamline approvals while requiring insurance and checks for alcohol, vendors, and fire risks. Coastal Landmark: Astoria’s 125-foot Astoria Column marked 100 years overlooking the north Oregon coast, with centennial festivities and panoramic views. Family-Friendly Fun: Ironman 70.3 Oregon crowned top triathletes, while a Bernese Mountain Dog Experience in Oregon City offers weekend, reservation-only 75-minute sessions. Road & Air Quality Notes: Salem closed streets around Hoopla 3-on-3; Inland Northwest heat and wildfire smoke continue to threaten outdoor plans. Adventure Safety: A paddleboarding drowning near Oakridge is a reminder to wear a life jacket and never go in alone.

Oregon Wildfires & Smoke: Oregon firefighting resources are stretched as wildfires burn over 200,000 acres, with central Oregon hit hard and air quality impacts expected to linger. Central Oregon Fire Updates: The East Evans Creek Fire remains active (about 14,442 acres, 8% contained) with evacuations and road/trail closures affecting travel plans around Sisters and nearby areas. Lightning-Driven Outbreaks: Central Oregon saw thousands of lightning strikes ignite dozens of fires, including Pilot, Akawa Butte, and Brewer, with extreme, wind-driven fire behavior complicating suppression. Travel Safety: Officials warn heat and smoke can combine with storms to create hazardous conditions, so outdoor plans may need last-minute changes. Oregon Wine Tourism: Oregon’s sparkling wine scene is getting major buzz, with the state increasingly branded as “Champagne of America” and more visitors drawn to traditional-method bubbles. Events & Getaways: A Rogue Valley Farm Tour opened 20 local farms for hands-on agriculture experiences, a great low-stress summer outing for families. Portland-Area Air Travel: United is adding special flights tied to major college football matchups, including new service options for Oregon fans heading to Columbus.

Wildfire & Smoke Watch: Central and eastern Oregon travelers should plan around worsening conditions as the East Evans Creek Fire grows to about 14,442 acres with 8% containment, with crews repositioning near Board Mountain and expanding structural protection; Deschutes National Forest Wilderness areas move to Stage 1 public use fire restrictions starting July 20 (no open fires). Evacuation Updates: Zone JAC-127-A was downgraded to Level 2 (BE SET) from Level 3, and additional evacuation notices/updates continue as conditions change. Air Quality Alerts: DEQ has issued an Air Quality Alert for parts of eastern Oregon through noon Monday, with unhealthy indexes expected most of the weekend. Outdoor Planning: If you’re heading out, check road closures and wildfire maps first—this week’s lightning-driven starts are also boosting smoke across the region. Oregon Travel Ideas: Duffy Lake Trail near Sisters is getting attention for its “choose-your-own” network of routes to lakes and basins. Wine Tourism: Oregon is being hailed as a world-class sparkling wine region, with traditional-method bubbles gaining momentum.

Wildfire Updates: East Evans Creek Fire in southern Oregon is now at 13,999 acres with 8% containment, and evacuation zones were adjusted (including a Level 2 “BE SET” update for JAC-203B) as crews strengthen lines and prepare for hotter, drier conditions. Outdoor Safety Tech: Google-backed FireSat satellites are set to help detect wildfires earlier, including fires small enough to miss by other methods, with data aimed at protecting homes and reducing burned land. Gorge Beach Guide: Looking for a quieter day on the water? A new roundup highlights six lesser-known Columbia River Gorge beaches—great for scenic river access, but with reminders about cold water and strong currents. Local Community Spotlight: Lane County’s cold-case team of retired investigators is tackling decades-old murders and missing persons, using DNA testing to solve cases and chase new leads. Travel & Accessibility: Portland State students practiced navigating Portland International Airport while blindfolded, spotlighting real-world challenges for travelers with vision loss. Oregon Travel Inspiration: A Eugene woman is preparing to swim the English Channel this August, inspired by a childhood photo—an adventure story with big “Oregon outdoors” energy.

Wildfire Updates (NE Oregon): The Lower Dry Creek Fire near Weston saw containment rise to 57% and the mapped size set at about 8,095.6 acres, with crews patrolling lines, doing mop-up, and starting demobilization as damage assessments continue. Evacuation & Fire Behavior (Jackson County): The East Evans Creek Fire grew to 13,999 acres with 8% containment; officials say hotter, drier weather may boost activity, while OEM support and a community meeting are planned. Travel Accessibility (Portland): Portland State students practiced navigating Portland International Airport blindfolded to understand real challenges for travelers with vision loss, using canes, guides, and wayfinding apps. Outdoor Planning (Oregon): A guide breaks down Mount St. Helens’ Ape Cave routes—one more family-friendly and one more obstacle-course style. Coastal Fun (Columbia Gorge): After visiting every public Gorge beach, a roundup picks the 6 best for easy access, scenery, and water time. Air Travel Upgrade: United adds 30+ nonstop college football flights and expands Starlink Wi‑Fi on planes for streaming games in the air.

Wildfire Watch: Oregon’s wildfire season is flaring fast, with lightning sparking 17 new blazes in the Willamette National Forest and the state raising its regional response to Level 3 as smoke and fire danger build. East Evans Creek Fire Updates: The East Evans Creek Fire near Medford is up to about 13,000 acres with 8% containment, and crews are strengthening lines while a community meeting is set for Sunday in Shady Cove. Lower Dry Creek Fire: Evacuations and “Go Now” alerts continue in parts of Umatilla County as the fire spreads. Outdoor Safety: Oregon hiking safety tips are circulating as air quality concerns rise and camping spots may be affected. Tourism & Community: UO public relations students helped Gladstone reimagine its tourism strategy, pitching ideas to the city council. Travel Planning Help: A roundup of the closest national parks to major cities includes options for travelers planning quick getaways. Portland Pool Side Hustle: A Portland homeowner says renting out his indoor pool via an app became a full-time job.

Wildfire Watch (Oregon): East Evans Creek Fire near Medford hit about 13,000 acres with spot fires and Level 3 “Go Now” evacuations for parts near Shady Cove; meanwhile lightning sparked 17 new blazes in the Willamette National Forest, prompting Stage 1 fire restrictions and a statewide Level 3 response as crews and smokejumpers ramp up. Evacuation Updates (Central Oregon): Akawa Butte Fire triggered Level 1 “Be Ready” notices for areas northeast of Sisters, with officials urging residents to stay alert and sign up for Deschutes Alerts. Travel Safety (Air Quality): Smoke from Oregon and Central Washington fires pushed Spokane-area air quality into hazardous territory, with officials warning conditions may shift over the weekend. Outdoors & Stargazing: OMSI Star Parties return to L.L. Stub Stewart State Park with free evening telescope events starting July 18. Local Trips & Culture: Restore Oregon is offering a ticketed tour of two major architectural landmarks—Frank Lloyd Wright’s Gordon House in Silverton and Alvar Aalto’s Mount Angel Abbey Library—on Aug. 1. Family Travel Note: A North Coast Classic baseball tournament faced criticism over continuing play during smoky conditions tied to Canadian wildfires.

Wildfire & Smoke Watch: Canadian wildfire smoke is again blanketing the Midwest and Northeast, with Air Quality Index readings hitting hazardous levels (including Toledo above 800) and prompting stay-indoors guidance. Oregon Fire Updates: The Lower Dry Creek Fire near Milton-Freewater has burned about 6,800 acres with Level 3 “Go Now” evacuations in place for multiple zones, while the East Evans Creek Fire near Medford remains active with spot fires and ongoing evacuation changes. Red Flag Conditions: Red Flag Warnings are up across parts of Oregon and the Pacific Northwest, signaling strong winds, low humidity, and lightning risk that can spark fast-moving fires. Travel Planning Tip: Free stargazing parties are coming to Oregon state parks this summer, with telescope support and evening programs at L.L. Stub Stewart and Rooster Rock. Local Tourism & Community: A new program brings Black Portlanders to explore Southern Oregon with free two-night Sunshine Trips, aiming to make outdoor recreation and travel more welcoming. Gas Prices: AAA reports Oregon gas averaging around the mid-$4 range, with regional volatility tied to oil markets.

Road Safety & Work Zones: ODOT says a driver who ignored a closure on I-84 in the Columbia River Gorge hit two road workers, then fled; Oregon State Police arrested him. Fire Updates: The East Evans Creek Fire near Medford has grown past 11,000 acres with spot fires and expanded “Go Now” evacuations; crews are also battling multiple lightning-caused fires in Grant County. Local Travel Disruptions: Salem’s Ferry Street will see nightly lane closures July 20–23 for repaving, and Cornelius Pass Road bridge work may affect ambulance routes to Kaiser Westside. Emergency Planning: Oregon OEM published finalized recovery plan annexes to complete the state’s disaster recovery framework ahead of fire season. Oregon Outdoors Inspiration: A new “deep-cuts” bucket list highlights remote Oregon natural treasures, including the Pillars of Rome. Tech & Privacy for Visitors: A look at Flock AI license-plate cameras explains why some cities are canceling or covering them. Family Fun: Bend Endurance Academy opens fall youth mountain biking and climbing registration.