Central Oregon smoke climatology
Bend & Central Oregon Smoke Heat Map
See how often wildfire smoke affects Bend and Central Oregon from June through October. Zoom into Bend to compare neighborhoods and explore how wind, terrain, and calm overnight weather shape local smoke patterns.
Locations with the most typical smoke hours at Some smoke · AQI 75+ · ≥22 µg/m³
- 1
Crescent
4,450 ft
295 hr
- 2
Crescent Lake
4,840 ft
284 hr
- 3
Waldo Lake North End
5,414 ft
282 hr
- 4
Gilchrist
4,540 ft
282 hr
- 5
Waldo Lake South End / Shadow Bay
5,418 ft
267 hr
- 6
La Pine
4,236 ft
267 hr
- 7
Crescent Lake Junction
4,880 ft
266 hr
- 8
Davis Lake
4,386 ft
264 hr
- 9
Fort Rock State Natural Area
4,450 ft
257 hr
- 10
Hole-in-the-Ground
4,630 ft
255 hr
- 11
Willamette Pass
5,135 ft
255 hr
- 12
Odell Lake
4,790 ft
254 hr
Bend, Oregon smoke FAQ
Common questions about wildfire smoke in Bend and Central Oregon
When is smoke season in Bend, Oregon?
Smoke season generally runs from June through October. The smokiest periods usually happen during active wildfires in late summer, but every fire season is different.
How often is Bend smoky during summer?
At the default “Some smoke” level, central Bend averages about 199 smoke hours and 19 smoky days between June and October. Smoke usually arrives in clusters during wildfire events rather than being spread evenly through the summer.
What does “smoke hour” mean?
A smoke hour is one hour when wildfire smoke reaches the level selected in the menu. A higher smoke setting counts fewer hours because it only includes heavier smoke.
What does “smoky day” mean?
A smoky day has at least three smoke hours at the level selected in the menu. One brief hour of haze is not enough to make the day count as smoky.
Do the AQI labels show current air quality?
No. The AQI labels are approximate comparisons that help explain each smoke level. Check Oregon DEQ or AirNow for current AQI readings and health guidance.
Which part of Bend gets the least smoke?
No Bend neighborhood is always the least smoky. Fire location and wind direction change from day to day, and calm overnight weather can trap smoke in different low-lying areas.