OREGON—The rain-soaked, dense forests of the western Cascade Range in Oregon and Washington are iconic. From towering conifers to forest floors carpeted with sword ferns, west-side forests are known for their evergreen, wet conditions and infrequent wildfires. As the climate becomes warmer and drier, however, west-side forests are experiencing longer fire seasons, larger burns and increased wildfire risk. These trends are expected to continue in the future as the climate changes. In this story map, learn more about the expected impacts of climate change on west-side forests in Oregon and Washington.

The unprecedented 2020 wildfire season offered a glimpse into the possible ramifications of increased fire risk on the west side, including threats to communities. The population of western Oregon and Washington is growing, including the number of people living in the wildland-urban interface where fire risk is a significant concern. The high population density on the west side increases vulnerability and makes it challenging for fire fighters to protect people, property, water supplies, timber and wildlife habitat.

Through the West-Side Fire Research Initiative, the Pacific Northwest Research Station is working with partners to coproduce science and tools that will be used to help protect the health, safety and economic well-being of communities in the region.