At least for Central Oregon the wildfire smoke has subsided, that is . . . there are fewer hundred plus AQI (air quality index) days.
Our particular area remains smoke free, but the August heat bears down in the afternoon. A good reason to seek higher elevations and denser forest cover.
This week we headed west up to the Cascade Highway.
The Upper Deschutes River parallels that road offering a number of good spots to set up a camp chair and enjoy the peaceful babble of a small stream.
Cold drinks, a light lunch and some cooling wades in the water take the edge off a relentless summer sun.