Today’s Tick Risk in Oregon – Real-Time Forecast & Activity Map
Check your ZIP code for local tick activity, real-time risk levels, and prevention insights.
Built from CDC and NOAA data
Where are ticks found in Oregon?
Oregon ticks concentrate in the western valleys, oak woodlands, and coastal ranges, where the western blacklegged tick can carry Lyme disease. Southern Oregon and the Columbia Gorge also see American dog ticks and Rocky Mountain wood ticks. Peak activity runs March through July, with a smaller fall pulse.
Surveillance Insights
- Annual Lyme Cases
- Lyme present in West; Tularemia in East
- Based on CDC surveillance data
- Long-Term Trend
- Increasing awareness of tick-borne illness
- Based on CDC surveillance data
- High Risk Zones
- Josephine, Jackson, Lane, Multnomah, Deschutes, Silver Falls State Park
Current Situation in Oregon
Oregon's tick risks are heavily influenced by its diverse geography. The tick forecast for Oregon warns of Lyme disease risk in the western third of the state, particularly in the Willamette Valley and Coastal Range. The Western Blacklegged Tick is the primary vector. In the high desert of Central and Eastern Oregon, the Rocky Mountain Wood Tick is the main concern, carrying Colorado Tick Fever and Tularemia. The "tick line" generally follows the crest of the Cascades.
Snapshot of the current tick situation in Oregon, based on regional surveillance data and seasonal activity patterns.
- Risk Level
- Moderate to High
- Peak Activity
- May - July
- Dominant Vector
- Western Blacklegged Tick (West) & Rocky Mountain Wood Tick (East)
Where Ticks Hide in Oregon
The oak woodlands and Douglas fir forests of Western Oregon are classic tick habitat. The Columbia River Gorge is a major hotspot due to its mix of vegetation and high hiker traffic. In the east, ticks are found in the riparian zones of the Deschutes and John Day rivers. Coastal scrub and dune grasses can also harbor ticks. Urban trails in Portland (like Forest Park) are not immune.
Seasonal Activity Pattern
Western Oregon sees a bimodal peak: nymphs are active in late spring/early summer, while adults are active in fall and winter. Eastern Oregon has a standard spring peak (April-June). The mild winters in the Willamette Valley allow for nearly year-round activity.
Check Your Local Tick Risk
Ready to see current tick activity in your area? Get today's tick forecast and personalized risk assessment for your ZIP code.
Local Vector Analysis
Understanding which ticks are active in Oregon helps you identify threats and take appropriate precautions.
Western Blacklegged Tick
Ixodes pacificus
Appearance: Similar to deer tick. Dark brown to black. Adults are 3-5mm.
Peak Season: Adults: Oct-May | Nymphs: May-Jul
Habitat: Chaparral, oak woodlands, coastal scrub. Often feeds on lizards as nymphs.
Diseases: Lyme Disease, Anaplasmosis, B. miyamotoi
Rocky Mountain Wood Tick
Dermacentor andersoni
Appearance: Brown with gray/white mottling, similar to dog tick but found at higher elevations.
Peak Season: March-July
Habitat: Shrublands, lightly wooded areas, and grasslands at 4,000 to 10,500 feet elevation.
Diseases: Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Colorado Tick Fever, Tularemia, Tick Paralysis
Note: Saliva contains neurotoxin that can cause Tick Paralysis (reversible after removal).
American Dog Tick
Dermacentor variabilis
Appearance: Brown with white/grey mottling. Ornate white patterns on shield.
Peak Season: Spring and Summer
Habitat: Grassy fields, walkways, and trails. More tolerant of dry conditions than Deer Ticks.
Diseases: Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Tularemia
Lyme Disease
Vector: Deer tick (Ixodes scapularis)
Lyme Disease
Lyme disease is a bacterial infection transmitted by deer ticks. If caught early, it's highly treatable with antibiotics. Left untreated, it can cause serious complications affecting joints, heart, and nervous system.
Early Warning Signs
- Erythema migrans (EM) rash - appears in 70-80% of cases
- Bullseye rash (circular red rash with clear center)
- Rash appears 3-30 days after bite
- Fever and chills
Progression & Symptoms
- Severe headaches and neck stiffness
- Facial palsy (loss of muscle tone on one or both sides of face)
- Arthritis with severe joint pain, especially knees
Prevention Strategies
The best way to avoid tick-borne diseases is to prevent tick bites in the first place. These strategies work together to create multiple layers of protection.
Permethrin-Treated Clothing
Permethrin is an insecticide that kills ticks on contact. When applied to clothing, it remains effective through multiple washes.
Daily Tick Checks
Since disease transmission typically requires 24-48 hours of attachment, finding and removing ticks quickly dramatically reduces infection risk.
Landscaping Defense
Creating a tick-hostile environment in your yard reduces the chance ticks will be waiting when you step outside.
Shower Within 2 Hours
Showering after outdoor activity gives you a chance to wash off ticks before they bite.
Tick Bite Protocol
Acting quickly and correctly is your best defense against infection.Follow these 6 critical steps.
Don't Panic
Most tick bites do not transmit disease, especially if removed quickly.
- Infection rates vary by region (20-50%)
- Transmission usually takes 24-48 hours
- Stay calm and use proper technique
Gather Tools
Use fine-tipped tweezers. Avoid fingers or chemicals.
- Fine-tipped tweezers are best
- Rubbing alcohol for cleaning
- Small container to save the tick
Grasp & Pull
Grasp close to skin and pull upward with steady pressure.
- Grab mouthparts near skin (not body)
- Pull straight up—don't twist
- Maintain steady, even pressure
Clean Area
Disinfect the bite site and your hands thoroughly.
- Wash with soap and water
- Apply rubbing alcohol
- Wash hands well
Save Tick
Keep the tick in a sealed container for potential testing.
- Seal in bag or container
- Label with date and location
- Bring to doctor if symptoms appear
Monitor (30 Days)
Watch for rash or flu-like symptoms for a month.
- Check for expanding rash daily
- Watch for fever or fatigue
- Seek care if you feel unwell
When does tick season end in Oregon?
Tick activity winds down after the first hard freeze, which in Oregon typically arrives around Oct 28. See the local first-frost window and city-by-city freeze dates.
Oregon first frost datesAlso worried about mosquitoes in Oregon?
West Nile virus, EEE, and the local mosquito season vary by state. Check your Oregon mosquito risk profile.
View Oregon mosquito forecastStay Safe in Oregon
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