Your Daily Guide

No More Swing Districts in Oregon?

Oregon’s one swing district — the 5th Congressional District — looks like it won’t see a competitive race this year as first-term Democratic incumbent U.S. Rep. Janelle Bynum seeks reelection. Republicans have failed to recruit a candidate with solid name recognition in Clackamas County, the largest population center. It’s part of a national trend: Congressional Republicans are facing an uphill battle, given President Trump’s low approval numbers. [Oregonian]

• Related: U.S. Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer’s security guard is now on leave during an investigation into her possible use of federal funds to travel for personal business. Before her appointment to Trump’s Cabinet, Chavez-DeRemer was a one-term Republican congresswoman from the district; she lost her reelection bid to Bynum. [Oregonian]

Former Trail Blazer Chris Dudley Running for Governor

Former Portland Trail Blazer Chris Dudley has entered the race to challenge incumbent Gov. Tina Kotek in this year’s election. Dudley ran unsuccessfully for governor in 2010, and joins a robust Republican field that includes the 2022 Republican nominee, state Sen. Christine Drazan. Dudley cited the state of public schools, homelessness, and the business climate as issues that inspired his reentry into politics. [Oregonian]

Suspect Arrested in Shooting of 2 Portland Police Officers

After a nearly week-long manhunt, Portland police arrested a man on Southeast 82nd Avenue suspected of shooting two officers last week. Eric Floyd Oelkers, 41, was previously convicted on a firearms charge and still faces charges stemming from a protest over the defeat of President Trump in the 2020 election. He was charged with a bias crime in Salem for alleged vandalism of a Black-owned restaurant. [Oregonian]

Oregon Responds to Second Minnesota Shooting

State and local elected officials condemned Saturday’s shooting of 37-year-old nurse Alex Pretti by a federal agent. Portland City Council President Jamie Dunphy and Mayor Wilson said in a statement that it “is the latest deadly result of an administration that uses American cities as a ‘training ground’ for ‘full force.'” Meanwhile, hundreds of protesters marched at the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency building in South Waterfront over the weekend. [OPB]

It’s the middle of winter, but it’s also time to start planning for summer outdoor adventures: You need to start reserving permits soon.

Norther Emily of Wild Solitude Guiding offers tips for the Pacific Northwest’s most scenic backpacking destinations:

Enchantments (Washington)

The Enchantments is renowned for its stunning lakes and mountain vistas. There’s no easy way to break the bad news: Getting a permit to the Enchantments is like winning the real lottery — highly unlikely. It's just $6 to enter. So you might as well!

Permits are required for overnight use.

When are permits available? Lottery is open from Feb. 15 to March 1, with results on March 17.

There’s one consolation. Check out all the great options for day hikes throughout the larger Alpine Lakes Wilderness that the Enchantments is a part of.

Mount St. Helens (Washington)

Our region’s most famous volcano attracts a lot of visitors. It’s a challenging but nontechnical climb, meaning no rock climbing or belaying required. “Probably the permit that I hear most people talking about right now is the permit to climb Mount St. Helens,” says Emily. “ It's a lot of people's first nontechnical summit.”

Permits are required year-round for anyone climbing the volcano. Until March, there is no limit on the number of climbers.

But come April, you need to reserve your permit on the first day of the preceding month. For example, 7 a.m. on March 1 for all of April.

Mount Margaret (Washington)

It has “beautiful flower meadows and beautiful views of the mountain,” says Emily. “ Mount Margaret has excellent backpacking opportunities.”

It’s a “moderately challenging backpack” trip. Expect some elevation gain and loss.

It’s closed during winter. Permits are required May through November for overnight camping.

Next available? 7 a.m. on April 1 for all of May. The permits are rolling, so sign up on the first of the month for the following month.

Tip: Bring your sunscreen. There’s not a lot of tree coverage.

Central Cascades (Oregon)

This is the region that includes some of Oregon’s most majestic peaks — Mount Jefferson, Mount Washington, and Three Sisters Wilderness areas.

When are permits required? June 15 to October 15.

Next available? First chunk: 7 a.m. on April 1. Next chunk: on the Saturday of the week before any outing.

Tip: This is an area that often gets hit by wildfire during the summer, so you may want to opt for getting the permit closer to travel time.

Olympic National Park (Washington)

The Olympic Peninsula has it all — rainforests, beaches, and climbs. The hiking trail can be unexpectedly rugged.

“That is one of the hardest backpacking trips I've ever been on,” says Emily. “And it was not because the athletic requirements were steep. It was because it was miles of walking over slimy rocks where you pay attention to every single step. It was just super slow going.”

You’ll need a permit for overnight backpacking trips during the summer.

Next available? 7 a.m. on April 15, for the summer season (May 15 through Oct 15).