Eastward view of Portland through some tree branches, with Mount Hood rising in the background.

Credit: NASHCO Photo

Safety in Portland

These resources will help you plan a safe visit to Portland.

Updated Sept. 12, 2024

Portland is a safe place to visit, and as in any major city, it’s a good idea to take care when exploring. We suggest using common sense and maintaining awareness of your surroundings, as you would in any new and unfamiliar area. For ideas on places to go, the Portland Visitor Center, TravelPortland.com and @travelportland on Instagram can steer you in the right direction.

Planning a Portland visit? Keep these general safety tips in mind to enjoy your stay.

Public Transportation Is Safe and Efficient

You can easily explore Portland’s neighborhoods car-free, using TriMet buses and the MAX Light Rail system. TriMet’s Safety Response Team maintains a visible presence, provides basic staples to riders in urgent need, and refers riders to resources. Plus, its Customer Safety Supervisors are ready to help de-escalate conflicts and address inappropriate behavior. In the central city, the Portland Streetcar is another safe and accessible option.

Hotel Districts Offer Enhanced Security

While Portland has many areas with accommodations, there are two hospitality zones with a greater concentration of hotels. These areas have increased safety patrols daily, from 3 p.m.–2:30 a.m. The enhanced security supplements the work of Downtown Portland Clean & Safe, whose representatives provide cleaning, security and visitor information in the city’s core.

The Convention District Safe Connect Program also ensures a consistent presence of public safety coordinators seven days a week, with additional personnel for specific events.

Help Is Available

If you witness or experience an emergency, dial 911 for police, fire and ambulance services. For situations that aren’t an immediate threat to life or property, call the non-emergency line at 503-823-3333.

If you see a situation that needs reporting but isn’t an emergency, call 311.

Portland Public Safety Resources

Our round-up of Portland public safety resources will help you stay informed and safe in case of extreme weather and other incidents.

PublicAlerts
Real-time public safety information, including alerts and service disruptions involving roads and bridges, transit, public health from 60+ local agencies.
TripCheck
The latest traffic and road conditions, plus live road cams, from the Oregon Department of Transportation.

Wildfire Information

With changing weather patterns, prolonged drought and hotter heatwaves, Oregon has endured an increase in wildfires in recent years. The summer months into early fall offer more chances of wildfire danger due to decreased rainfall in the region. This page offers trusted resources to check for wildfire statuses in and around Portland.

Use the list below to find current wildfire conditions. If you think wildfires might impact a place you’re hoping to visit, it’s a good idea to check directly.

Bureau of Land Management
Current access statuses of BLM-managed public lands, roads, sites and trails in Oregon and Washington.
Oregon State Parks
In the summer months and dry season, campfire restrictions and fire bans may be in place at state parks, campgrounds, day-use areas and beaches.
RAPTOR
This real-time map shows current, active fires in the state.
U.S. Forest Service
Trail closures may occur due to active fires, proximity to active fires, recent fire damage and restoration projects.
Additional Resources
- Oregon Wildfire Resources – State of Oregon
- TripCheck – Oregon Department of Transportation
- Wildfires and Smoke – Oregon Health Authority
- Air Quality Index – Oregon Smoke Information
- Wildfires – PublicAlerts
- What You Need to Know About Wildfires – Travel Oregon
- Wildfire Information – Washington State Department of Natural Resources

Tips for Winter Travelers

Winters in Portland are generally mild; snow and ice are relatively rare, and the city tends to react conservatively to such conditions. This means that many businesses close when snow appears in the forecast. (The humorous Is It Snowing in PDX? web page displays a “Commence panic!” notice when the flakes fly.)

Panic is not necessary, but you should check the news sites above and the links below before heading out or making plans on a potentially snowy or icy day in Portland.

Public Transportation
- Service alerts : The latest updates on detours, delays and cancellations.
- Winter Weather Tips: How to ride the bus or MAX light rail train when it’s snowy or icy.
Portland International Airport
- PDX arrivals and departures
- @flypdx on X/Twitter
More Resources
- National Weather Service Portland office
- Winter Travel Tips – Oregon Department of Transportation