As the Pacific Northwest grapples with an unprecedented heatwave, communities across Oregon and Southwest Washington have established numerous cooling centers to offer respite from the sweltering conditions. With temperatures soaring into the triple digits, these centers have become vital sanctuaries for residents seeking relief.

In Portland, Multnomah County has activated several cooling centers operating from noon to 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Notable locations include Cook Plaza at 19421 Southeast Stark Street in Gresham, Portland Covenant Church at 4046 Northeast Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, and The Hugo at 6221 Northeast 82nd Avenue. Additionally, the Central Library in Portland and the Gresham Library have extended their hours until 9 p.m. to accommodate those in need. A fourth center at Congregation Beth Israel, located at 1972 Northwest Flanders Street, will open its doors on Saturday during the same hours.

To facilitate access to these facilities, TriMet is offering free rides to individuals traveling to or from cooling centers daily between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m. Residents requiring additional transportation assistance are encouraged to call 211.

Beyond Multnomah County, numerous other counties have established cooling centers:

Clackamas County:

Facilities such as the Canby Public Library, Estacada Public Library, and the Gladstone Community Center are open to the public. The Lake Oswego Adult Community Center and the West Linn Public Library are also providing cool spaces for residents.

Washington County:

The Beaverton Community Center and the Beaverton City Library are welcoming individuals seeking relief. In Hillsboro, the Shute Park Library and the Brookwood Library have extended their hours to serve as cooling centers.

Marion County:

The Salem Public Library and the Kroc Center in Salem are open to the public. Additionally, the Stayton Library and the Santiam Outreach Center in Mill City are providing cool environments for residents.

Jackson County:

The ACCESS Medford Shelter and the Ashland Cooling Center are available for those in need.

Deschutes County:

In Bend, the Downtown Bend Library and the Blue Dog RV Shepherd’s House are open. The Redmond Library and the La Pine Activity Center are also serving as cooling centers.

Clark County:

In Vancouver, Washington, facilities such as the Fort Vancouver Regional Library and the Marshall Community Center are open. The Ridgefield Community Library and the Camas Public Library are also providing cool spaces for residents.

The National Weather Service has issued excessive heat warnings for much of the region, with temperatures expected to reach up to 105 degrees in some areas. Overnight temperatures are also anticipated to remain high, offering little relief from the daytime heat. Residents are urged to take precautions, stay hydrated, and utilize these cooling centers to mitigate the risks associated with extreme heat.

For the most current information on cooling center locations and hours, residents can visit 211info.org or call 211. Community members are encouraged to check on vulnerable neighbors and family members during this period of extreme temperatures.