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Welches
Eden Index
Climate
6.5
•
Recreation
4.4
•
Community
2.3
•
Safeguard
4.7/10
Welches, Oregon is a small unincorporated community located in Clackamas County, nestled in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains. The climate in Welches is characterized by mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers. The average annual precipitation is around 70 inches, with the majority falling between October and April. Summers are generally pleasant, with temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to low 80s°F.
Hydrology constituents in Welches are abundant due to its proximity to the Sandy River, which flows through the area. The river serves as a vital water source and offers opportunities for various recreational activities, including fishing, kayaking, and rafting.
Outdoor enthusiasts will find numerous recreational opportunities in Welches. The area is home to the Mt. Hood National Forest, which offers ample hiking trails, camping areas, and breathtaking vistas. Outdoor enthusiasts can also enjoy mountain biking, golfing, and horseback riding in the scenic surroundings.
In conclusion, Welches, Oregon offers a mild climate with wet winters and warm summers. The availability of hydrology constituents like the Sandy River adds to the area's natural beauty, providing opportunities for outdoor activities such as fishing and kayaking. The nearby Mt. Hood National Forest offers diverse recreational opportunities, making Welches a haven for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
What is the Eden Index?
The Snoflo Eden Index serves as a comprehensive rating system for regions, evaluating their desirability through a holistic assessment of climate health, outdoor recreation opportunities, and natural disaster risk, acknowledging the profound impact of these factors on livability and well-being.
Climate Health Indicator (CHI): 6.5
Welches receives approximately
2199mm of rain per year,
with humidity levels near 68%
and air temperatures averaging around
9°C.
Welches has a plant hardyness factor of
8, meaning
plants and agriculture in this region tend to thrive here all year round.
By considering the ideal temperature range, reliable water supplies, clean air, and stable seasonal rain or snowpacks, the Climate Health Indicator (CHI) underscores the significance of a healthy climate as the foundation for quality living.
A healthy climate is paramount for ensuring a high quality of life and livability in a region, fostering both physical well-being and environmental harmony. This can be characterized by ideal temperatures, reliable access to water supplies, clean air, and consistent seasonal rain or snowpacks.
Weather Forecast
Streamflow Conditions
Lower Columbia
Area Rivers
Lower Columbia
Snowpack Depths
Lower Columbia
Reservoir Storage Capacity
Lower Columbia
Groundwater Levels
Recreational Opportunity Index (ROI): 4.4
The Recreational Opportunity Index (ROI) recognizes the value of outdoor recreational options, such as parks, hiking trails, camping sites, and fishing spots, while acknowledging that climate plays a pivotal role in ensuring the comfort and consistency of these experiences.
Access to outdoor recreational opportunities, encompassing activities such as parks, hiking, camping, and fishing, is crucial for overall well-being, and the climate plays a pivotal role in enabling and enhancing these experiences, ensuring that individuals can engage in nature-based activities comfortably and consistently.
Camping Areas
| Campground | Campsites | Reservations | Toilets | Showers | Elevation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Port Authority - Cascade Locks Marine Park | 15 | 104 ft | |||
| Dougan Falls- State Forest | 7 | 692 ft | |||
| Wahtum Lake | 8 | 3,953 ft | |||
| Joe Graham Horse Camp | 13 | 3,382 ft | |||
| McNeil | 34 | 2,052 ft | |||
| Clackamas Lake | 46 | 3,350 ft | |||
| Green Canyon | 23 | 1,629 ft | |||
| Tollgate | 26 | 1,752 ft | |||
| Home Valley Campground | None | 110 ft | |||
| Wyeth - Columbia River Gorge Area | 13 | 159 ft | |||
| Beacon Rock State Park | None | 245 ft | |||
| Ainsworth State Park | None | 73 ft |
Nearby Ski Areas
Catastrophe Safeguard Index (CSI):
The Catastrophe Safeguard Index (CSI) recognizes that natural disaster risk, encompassing floods, fires, hurricanes, and tornadoes, can drastically affect safety and the overall appeal of an area.
The level of natural disaster risk in a region significantly affects safety and the overall livability, with climate change amplifying these risks by potentially increasing the frequency and intensity of events like floods, fires, hurricanes, and tornadoes, thereby posing substantial challenges to community resilience and well-being.
Community Resilience Indicator (CRI): 2.3
The Community Resilience Indicator (CRI) recognizes that education, healthcare, and socioeconomics are crucial to the well-being of a region. The CRI acknowledges the profound impact of these elements on residents' overall quality of life. By evaluating educational resources, healthcare accessibility, and economic inclusivity, the index captures the essential aspects that contribute to a thriving community, fostering resident satisfaction, equity, and social cohesion.