North to Portland; east to Bend or Painted Hills; south to Crater Lake; west to the Coast. No matter where you go in Oregon, you’re bound to find breathtaking views, delicious food…and allergens. Lots of them. Allergens are substances that commonly cause allergic reactions in people, such as pollen, mold and insect bites. Here’s how you can enjoy a road trip through our beautiful state without suffering from allergy symptoms.
The Grass Seed Capital of the World
Oregon is known worldwide as the “grass seed capital of the world,” one of the worst places for people with seasonal allergies. While central Oregon and the Willamette Valley are considered the eye of this allergen hurricane, the influence of grass seed and grass pollen can be felt all over the state.
Oregon is a leading producer of grass seed, with approximately 1,500 farms in Oregon growing grasses for seed. Beyond grass, we have a robust agricultural industry, leading the nation in hazelnut, Christmas tree and berry production. This pumps a ton of pollen into the air, which is then carried great distances by winds from the Coast that get channeled through the mountains.
Packing for Allergies
You’ll probably be unable to outrun all the pollen in the air during your road trip, so you’ll want to pack with allergies in mind. Make sure you bring:
- Medications. Antihistamines are a common choice; you take them daily for sustained relief. You’ll also want to bring quick-relief medications for when symptoms start, such as decongestants, topical creams, or nasal sprays. If you’re on an allergy drops program, don’t forget to bring those.
- Extra tissues. You’ll need them!
- Face masks. Minimize your exposure to allergens by covering your mouth with a face mask or other covering.
- Baby wipes. These can be useful for wiping down seats and surfaces that might have allergens on them.
- Hypoallergenic gear. This is especially useful if you’ll be camping along your route. Consider using a hypoallergenic tent, hypoallergenic pillow and pillowcase, and synthetic-fill sleeping bags to reduce the amount of allergens that can intrude on your sleeping quarters.
In the Car
As you drive, manage the air quality within the car to keep allergens out. Do this by:
- Keeping windows shut
- Recirculating the air
- Wipe hands and shoes with baby wipes when returning to the car after a hike or a viewpoint. Make sure everyone in the car does this!
We love our state; exploring Oregon is our favorite pastime. We want you to enjoy it too, without feeling miserable. Call us today to learn more about allergy management and how allergies impact Oregonians.
Read More
“Had a great experience. Got in very quick and felt safe with covid protocol! Everyone was extremely nice.”