Growing up in the desert was a blast.. Getting lost or stuck in the desert? not so much..

Do make sure you take adequate water..electrolytes are not such a deal but are nice (no more than 50% of intake).. We carried 1G per person when ever we took off into the hills.

You will have a blast and have a great story but don't take chances and wander off main roads..

 

Architect , FYI Fires in Southern Oregon seem to be under control.
http://www.oregonsmoke.blogspot.com/
Just talked to friends near Roseburg,Oregon and it is hazy air conditions. You should be fine at Crater.
Check California here http://cdfdata.fire.ca.gov/incidents/incidents_current

 

Thanks for the FIRE links, more of a concern than rain!!

Two years ago we stayed in Ketchum Idaho, west side of town got evacuated which included our hotel (before we checked in). East side still open, got a room but with the warning that we could be evacuated at any time. Fire itself was down in Sun Valley, but a lot of smoke for sure. Stayed two nights, no evacuation but lots of fire fighters.

 

yes I remember that fire. We headed south instead of east that year.
The West is in fire season now.
Check your California route.

 

There are a few East/West (101 to I-5) connector routes with fire activity, 36 is closed, 199 has heavy fire traffic/smoke, 299 cloaked in smoke, 20 has fire traffic/smoke.

 

Good info.