any good public land spots to shoot.

I used to have numerous locations to recommend, but they have almost all been closed. Much of the nearby open land that is popular for shooters has been closed down because of poor self policing regarding trash pickup, casing recovery, and concerns over lead and other damage to the local area (trees being shot up, etc).

I'm not sure of the status of one of the last open areas that was within an hour, because a wild fire originated from it (other target shooters had implicated a group of shooters and suggested it was a direct result of either illegal ammo use, illegal target use,or a combo-but I haven't heard if anyone was fined over the incident) and it may be permanently closed. I know the roads leading to it are routinely closed now, because the burn has left the steep terrain unstable and landslides have been happening all winter now.

Range fees can grow to be quite steep, but these days I'm a pretty strong advocate for them. It does feel a bit less fun to be at the range-but with how trashed a lot of places I used to frequent (even if I police my own trash, I can't recover lead) have become it is starting to be obvious that it isn't sustainable to allow shooting in wild areas-unless something is done to prevent pollution and destruction of adjacent wildlife (there are some gravel quarries I know of, and aside from ricochet potential from very large rounds, they are pretty ideal for sight in locations).

10 years ago, I would've been rather pissed if anyone suggested that shooting in open lands (locations I used to give freely) be restricted or eliminated but after seeing what has happened just in the areas that I'm familiar with, I no longer give out the few remaining open areas I know of (most of which are out far and require 4 wheel drive anyhow). It seems that all the closest spots have been overrun with careless recreation shooters and are severely damaged now.

You may have good luck contacting douglas ridge rifle club or Estacada ranger station (the latter likely having the best info on what areas are not closed to shooters-if you do go up, don't want to risk a citation).

/r/Portland Thread