Traveling to Oregon with a Firearm
Oregon is a wonderful place to live, and to visit. Tourism is a significant part of Oregon’s economy. Oregon is filled with natural beauty, it’s a sportsman’s and outdoorsman’s paradise, and by and large Oregon is still mostly a “free state” (unlike our neighbor to the south).
For out of state travelers to Oregon who concealed carry or like to otherwise travel with firearms, they should be aware that Oregon is a deeply divided state politically and socially. Leftists control the entire Portland metropolitan area, and most of the Interstate 5 (aka I-5) corridor that runs the entire state north to south, and the leftists have scorn and contempt for the rest of the state. Central Oregon is leaning socialist, but Eastern Oregon and most of Southern Oregon is still free country.
What this means is that gun laws vary wildly from one part of the state to another. While carrying a loaded firearm in public on your hip or even firing a rifle or shotgun on your property is perfectly legal in some parts of the state, it’s unlawful in other parts of the state.
In this article, we’ll go through some of the most common questions our office receives about traveling to Oregon with a firearm.
Can I Fly Into Oregon With My Firearm?
Yes, provided that you have declared your firearm to the TSA before your flight, and your firearm is otherwise legal under state and federal law. Please be aware that the TSA has reported more people failing to declare their firearms and so it’s important you do that before departure. The easiest way to travel with a firearm either in checked-in luggage on a flight or in your car, is to use s SnapSafe.
Will My Out-Of-State CHL Be Valid In Oregon?
No. Oregon does not currently recognize CHLs from other states.
Can I Get A CHL For My Travel To Oregon?
No. You must be a resident of Oregon to apply for an receive an Oregon CHL. However, if you can show that you are frequently in Oregon, there are some pro-Second Amendment sheriffs (primarily in Eastern Oregon and rural) who may be willing to issue you an Oregon CHL on the theory that you’re a “resident” of Oregon because the residency requirements are not very defined. In Oregon, CHLs are issued by county sheriff’s offices, and once issued, are valid throughout the entire state. If you are interested in this option, contact the sheriff’s office directly of the county you spend the most time in, and explain your situation.
Can I Open Carry In Oregon?
In some parts of the state yes, but not in the leftist Portland metropolitan area.
Oregon law generally allows what is called “open carry” at the state level per ORS 166.173. Meaning, you can have a holstered firearm on your belt, and carry in all public places unless otherwise prohibited (e.g. certain public buildings, schools, and private businesses which prohibit firearms on their premises, etc). But you need to be aware that at the county and city level, the open carry of loaded firearms is prohibited (most notably the Portland metro area). ) The cities of Portland, Beaverton, Tigard, Oregon City, Salem, and Independence, as well as Multnomah County, have city codes which do not allow open carry of loaded firearms (unless one has a concealed carry permit, which you cannot get unless you are an Oregon state resident).
Can I Carry In Oregon State Parks?
Yes. Unless otherwise noted, you can carry a firearm in Oregon state parks. Keep in mind however that recreational shooting or target shooting may be prohibited, and carrying a firearm may only be allowed for personal protection in the event of threat to you or another person.
Can I Have A Firearm In My Car?
For more information on traveling with guns in cars in Oregon, please read our article titled “Guns in Cars In Oregon.”