Fuel prices high,

but better than earlier this summer

With summer's last hurrah right around the corner, many are still planning one final road trip over Labor Day, despite gas prices that are more than a dollar per gallon higher than last year.

Nearly 34 million people are expected to travel more than 50 miles from home over the holiday weekend, according to AAA, which tracks travel trends. That number is down about 1 percent compared with last year.

"While we are seeing a drop in travel, it's a small improvement over the Fourth of July holiday, when we saw a drop of 1.3 percent," said Marie Dodds, a spokeswoman for AAA.

The Independence Day decline was likely due to all-time high prices, especially here in Oregon, where a gallon of regular gas fetched $4.29 - the highest price this year - on July 3.

AAA found more than 83 percent of holiday travelers planning to travel by car, with more auto travelers located out west.

Westerners are also expected to take to the skies, despite airline ticket prices that are up by 15 percent compared to last Labor Day weekend. Many airlines have also started charging extra fees for checked baggage, which will further increase travel costs.

A gallon of gas in Oregon this week averages $3.83. Last year, the same gallon cost $2.76. In Corvallis, filling stations charge an average $3.82 per gallon, down six cents from a week ago.

Out on the state's highways, Oregon State Police plan to be on the lookout for impaired drivers. For the second year in a row, Oregon will partner with Washington State Patrol and California Highway Patrol to target drivers on Interstate 5.

Since 1970, seven traffic-related deaths have happened in Oregon each year over Labor Day weekend, according to OSP. Last year, six people died in six crashes around the state.

For each of the last two years, state police arrested 78 DUII arrests. State Police also increased patrols over the July 4 holiday and netted 94 impaired drivers.

Road work projects remain ongoing through the Labor Day holiday and though crews may not be present, all work zone speed limits still apply and fines cost double. Inactive work zones still have equipment, detours, and incomplete changes in the roadway.

As per usual, campsites remain at a premium at all state parks for late planners. On the bright side, half of the state park campgrounds are available on a first-come, first-served basis. And if someone doesn't show up to claim a reserved site, it's available to whoever gets there first.

Campers with pets can now bring cats and dogs into a yurt and three cabins at two state parks starting Tuesday, part of a year-long test project.

The pet-friendly yurt is located at South Beach State Park, two miles south of Newport. One designated cabin is at Stub Stewart State Park, 31 miles west of Portland. The other two cabins, including a deluxe model, are at LaPine State Park, 27 miles southwest of Bend in central Oregon.

Fees for staying with up to two animals will cost $10 more than the usual rate. The state's remaining 190 yurts and 77 cabins prohibit pets inside.

Reservations for the test cabins can be made by phone only by calling 800-452-5687.

Online

n Aaaorid.com: AAA's site for Oregon and Idaho. Find fuel price data under the "Automotive" tab.

n Tripcheck.com: ODOT's road condition information system. Find road closures and construction locations by region.

n Oregon.gov/oprd/parks: Oregon State Park information. To reserve or check campsite availability, go to reserveamerica.com.

Matt Neznanski can be reached at matt.neznanski@lee.net or 758-9518.