Although the lighthouse tower will remain closed for the entirety of its restoration work, the parking lots and trail are open now that the first phase in the major renovation at the site has been completed. Phase one involved reshaping and repaving the west parking lot to improve drainage and repair erosion damage, a chronic problem at the site.

The picturesque park is well known for its iconic lighthouse, beach and historic lighthouse keepers’ bed and breakfast. The historic assistant lighthouse keeper’s house, which the U.S. Forest Service operates through a concessionaire as a bed and breakfast operation, remains open through the renovations. The park welcomes more than 800,000 visitors each year.

“The 24 designated ‘Whale Watching Spoken Here’ sites were selected because they are the best viewpoints to spot some of the roughly 18,000 whales that cruise past Oregon on their annual southbound migration,” said Dave Newton, Whale Watching volunteer coordinator. Trained volunteers will be available along the coast 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. daily to help visitors learn about the whales’ migration and feeding habits, and offer tips on how to spot the whales.

The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) Whale Watching Center in Depoe Bay will be open 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. daily during the watch week. The whale watching center has general exhibits on whales, staff to answer questions and ‘whale size’ windows with panoramic ocean views.

OPRD coordinates both the winter and spring whale watch weeks in partnership with the Oregon State University Hatfield Marine Science Center and Washington State Parks, which operates the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center.

Where to Spot Whales

From north to south, these are the 26 Whale Watching Spoken Here sites. With or without a volunteer to assist, these are the best locations along the coast to spot whales.

• Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center, Ilwaco, Washington
• Ecola State Park
• Neahkahnie Mountain Historic Marker Turnout on Highway 101
• Cape Meares State Scenic Viewpoint
• Cape Lookout State Park – 2.5 mile hike to site at tip of Cape
• Cape Kiwanda
• Inn at Spanish Head  Lobby on 10th floor
• Boiler Bay State Scenic Viewpoint
• The Whale Watching Center/Depoe Bay Sea Wall
• Rocky Creek State Scenic Viewpoint
• Cape Foulweather
• Devil’s Punchbowl State Natural Area
• Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area
• Don Davis City Park
• Cape Perpetua Interpretive Center
• Cook’s Chasm Turnout
• Sea Lion Caves Turnout – large Highway 101 turnout south of tunnel
• Umpqua Lighthouse, near Umpqua Lighthouse State Park
• Shore Acres State Park
• Face Rock Wayside State Scenic Viewpoint
• Cape Blanco Lighthouse, near Cape Blanco State Park
• Battle Rock Wayfinding Point, Port Orford
• Cape Sebastian
• Cape Ferrelo
• Harris Beach State Park, Brookings, Oregon
• 9th Street Beach, Crescent City, California

More information about the Whale Watching Spoken Here program and a map of the official viewpoints are available online at

www.whalespoken.org

Bicentennial Blowout
Astoria
Join the Clatsop County Historical Society for its annual holiday fundraiser… with a twist. Its a New Year’s Eve event marking the end of Astoria’s Bicentennial Celebration! On Saturday, December 31, start with a 5-course meal at the Liberty Theater, and silent auction with one-of-a-kind experiences. Then continue to the Banker’s Suite to the Afterparty for fun and games. Space is limited, reserve your spot today by calling the CCHS. Sponsored by Clatsop Community Bank.
December 31, 2011
www.oldoregon.com/events/event/bicentennial-new-years-eve/3350
503-325-2203

Sane & Sober New Year’s Eve Party 2011
Astoria
The
ASOC is pleased to announce we will be ringing in the New Year at the ASOC Playhouse (129 West Bond Street Astoria) with our chaperoned, 3rd Annual Teen Scene New Years Eve Dance Party! Sponsored by Wauna Federal Credit Union and will feature fantastic DJs and free Hip-Hop lessons! So come ring in the New Year, the safe and fun way! Cost is $5.00 at the door and will go towards helping ASOC continue its good work. Call for more information.
December 31st 2011, 8:00pm
www.shanghaiedinastoria.com/newyears2012.html
503-325-6104

New Year’s Eve 2011 Skateboard Lock-in
Warrenton
A great way for the kids of the North Coast to spend the holiday!
Once you sign in your child at 8:00pm New Year’s Eve, they are not permitted to leave the Camp Rilea Armory without your signing them out New Year’s morning! There are ramps,wedges, rails, 1/4 pipes and more. Tons of food, games, movies and holiday fun for all will round out this 12 hour, non-stop night of skating! Helmets are required for all skaters and pads are recommended. $20. resident’s Card / $30. non-resident.
December 31st 2011, 8:00pm
www.seasideor.com/item.asp?iid=19&eid=299
503-738-3311

New Year’s Eve at Yummy Wine Bar & Bistro
Seaside
Join us on Saturday, December 31, 2011 for one of our two dinner seatings to celebrate the arrival of the New Year. Dinner Seating at 5:00pm (Six course meal). Dinner Seating at 9:00pm (Spectacular eight course meal).
December 31st 2011, 5:00pm & 9:00pm
www.yummywinebarbistro.com
503-738-3100

New Years Day Polar Plunge
Manzanita
At 11am we meet and take pictures and have our friends (the ones not doing it) laugh. Then we “just do it”. After the plunge there is a big fire on the beach to cozy up to. Just north of the stop sign on Beulah Reed Road. It is the last big parking area on the north end of the beach. (One mile north of Laneda Ave downtown Manzanita).
January 1, 2012, 11:00am
www.cannonbeach.org/events/eventdetail.aspx?EventID=168
503-368-4777

Pelican Pub & Brewery
Pacific City
Celebrate the beginning of 2012 at the Pelican Pub & Brewery with a special 3-course dinner, live entertainment by The Ted Vaughn Blues Band, and a Pelican beer toast at midnight. 6pm until midnight. $50 per person. Reservations required.
December 31st 2011, 6:00pm
www.yourlittlebeachtown.com/blog/pelican/2011/december/new-years-celebration-3-course-dinner-pelican
503-965-3674

New Year’s Eve Champagne Gala
Lincoln City
Join Theatre West for the New Year’s Eve Champagne Gala on Saturday December 31, 2011. Doors open at 7:30 P.M. Enjoy food and drink before the show, at intermission and after the show. There will be pre-show entertainment. The cost for the gala is $50 per person with advance reservations and payment required. Call and leave a message and someone will call back to confirm. Once confirmed, send the money to P.O. Box 601, Lincoln City 97367.
www.theatrewest.com
541-994-5663

Celebrate New Year’s Eve at Chinook Winds

Lincoln City

Chinook Winds Casino Resort is celebrating the New Year with every Era of music from the 50’s – today! Celebrate at one of five exciting resort locations! Tickets are on sale now! Reserve your seats by phone, in person at the Chinook Winds Box Office, or online. Don’t miss the fun & excitement as we say goodbye to 2011 at Chinook Winds!
December 31, 2011
www.chinookwindscasino.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=626:celebrate-new-years-eve-on-the-bandstand-at-chinook-winds&catid=49:events
1-888-MAIN ACT

Salishan Spa & Golf Resort
Gleneden Beach
Rock out with Beth Willis, LIVE, in concert at Salishan.
December 31, 2011, 9:00pm
www.salishan.com
800-452-2300

Italian Riviera Restaurant & Piano Bar
Depoe Bay
Enjoy a Five-course Italian Feast & Live music with a champagne toast at midnight.
December 31, 2011, 7:00pm
http://www.italriv.com
541-764-3400

Traditional High Tea at The Grand Victorian
Newport

High tea includes: a pot of tea, 4 savories, scones, Devonshire cream and 3 desserts.
Due to limited seating, reservations suggested 24-hours in advance.Private parties are available upon request.
December 31, 2011,12:30 pm - 05:30 pm

Ch’Boogie Jazz Club – N.Y.E. Jazz Party
Newport
Join in for a swingin’ jazz session on Newport’s Historic Bayfront starting around 8pm to midnight.
December 31, 2011, 8:00pm
541-265-5299

Rumi Restaurant
Waldport
A feast for the senses awaits you at Rumi Restaurant in Waldport on New Year’s Eve!
December 31, 2011
http://www.soulvacationresorts.com/restaurant.html
541-563-7700

2^nd Annual Peace Hike
Yachats
Start the New Year on the right foot! Join the Yachats Trails Committee for an invigorating walk from the Commons to the Amanda Statue where the group will take a few moments to offer blessings for peace in the New Year. Yachats Commons, Hwy 101 & W 4^th.
January 1, 2012; 10 am – 1 pm
http://goyachats.com/Events/Details/484/1.1.2012
541-547-3640

The Mill Casino Hotel & RV Park
North Bend
Ring in 2012 in a big way at The Mill Casino!  There  will be exciting events throughout the weekend featuring Prizes, Costume Contests, Triple Points and Live Music!
December 31, 2011 – January 1, 2012
www.themillcasino.com/blog/index.php/2011/12/celebrate-the-new-year-all-weekend-at-the-mill-casino

“The 24 designated ‘Whale Watching Spoken Here’ sites were selected because they are the best viewpoints to spot some of the roughly 18,000 whales that cruise past Oregon on their annual southbound migration,” said Dave Newton, Whale Watching volunteer coordinator. Trained volunteers will be available along the coast 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. daily to help visitors learn about the whales’ migration and feeding habits, and offer tips on how to spot the whales.

The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) Whale Watching Center in Depoe Bay will be open 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. daily during the watch week. The whale watching center has general exhibits on whales, staff to answer questions and ‘whale size’ windows with panoramic ocean views.

OPRD coordinates both the winter and spring whale watch weeks in partnership with the Oregon State University Hatfield Marine Science Center and Washington State Parks, which operates the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center. More information about the Whale Watching Spoken Here program and a map of the official viewpoints are available online at

www.whalespoken.org

NEWPORT – Dungeness crab is back on the menu for holiday feasts as commercial crabbing opens Dec. 15 along most of the Oregon coast.

Fishery managers made the decision today to open the ocean to crabbing along the Oregon coast from the Columbia River to just north of Gold Beach (42°26’00″ N. Lat.). The ocean commercial Dungeness crab season in Oregon normally opens Dec. 1, but was delayed this year because crab did not meet minimum pre-season quality testing.

The testing measures the percentage of meat in the crab, by weight. Fishery managers can delay the season to allow the crab to fill with meat and ensure a high-quality product to consumers.

Recreational harvest of crab in the ocean off Oregon was also delayed. On Dec. 15 sport crabbers may pursue the tasty crustaceans on all but the southern part of the coast from just north of Gold Beach (42°26’00″ N. Lat.) to the California border. Recreational boaters may catch crabs north of the line and then return to Gold Beach.

The recreational harvest of Dungeness crab in Oregon’s bays and estuaries is open year round.

The closed portion of the coast will open to sport and commercial harvest beginning Jan. 15.

Commercial crabbers are allowed to set their gear three days before the season opens, so ocean watchers will see the lights of crab boats off most of the coast as early as Monday (Dec. 12).

$5 off state park day-use permit in December

December is “stocking stuffer” month at Oregon State Parks. From December 1 through December 31, park-goers can save $5 on the state park 12-month day-use parking permit.  The state park permit, which is required at 26 Oregon state parks, is on sale for $25 – regularly $30 – in December.

“The permit makes a great gift,” said Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) spokesman Chris Havel. “The $5 discount in December makes them even better.” Parking permits are transferable from vehicle to vehicle, making them even more of a value in today’s economy. OPRD also offers a 24-month pass, priced at $50, that Havel said is “always a bargain.”

Visitors who do not have long-term passes must purchase $5 daily permits. “That means remembering to have the cash and then taking time to buy a permit from a vending machine or stopping at a fee booth,” said Havel.

The Oregon Coast Passport is also discounted $5 in December. The passport is a multi-agency product, valid at Oregon State Parks, U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management and National Park Service sites along the Oregon Coast. The coastal passports are on sale for $30 – regularly $35 – in December.

The 12- and 24-month OPRD permits and coastal passports can be purchased, along with other gift possibilities such as gift certificates, by calling the Oregon State Parks Information Center, 1-800-551-6949. Callers may use debit or credit cards that have VISA or MasterCard logos to purchase permits, passports and gift certificates.

Walk-in customers can buy the OPRD permits at major OPRD offices, some state park friends’ group stores and selected local businesses throughout the state. A list of vendors is posted at www.oregonstateparks.org/dayuse_permit_vendors.php. The coastal passports are sold at coastal state parks, federal agency offices and local vendors in several coastal communities.

You want lights? We’ve got lights! This month Shore Acres State Park in Charleston will be aglow with more than a quarter million of them! We’ve got tree-lighting celebrations in North Bend and Old Town Florence. A “decorated Christmas dog” contest and bridge walk in Waldport. And, oh buoy – the annual Lighted Boat Parade in Newport! Yo, ho, ho, ho, all you salty dogs!

Traditionalists will want to head for Newport to experience the 19th Century holiday traditions celebrated by the families of the Yaquina Head lighthouse keepers or to Coos Bay to immerse themselves in the Victorian-era decorations at the historic Old Tower House B&B.

Florence will showcase performances of the classic ballets “The Nutcracker” and Beatrix Potter’s “Tales for the Holidays.” Charleston will host their annual Christmas Train Display, while Reedsport will celebrate 50 years of homespun fun during its Annual Holiday Bazaar. And what’s more traditional than a shopping spree for one-of-a-kind holiday gifts at the Blue Heron French Cheese Company in Tillamook?

Those of you who like to think outside the gift box will want to consider treating friends and family to a Hot Apple Cider Kayak Tour of one of the water trails in Tillamook, the “Dead in the Sled” murder mystery dinner in Florence or the Chute Out Bull Riding competition in Gold Beach. Holy cow!

Mosey on over to North Bend for the Little Old Opry’s “Christmas Winter Wonderland” performance or saddle up in Florence for the Pam Tillis concert at Three Rivers Casino. If that’s not music to your ears, swing into North Bend for a big band, Dixieland and soft rock concert or dance the night away at the New Year’s Eve Party at the Mill Casino. We bet you can still party like it’s 1999!

Don’t want to dance? Learn how to make donuts or small Italian plates at the Culinary Center in Lincoln City. And remember, you can watch your weight or watch for Santa, but don’t forget to watch for the volunteers who can help you spot an ocean behemoth during Winter Whale Watch Week up and down The People’s Coast.

Looking for a deal? There’s a mid-week special at Land’s End Motel in Cannon Beach, a holiday special at Garibaldi House Inn in Garibaldi, a four-for-three deal at Pacific Reef Resort in Gold Beach, a Holiday Shopping Package at Inn at Spanish Head in Lincoln City, a New Year’s Eve Celebration Package at the Inn at Cape Kiwanda in Pacific City and free shuttle service to Shore Acres State Park is included when you stay at the Mill Casino Hotel & RV Park.

We bet all these holiday activities are starting to make some of you feel a little stressed out. Well, relax! Just in the Saint Nick of time, the Coho Oceanfront Lodge in Lincoln City is unwrapping their Relax and Unwind package, complete with a couple’s massage. The Coastal Comfort Package at the Inn at Cape Kiwanda will calm your spirits with an in-room fireplace, hot cocoa and shortbread cookies. You’ll also find a cozy relaxed atmosphere at the historic Coos Bay Manor B&B in Coos Bay, safe haven at Beachcomber’s Haven Vacation Rentals in Gleneden Beach and very accommodating pet-friendly accommodations at Shorepine Vacation Rentals in Pacific City.

Wherever you go and wherever you stay for the holidays, you’ll always feel right at home on The People’s Coast.

UNDER WRAPS?

Had a holly-jolly holiday experience on The People’s Coast? Don’t keep it under wraps. Share your story with us online, on Facebook or with a brief tweet on Twitter. It would be naughty to keep it to yourself.

ELF-HELP BOOK!

Need a little help figuring out the perfect holiday adventure on The People’s Coast? Look into our free Mile-by-Mile Guide to the Oregon Coast. It may not be written by actual elves, but it is a real Santa’s helper when it comes to putting together a merry holiday journey.

Featured Events

Land’s End Motel – Mid-Week Special in Cannon Beach

Holiday shopping in Cannon Beach? If the answer is yes, then you should take advantage of our Mid-week special – Stay 2 or more nights and receive a 25% discount on your stay, Sunday – Thursday.
Now – April 2012
For more information visit www.landsendmotel.com or call 503-436-2264

The Oregon Coast is known for amazing and unique sights.  In this Grant’s Getaways clip, Grant goes to Shore Acres State Park, on the Southern Oregon Coast, for a coastal holiday light spectacular.  Learn what it takes to make Shore Acres Park, and this part of the Oregon Coast, such a natural beauty.

The holiday lights run Thanksgiving through New Year’s Eve – the park is open daily, closing each night at 9:30pm. There is no entry fee, but there is a $5 state park parking permit required.

Grant’s Getaways – Shore Acres Holiday Lights from Travel Oregon on Vimeo.

Brown pelicans receiving care at the Wildlife Center in Astoria after suffering injuries in recent storms. The birds are staying on the north coast later into the year, prompting biologists to issue a warning discouraging people from feeding them. (Photo courtesy of the Wildlife Center)

TILLAMOOK, Ore. – One of the most distinctive birds on the Oregon coast is the brown pelican, with its famous large throat pouch and gregarious personality.

Until 2009, these unusual aquatic birds were listed for protection under the federal Endangered Species List after their populations suffered from the ill effects of the pesticide DDT. Though brown pelicans have made a comeback since DDT was banned in 1972, they now face another challenge: junk food.

“Pelicans are used to feeding on live fish in estuaries and the ocean, not potato chips” said Herman Biederbeck, wildlife biologist for the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife’s North Coast District.

For reasons scientists don’t yet fully understand, brown pelicans that migrate from California to Oregon’s north coast in the summer are staying longer into the fall and into the winter, according to Biederbeck. As a result, they are often stressed by the weather and more prone to getting handouts from people, which is bad for the birds.

“People are increasingly feeding these pelicans, almost always to the birds’ detriment,” said Biederbeck. “We want to discourage people from feeding them.”

ODFW discourages feeding any wildlife and especially brown pelicans, which under normal circumstances sustain themselves by scooping up small fish in their large bills while swimming in the ocean However, since the birds are staying around the north coast into the fall and even the winter they’re e subject to battering by storms that hit the Oregon coast this time of year.

“Anytime we have big winds or big surf the pelicans start getting hurt,” said Sharnelle Fee, director of the Wildlife Center of the North Coast, a nonprofit wildlife rehabilitation facility in Astoria that cares for injured pelicans. “If they get caught in that big surf they can get pummeled and washed to shore.” When they do they have a tendency to beg for food from humans.

Biologists say there are several problems with feeding pelicans. First, the types of foods that people give them can make them sick. Fee has treated pelicans that have consumed chicken bones, hotdogs, donuts and potato chips, for example.

“When you have a hungry pelican they’re going to eat anything you put in front of them,” she said, adding, “These kinds of foods can actually kill them.”

The other problem with handouts is they encourage the birds to stay on the north coast when they should be migrating south to their winter breeding grounds in Baja California instead.

“If people hold them up here by feeding them, the cold will kill them,” Fee explained. Unlike ducks and geese, which stay in the water during cold spells, pelicans haul out at night and are subject to harm from colder nighttime temperatures and wind-chill factors. Pelicans’ feet are particularly vulnerable, according to Fee. If these birds lose more than half of the webbing on their feet to frostbite, Wildlife Center caregivers must euthanize them, she said.

“Pelicans are aquatic birds,” said Fee. “They need their webbing to swim and walk.”

Though brown pelicans have been delisted from the ESA, they are still protected under the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act, and people who harass or harm them are subject to criminal penalties.

This year the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service counted 17,495 brown pelicans on the Pacific coast from Smith River, Calif., to Tunnel Island, Wash., during its Sept. 15-16 aerial survey. The vast majority of those birds – 12,887 in all – were congregated on East Sand Island at the mouth of the Columbia River, according to Shawn Stephensen, a wildlife biologist for the USFW’s Oregon Coast National Wildlife Refuge Complex.

People who see an injured pelican on the Oregon coast are encouraged to call the Wildlife Center at 503-338-0331.