Coast Like a Local on the Trails this Summer
Changing visitor behavior starts with us
The Oregon Coast is unpredictable—weather changes fast, trails can be rugged, and features that look like fun photo ops can actually be dangerous.
Want to blend in with the locals? Start with your next hike!
Out here, we plan ahead for any weather, tell someone our route, and avoid dangerous features—so we don’t end up needing rescue that can put strain on local resources.
So when you hit the trail with us this summer, care for it like we do: stay on the path, pack out what you pack in, and hike safely and respectfully.
This is a message thousands of visitors flocking to the Oregon Coast will hear this summer as part of our Coast Like a Local stewardship messaging campaign.
It’s summer, and that means our coastal trails are seeing an increase in foot traffic—and with it, a growing need to educate visitors about safe and respectful trail use. The Oregon Coast is known for dramatic landscapes, but it’s also home to fragile ecosystems and a coastal rescue system that can be easily overwhelmed.
That’s why this season, we’re encouraging visitors to “Coast Like a Local” by following some simple, essential trail etiquette and safety tips.
This week, we’ve launched a new ad campaign focused on safe hiking practices and respectful trail use. We encourage you to share these messages with your visitors, guests, and social media followers. Together, we can help protect our trails, reduce strain on emergency services, and give visitors the tools they need to have a safe and positive experience.
Key Tips to Share with Visitors
Stay on the trail. Cutting corners or forging your own path can damage vegetation and increase erosion. It can also put you in dangerous territory, especially near cliffs or sensitive habitats.
Avoid hazardous features. Driftwood logs, cliff edges, or abandoned structures may look tempting—but locals know better. These areas are unpredictable and can lead to serious injury or rescues that put first responders at risk.
Plan ahead. Weather on the coast changes fast. Always check the forecast, bring the right gear, and tell someone your plan before you head out.
Watch for warning signs. Whether it’s an official notice or just a change in the trail or sky, stay alert and make smart choices. If it looks unsafe, it probably is. Leave No Trace. Stick to the path to avoid trampling plants and wildlife habitat, leave what you find, and pack out whatever you bring in.
By encouraging visitors to hike the way locals do, we hope to inspire a deeper respect for the land, and reduce the unintended impacts of increased visitation. Help us spread the message and equip more people to enjoy the coast safely and responsibly.
Learn more about Coast Like a Local here, and access sharable campaign assets here.