The Oregon Code of the Coast
15 things to keep in mind when you visit
Wherever you’re coming from, we’re glad to welcome you. But to make your visit safe and fun for everyone (including plants and animals), it really helps to be familiar with these issues.
Baby Seals
Fast Facts
- The Oregon Coast is a wondrous place for humans to explore, but it’s also foremost a habitat and home to countless other species crawling, swimming, flying and growing here, including marine mammals such as Harbor Seals.
- Harbor Seals can be spotted lounging along the Oregon Coast along with California Sea Lions, Steller Sea Lions and Northern Elephant Seals.
- Though Harbor Seals can be found year-round on the Oregon Coast, they have their very adorable pups in the spring, with births peaking in mid-May.
- A natural part of growing up for baby seals is finding a spot on the beach to patiently wait for mom while she feeds, so if you find a solitary baby seal on the beach, don’t worry! It’s patiently waiting for its mother to return.
- Remember to stay at least 100 yards away, just over the distance of a typical city block, from seals and other marine mammals as you explore the Oregon Coast. Disturbing or harassing marine mammals is not only harmful for the animals, it’s also illegal.
How can I help?
As advocates for the Oregon Coast and for seals and their pups, if you believe a seal pup or another marine mammal is stranded or in harm’s way, call the 24-hour Oregon State Police Hotline at 1-800-452-7888 so the Oregon Marine Mammal Stranding Network can follow up on your concerns.
The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service’s page on Oregon Islands, as well as the Oregon Marine Mammal Stranding Network’s site are great resources to view interactive maps, check out identifying photos of Oregon Coast wildlife and to learn more about the Oregon Coast’s marine mammals.
Snowy Plover Nesting
Fast Facts
- The Oregon Coast is home to an untold number of species, including numerous types of birds. One of the many species of birds that calls the Oregon Coast home is the Western Snowy Plover, a federally and state threatened shorebird.
- The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service listed the Western Snowy Plover as a threatened species in 1993. Since then, the population has increased from only 55 breeding adults, to 149 in 2009, and eventually to 423 in 2019. It’s up to all of us to help protect the plover so they can continue to grow their numbers!
- Western Snowy Plovers nest on a few carefully selected beaches on the Oregon Coast, often returning to the same nesting area the next year.
- Beaches that Western Snowy Plovers have chosen as nesting grounds are well-marked. Visitors are asked to not enter these designated plover nesting areas.
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What’s going on?
Observing the wild, mysterious activities of coastal birds and animals is a joyous part of the Oregon Coast experience. One of the species of birds that calls the Oregon Coast home is the Western Snowy Plover. These small shorebirds are more complex than you might think. Western Snowy Plovers nest on a few carefully selected beaches on the Oregon Coast, choosing dry sand areas above the high tide line to build their well-camouflaged nests. If the plover are able to successfully raise their young, there is a good chance they will return to the same nesting area the next year. These areas collectively span about 45 miles of the state’s beaches, a fraction of the 363 miles of overall Oregon Coast shoreline.
How can I help?
The most important way people can help the Western Snowy Plover is to stay off dry sand and to only walk on wet, hard packed sand on plover nesting beaches during nesting season. To view and enjoy the Oregon Coast’s many natural visitors at a safe distance, including Western Snowy Plovers, we encourage bringing a set of binoculars.
If you bring trash or food with you to the Oregon Coast, please pack it out with you. Unintentionally left food and garbage on the beach has the potential to attract unwanted predators into Western Snowy Plover habitats.
DRIVING AND BIKING SAFETY
Fast Facts
- Visitors and locals wishing to experience and make memories at the Oregon Coast first need to get here, most likely by either driving or biking. Thanks to Oregon’s beautiful scenery, getting to the Oregon Coast is part of the state’s iconic coastal experience.
- Oregon’s Pacific Coast Scenic Byway, spanning the full length of the Oregon Coast, has been recognized by the U.S. Department of Transportation as an ‘All-American Road’ because of its beauty. It’s one of the most coveted road trip experiences in the country.
- The Pacific Coast Bike Route, spanning the full length of the most popular bicycle tour routes in the country due to its beauty and amenities. The route is supported by the Oregon Department of Transportation and Adventure Cycling Association.
Know Before You Go
What should I do?
- Recall the rules of the road
- Give cyclists a little extra love, and little extra room
- Be aware of seasonal animal behavior
How can I prepare?
Before embarking for a coastal adventure, visit Tripcheck.com for context on road regulations, conditions and traveling guidelines. More travel resources can be found at the Oregon Department of Transportation’s website. ODOT also has a detailed Driver’s Field Guide to Sharing Oregon’s Roads available, and an online storefront for safety literature and supplies.
CONGESTION AND PARKING
Fast Facts
- Sunny days along the coast mean lots of visitors! If driving to the Oregon Coast, during the busy summer season, or year-round, make sure to plan ahead. Try to get there early, visit off-season or consider checking out a less popular site to avoid long waits at parking areas.
- Before departing, make sure to check if your destination requires a parking permit or fees. For example, The Forest Service charges day-use fees at many of its developed sites along the coast, including the Siuslaw National Forest. That information can be found on the Siuslaw National Forest page. Fees are charged for parking at certain locations to fund ongoing improvements, maintenance and conservation projects.
- Driving isn’t the only way to visit the coast. If possible, carpool with friends or use carfree transit options, such as buses or biking. There are accessible bus transit options to get to the coast from many Oregon destinations, and convenient bus options connecting different coastal towns.
- It’s important to pay attention to signs and follow parking guidelines, which are designed to ensure public safety and allow clear passage of emergency vehicles. Parking along Highway 101, or in areas not designated for parking, can result in a ticket or fine.
Know Before You Go
How can I prepare?
Before coming to the coast, plan ahead and research different parking options, especially if visiting popular coastal spots. Try using car-free transit options, such as buses, to reduce congestion and environmental impact. Those traveling by public transportation should visit the Oregon Coast Visitors Association’s transportation page to find appropriate bus line options.
If driving to the coast, make sure to see if your destination requires a parking permit.
TIDE POOL ETIQUETTE
Fast Facts
- Exploring the Oregon Coast’s intricate tide pools is an experience that piques the curiosity and interest of a wide audience of locals and visitors. Tide pools are small-scale ecosystems that are beautiful but fragile, so human disturbances have the potential to affect tide pool balance.
- To avoid crushing or harming coastal creatures, visitors should walk on bare and dry rocks while investigating Oregon’s tide pools. Tide pool explorers are urged to use caution for their own sake, and to stay off logs and slippery rocks.
- It’s important to keep dogs out of tide pool areas to avoid damage and disturbance to the seabirds and marine mammals that call the coast home.
- Remember, unexpected sneaker waves can breach the coast at any time, so never turn your back on the ocean.
- Looking up the tide patterns beforehand is recommended for safety, particularly when visiting pocket beaches that have obstructed access points.
Know Before You Go
How can I help?
To keep the majesty of the coast and its tide pool environments intact, trash removal is always encouraged and appreciated.
It’s always a great idea to check the regulations located on MyODFW.com before visiting the Oregon Coast, especially if you are planning to harvest any creatures during your visit.
Curious tide pool adventurers are invited to learn more about tide pool best practices, tide information, and facts on the captivating tide pools themselves at the Oregon Coast Visitors Association’s tidepool page.
ISLANDS AND SEA STACKS
Fast Facts
- The spectacular cylindrical stacks and islands of the Oregon Coast are an iconic draw for visitors and locals, and also lifesupporting habitats for a multitude of species, including seabirds and marine mammals.
- Because Oregon’s stacks and islands are home to numerous species of wildlife, they are protected as part of the Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge. All islands, large rocks and sea stacks are closed for public use to protect marine wildlife at all times, year-round.
- The sea stacks and islands are also closed to people to ensure all human visitors are safe. They are made of loose, jagged rocks, and are treacherous to navigate. Trespassing visitors also run the risk of being stranded by the tide on an island, or being swept out to sea.
Know Before You Go
What should I do?
Though many species of wildlife call Oregon Coast’s islands and sea stacks home, one species that can’t be found on these structures are humans. All islands, large rocks and sea stacks are closed for public use to protect marine wildlife at all times, year-round. The islands and stacks offer the perfect secluded surroundings for various sea birds to raise their chicks and for seals and sea lions to give birth to their pups, among other sensitive animals and plants found on the islands and stacks. These species are all extremely susceptible to human disturbances. Visitors are asked to refrain from stepping foot on their fragile habitats, and to remain far enough away so that wildlife, especially seals and sea lions, don’t react in any way.
Repeated island and sea stack disturbances from visitors, including disruption from flying drones, are not simply frowned upon, the activity is also illegal. Human disturbances could substantially impact wildlife mating, nesting and other behaviors. Visitors are also encouraged to keep in mind that all migratory birds are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. The act forbids the taking, killing or possessing of any migratory birds and their parts, including eggs, nests and feathers. Oregon Coast visitors are invited to observe and enjoy Oregon’s coastal stacks and islands from a safe distance, and to bring binoculars to observe any marine animal and seabird action up-close.
How can I help?
For a surefire way to get closer to wildlife, it’s always a great idea to bring binoculars or a spotting scope to the coast.
To keep your Oregon Coast memories alive, don’t forget a camera! However, visitors are asked to go without posing with wildlife, such as seal selfies. Posing up-close with wildlife is dangerous, and also poses a threat to the animal, which is illegal.
For more information on Oregon’s plentiful shorebirds, seabirds and marine mammals, check out the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife’s page on viewing wildlife in Oregon. The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife also has an interactive wildlife viewing map available for more trip ideas.
GARBAGE AND FOOD WASTE REMOVAL
Fast Facts
- Keeping Oregon’s coast natural, wild and beautiful hinges on locals and visitors removing all of the food scraps and garbage they bring. If inspired, beachgoers are encouraged to pack out food scraps and garbage they find.
- Wildlife and native species thrive best when sticking to their own diet, free of human food scraps. Human food is detrimental to many species, and can even be deadly.
- Leaving any food unattended while enjoying the coast prompts the arrival of scavenging wildlife, such as rats, opossums, skunks, bears, raccoons and gulls as well as crows, jays and ravens (a group of scavenging birds known as corvids).
Know Before You Go
What should I do?
Locals and visitors to the coast who wish to keep Oregon’s native species healthy should avoid enticing wildlife with food scraps and garbage. Leaving food behind encourages scavenging species such as rats, opossums, skunks, bears, raccoons, gulls, ravens, crows and jays to visit campsites, trails and picnic areas.
Feeding bears especially habituates them to depend on humans for food. If a bear learns to view people as food providers, they become dangerous because they expect that food can be gathered from and near people. Bears frequently spotted in campsites, on trails and near groups of people are at-risk of having to be euthanized for public safety. Avoiding leaving food scraps behind could potentially save a bear’s life.
How can I help?
To help prevent introducing corvids to threatened birds’ nesting areas, and to avoid accidentally feeding bears and other native coastal species, visitors are urged not to leave any food scraps behind when they hike, camp or picnic. Leftover scraps can include plant-based leftovers too, such as pistachio shells, orange peels and apple cores, which are harmful since these types of food morsels aren’t native to the coast. Visitors are also encouraged to remember to not leave food unattended in case of scavenging wildlife.
PROTECTING THE OREGON SILVERSPOT BUTTERFLY
Fast Facts
- As threatened species native to the Oregon Coast region, populations of the Oregon Silverspot Butterfly are declining due to habitat loss, with butterflies residing in only a few meadows near the Oregon Coast.
- The Oregon Silverspot Butterfly is a medium-sized, yellow and brown spotted butterfly, native to the Oregon Coast region.
- Oregon Silverspot Butterfly caterpillars survive on early blue violets, which are found on dunes and headlands along the coast.
- To help protect the threatened butterflies, hikers and nature enthusiasts should stay on designated trails. The butterflies and their larvae are at risk of being crushed.
Know Before You Go
What should I do?
Various agencies and organizations are involved in efforts to restore coastal meadows to increase the likelihood that these threatened butterflies will survive. Besides staying on designated trails, especially in meadow areas, people can support the success of the Oregon Silverspot Butterfly and other native species by protecting wildflowers that are a source of food for silverspots and other pollinators. Nature enthusiasts are encouraged to take photos instead of picking flowers as souvenirs, and to clean off their hiking boots post-adventure to avoid spreading invasive weeds.
How can I help?
Hikers should always stay on designated trails, but it’s increasingly important to do so in coastal meadow areas. Wandering in coastal meadows might inadvertently damage plants critical to the Oregon Silverspot Butterfly’s success, or harm the hard-to-spot butterflies and larvae themselves.
If you see someone collecting butterflies, call Oregon State Police immediately at 800-442-0776. If calling from a cell phone, dial *677 first.
To learn more about this special, threatened species, visit the United States Department of Agriculture’s page on the Oregon silverspot butterfly.
HUNTING
Fast Facts
- For some, hunting is seen as a tradition, a way to experience Oregon’s natural setting and a sustainable way to procure food. Oregon’s tradition of hunting continues because of regulations that have been created around the habits and breeding cycles of the animals that are permitted for hunting.
- Funds from hunting licenses and excise taxes on hunting equipment in Oregon, including ammunition, help purchase and set aside millions of acres for wildlife.
- Oregon boasts a robust array of animals that are permitted for hunting, such as a wide selection of birds, waterfowl and turkey, as well as large game including deer, elk and even bear. Each type of animal has its own unique hunting timing guidelines, hunting restrictions and licensing processes.
Know Before You Go
What should I do?
Hunters in Oregon must respect seasonal time frames and limits to help ensure wildlife populations are sustainable and stable. It’s also important for hunters to note where hunting is permitted, and what type of hunting is allowed in each area. Hunting is permissible in some state parks, but not in the vast majority of Oregon’s state parks.
Hunters need to have the correct required licenses on-hand for the type of animals they are pursuing. Licensing costs will vary on the type of animal being hunted, and may also change on age and depending on if those hunting are in-state residents. For example, those hunting waterfowl must possess a Federal Duck Stamp, along with other state and federal requirements. Though waterfowl hunting is allowed in multiple areas along the Oregon Coast, it’s important to note that it is not allowed in many national wildlife refuges. Waterfowl hunting is only allowed in three national wildlife refuges on the Oregon Coast: Siletz Bay, Nestucca Bay and Bandon Marsh.
How can I prepare?
Hunters must conduct research on licensing and seasonal hunting limits before embarking on any hunting trip. All guidelines determining where it is permissible to hunt, and what species and gender of animal are permitted to single out, must also be adhered to by state and federal law.
There are a number of helpful resources for planning and mapping out a hunting trip in Oregon. Hunters can visit the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife’s website at MyODFW.com for information on what animals are permitted for hunting by season, and where hunting can take place. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service also has unique pages for specific popular hunting areas, such as Bandon Marsh, Siletz Bay and Nestucca Bay. For those interested in hunting within a state park, information on general park area rules can be found at the Oregon Secretary of State’s Division 10 page.
REMOVAL OF NATURAL MINERALS, PLANTS AND BEACH DEBRIS
Fast Facts
- If every visitor to the Oregon Coast left with a memento, such as a rock, shell or plant, Oregon’s beaches and surrounding forests would soon be stripped clean. Instead, people are invited to become stewards of Oregon’s coast, enjoying time here without having to leave with a physical souvenir.
- Small quantities of driftwood, shells, agates and other non-living natural finds may be carefully taken from the beach for non-commercial, personal use.
- There are some sections of Oregon’s shoreline where the collection of plants, animals and natural debris is either not permitted, or there are specific guidelines in place. Though there are areas on the coast where plants and debris can be harvested or taken, it’s encouraged to do so with restraint and respect.
Know Before You Go
What should I do?
The Oregon Coast boasts a unique array of plants, minerals and animals, so it’s no surprise enthusiasts visit the coast to harvest and collect these specialized items. However, it’s key for coastal collectors to know where debris removal and plant harvesting is allowed along Oregon’s coast. Locations depend on the specific habitat and area visited, as well as what natural items are permitted for removal. Small quantities of driftwood, shells, agates and other non-living natural products may be taken from the beach as a souvenir for non-commercial, personal use. Collectors are asked to respect the nature of the coast as a life-giving habitat, and to carefully explore Oregon’s beaches, rocky shores and tidepools. Removal of coastal plants, rocks, animals, shells, etc. may disturb sensitive habitats, so it’s encouraged to practice restraint when collecting beach treasures, even in areas where it is permitted to do so.
How can I help?
If you would like to collect plants and debris, such as rocks, shells, wood, etc., from the coast, we recommend conducting research ahead of time on the types of plants, animals and items that can be removed in the area you are planning to visit. Some collectable plants and items require a permit, so visitors should review permit requirements prior to heading to the woods. The United States Department of Agriculture’s page on Special Forest Products contains helpful permitting information.
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife manages specific wildlife areas, such as the Marine Gardens, Research Reserves, Habitat Refuges, Marine Protected Areas and Marine Reserves, where debris collection is either restricted or not permitted. More information can be found on the Oregon Marine Reserves’ website.
FISHING, CLAMMING AND CRABBING
Fast Facts
- Crabbing, clamming and fishing are all popular activities at the Oregon Coast. In order to keep marine creatures and habitats healthy and plentiful, existing regulations outline the ways enthusiasts and professionals can fish, clam and crab safely and in accordance to seasonal breeding patterns and numbers.
- As physical, technical activities, crabbing, clamming and fishing require the correct gear and licensing. Enthusiasts should conduct necessary research and outreach beforehand for information regarding weather patterns, permissible dates, size regulations and daily possession limits. Up-to-date regulations can be found at the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife’s page at MyODFW.com.
- While enjoying beach time, it’s essential to remember that the ocean can be unpredictable, especially during the stormy winter and fall months. Even on calm days, sneaker waves can surprise unsuspecting people, potentially injuring or sweeping them out to sea. Refrain from turning your back on the ocean at any point while on the beach.
Know Before You Go
What should I do?
Safety First. While clamming, crabbing or fishing, it’s essential to remember that the ocean can be unpredictable and unsafe, especially during the stormy winter and fall months. Each year avoidable, and sometimes tragic, incidents occur on the Oregon Coast when people decide to go crabbing, clamming or fishing on stormy days, or aren’t paying close attention to wave and tidal patterns.
Clamming and Crabbing. Crabbing and clamming enthusiasts on the Oregon Coast wishing to enjoy a safe time without causing undue harm to natural species and habitats make sure to obtain correct licensing and abide by regulations. These guidelines outline where crabbing and clamming is permitted.
Fishing. Fishing is a year-round activity on the Oregon Coast, and so seasonal weather patterns and regulations should be researched and taken into consideration before embarking on any fishing expedition. Fishing regulations can also change frequently. Additionally, any fish that will be released, such as Wild Steelhead, should not be removed from the water for picture taking or handling because it increases the risk of injury or death for the fish.
How can I prepare?
Crabbing, clamming and fishing are all physical and technical activities that require the correct gear and licensing. Enthusiasts should conduct necessary research and outreach beforehand for information regarding permissible dates, size regulations and daily possession limits. Up-to-date regulations can be found at the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife’s page at MyODFW.com.
Crabbing and clamming can be dangerous if there is a toxin the creatures have ingested. Check the shellfish safety hotline (800-448-2474) or visit the Oregon Department of Agriculture’s website before crabbing or clamming on the coast to ensure that there is not a toxin-related closure. The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife also has an accessible online guide for crabbing in Oregon.
Fishermen are encouraged to check in with The United States Fish and Wildlife Service frequently at 1-800-344-WILD, though their office is closed on federal holidays. Fishing guidelines can be accessed online at the United States Fish and Wildlife Service’s Fishing page.
THE COST OF LEFT BEHIND GARBAGE AND DEBRIS
Fast Facts
- When taking in the gorgeous setting of the Oregon Coast, the experience can be diminished if garbage and human-made debris have been left behind by previous visitors. Oregon’s wildlife and natural habitats are also at-risk from human-made debris littering Oregon’s beaches.
- Human-made garbage and debris of all sorts show up on the coastline year-round and should be removed. If possible, pick it up and pack it out, even if you weren’t the person responsible for it, wherever you are along the beautiful Oregon coast.
- Common and devastating impacts of human-made debris on wildlife are digestion and entanglement resulting in injury, illness, suffocation, starvation and even death for wildlife, especially seabirds and marine mammals.
- Garbage can scour, break, smother and damage important marine habitats, including reefs and kelp forests. Many of these habitats serve as the basis of marine ecosystems, and are critical to the survival of a multitude of species.
Know Before You Go
What should I do?
Those onboard with protecting Oregon’s coastal habitats know to pack out all supplies, food, trash and gear that they packed in, leaving no human traces behind. People wishing to further care for coastal lands may choose to remove human-made debris found on the beach to benefit the overall coastal scenery, wildlife and the next visitors. The act of packing out human-made debris from the coast has life-saving potential for Oregon’s wildlife.
If you are fishing, discard line and tackle in a designated trash can, or pack it out to dispose of later. There are collection stations for discarded fishing supplies and debris at designated fishing areas across the state, located at boat ramps and streambank access sites. Local volunteers, including conservation and fishing groups, maintain these stations, and the materials collected are reused, recycled or properly disposed of.
How can I help?
Human-made debris of all sorts, including fishing gear such as rubber strips, line and floats, wash up on the coastline year-round and should be removed. If possible, pick it up and pack it out, even if you weren’t the person responsible for it, wherever you are along the beautiful Oregon coast.
If you’re interested in learning more about the impact of debris digestion on seabirds, check out Nature.com’s article, A quantitative analysis linking seabird mortality and marine debris ingestion, linking debris ingestion with an increased seabird mortality rate.
BEACH SAFETY
Fast Facts
- The Oregon coast offers world-renowned views, hikes and outdoor activities, but unlike some coastlines, ours can be unpredictable and even dangerous at times. Even on relatively calm days, ocean patterns, waves and currents can quickly change, so it’s important to stay alert while experiencing the coast.
- Check weather patterns, tide schedules and fire restrictions before exploring the coast. More tips can be found at Oregon State Park’s Beach Exploration Page.
- Storms can occur year-round at the coast, but they are especially common in the winter. Those wishing to spend time on the beach are asked to exercise common sense and caution during stormy weather, and to consider staying home on more risky, stormy days.
- Sneaker waves are forceful waves that can suddenly roll onto Oregon’s beaches carrying anything in its path out to sea, so keep an eye on the surf and make sure small children are within arms reach. A good rule to follow is never to turn your back on the ocean. They are a common occurrence from October to April in Oregon.
- Those surfing, swimming or walking close to the ocean should also look out for signs of rip currents, which can be unpredictable and powerful. It’s also helpful to know the tidal predictions for that day.
- Oregon Coast visitors should take the time to carefully navigate the often rough and slippery coastal terrain, and to refrain from climbing on driftwood logs, rocks and jetties.
- For safety, avoid standing close to the edge or below cliffs, as coastal cliffs are susceptible to erosion and large portions of earth or rocks could crumble free.
- Beach campfires may be started on open sand, away from driftwood or vegetation. People are asked to use water, not sand, to extinguish fires by pouring water around the base of the firepit, instead of directly on hot coals.
Know Before You Go
How can I prepare?
Check weather patterns, tide schedules and fire restrictions before exploring the coast. More safety tips, advice and resources can be found at Oregon State Park’s Beach Exploration Page.
DRONE USE
Fast Facts
- Oregon’s coast is a continuous draw for local and traveling visitors, photographers and nature enthusiasts. It’s no surprise that visitors are using the latest drone technology to digitally capture the full grandness of the Oregon Coast. However, drones can easily harass, disturb and affect wildlife, scenery and fellow visitors. It’s important that laws are abided by, and that respect and restrain are practiced when using drones on the coast.
- Yes, unmanned aerial systems, commonly referred to as drones, are allowed on the Oregon coast! But, before bringing one along, make sure to research all applicable state and federal laws.
- It’s illegal to affect and harass wildlife with drones on the Oregon Coast. Drone operators are asked to launch their device at least 100 meters, equivalent to just over a typical city block, from any wildlife along the coast. Coastal regulations also forbid hunting or fishing with the help of drones.
- To help protect Oregon’s islands, recreational use of unmanned aircraft is prohibited at Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge and on all refuge lands, including Oregon Coast islands and sea stacks. Drones also shouldn’t take off from, land in or be operated from congressionally designated wilderness areas along the coast. These restrictions are in place to protect Oregon’s native species and because visitors seek these places for undisturbed solitude and quiet.
Know Before You Go
What should I do?
Drones should always be flown according to Federal Aviation Administration regulations and privacy laws. For instance, drones should only be flown below 400 feet, remain clear of surrounding obstacles, stay at least 5 miles from an airport or backcountry airstrip, and steer clear of populated and noise-sensitive areas—such as campgrounds, trail heads and visitor centers. Following these regulations and laws helps protect the creatures that call the Oregon Coast home, and allows other visitors to enjoy the coast in peace.
Drones are generally permitted for use throughout the Oregon Coast, with a few exceptions. Those flying drones around Oregon State Parks and beaches should be aware of and follow all state and federal laws. At times, park staff may limit operators who are in a state park from launching or landing drones to protect specific natural, cultural, scenic or recreational resources in a park property. In addition, recreational use of unmanned aircraft is prohibited at Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge and on all refuge lands throughout the United States, including Oregon Coast island and sea stacks. Drone operators should be aware that if an operator stands beyond refuge boundaries and flies the device over refuge land, fines can still be levied if the drone is observed disturbing wildlife.
How can I help?
Visitors to the coast operating drones should have an idea of the Oregon Coast’s sanctioned drone behavior before using their equipment. While flying a drone on the Oregon Coast, operators are encouraged to practice common sense and safety to avoid damaging natural formations, such as Oregon’s sea stacks, and to steer clear of disturbing other visitors and coastal wildlife.
For more information on operating unmanned aerial systems throughout the country, visit the Federal Aviation Administration’s UAS page.
In addition, drone enthusiasts can reach out to Oregon State Parks for further information, questions or concerns regarding drone use on the Oregon Coast at 503-986-0707.
DOGS ON THE COAST
Fast Facts
- We know that the Oregon Coast isn’t just a special place for people, it’s also a beloved destination for our furry canine companions. Yes, dogs, and other domestic pets such as horses, are allowed at the coast! Owners are encouraged to research pet-friendly guidelines before heading out.
- There are several dog-free areas along the coast in protection of pets, coastal wildlife and visitors. These areas include: Nestucca Bay, Siletz Bay or Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuges.
- Dogs are not required to be on leash in all areas, but dogs that are off leash should reliably respond to voice commands. Owners must also always carry a leash and be ready and able to leash up their dogs if necessary. Dogs should be leashed within state parks, and in any area where wildlife reside to avoid disturbing the native creatures.
- In order to protect the seals that rest along the coast, dogs should never approach adult seals or seal pups, for the safety of both the dog and the seal.
- During Western Snowy Plover nesting season, spanning from March 15th through September 15th, dogs are not permitted on designated plover beaches as they may inadvertently disturb the nesting birds.
Know Before You Go
How can I help?
Dogs are welcome to join their owners on a trip to the Oregon Coast. Before em(bark)ing on a coastal visit, dog-in-tow, visitors may want to check out Oregon State Park “Pawsitive” info pages, which include answers to dog related frequently asked questions.
Dog owners can also research Western Snowy Plover nesting cycles, and how those regulations could affect a coastal outing with their pet, at the Oregon State Park’s seasonal beach restriction page.