Every July 4, Oregon Coast main streets are lined with paradegoers, fireworks displays light up the night sky, and in between folks enjoy the holiday together on the Coast’s trails, downtowns, and beaches. 

Whether you want to watch a parade or be in the parade; enjoy a fireworks display or a cutting-edge drone show; cheer for wiener dog races or a cardboard boat regatta – the Oregon Coast has something for you this Fourth of July. 

Here’s how to visit the Coast for the Fourth, while supporting local communities and caring for our delicate coastal environment.

North Coast

Central Coast

South Coast

Fourth Like a Local

Be aware of fireworks restrictions

The use of any fireworks, legal or illegal, is prohibited in Oregon State Parks, on Oregon beaches, and on state and federal forest lands in Oregon. They are also prohibited in certain municipalities, like the cities of Cannon Beach and Lincoln City. Check for local restrictions and know before you go.

Fireworks impact sensitive habitats for species like Western snowy plovers, black oystercatchers, and harbor seals. The debris left behind from fireworks is also a hazard to wildlife. Please respect fireworks restrictions on the Oregon Coast – there are lots of other ways to celebrate. 

Enjoy campfires safely

Check fire restrictions for the area you’re visiting if you’re planning to have a campfire. Oregon State Parks, Oregon Department of Forestry, and Siuslaw National Forest offer helpful information.

Keep campfires small and at least five feet away from any flammable material, including overhanging tree limbs, driftwood, and dune grass, and never leave a campfire unattended. 

When you’re finished, douse your campfire with water and stir the embers; ensure any burning material is cold to the touch before leaving the area. Don’t bury your campfire in sand – unsuspecting beachgoers could be burned by still-hot coals.

Practice beach safety and responsible recreation

Our small coastal communities rely on volunteer first responders, and we rely on you to be safe and responsible while recreating in our beautiful natural areas. The Oregon Coast is unpredictable and can be dangerous. Even on relatively calm days, ocean patterns, waves and currents can quickly change, so it’s important to stay alert. 

Pack out all trash and food scraps and dispose of waste properly in designated bins to protect wildlife and marine habitats. Visit our Coast Like a Local page to learn how to think and act like a local when visiting the Oregon Coast.  

Pitch in and enjoy the Afterglow

We welcome you to enjoy the Fourth on the Coast – and we’d love your help to clean up afterward. Local communities and nonprofits like SOLVE host beach and town cleanups on July 5 and 6 to make sure our celebrations leave no trace. 

Learn more about how to keep the Oregon Coast beautiful when you visit for the Fourth of July or year-round.

– By Karen Olson

Top photo: Steve Dimrock