Many state parks have access to lakes, reservoirs and rivers, and some have designated swim beaches. For a list, go to the Find a Park webpage and search for parks with boating or fishing. Individual park pages will list specific information. The Parks Guide also provides information on parks with swimming.

All swimming areas are unsupervised. You are responsible for your own safety. Do not swim, float, paddle or boat without a life jacket. Wearing a life jacket, and making sure it fits properly, saves lives. Remember: many of our lakes, rivers, and reservoirs are filled by snow runoff and remain cold year round. And even water that look calm could have swift currents and hidden obstructions beneath the surface.

Call the park (or the nearest park to the beach location) to discuss your plans, possible permits, fees and insurance requirements. You may also call the Information Line at 800-551-6949 and ask for the phone number of the nearest park. Depending on the event, you may need a special use permit for "non-traditional park activities," which are outlined in Oregon Administrative Rule. Some examples are:

• group gatherings such as weddings, company picnics, tournaments, and contests;
• commercial filming;
• short/long-term rental of property and structures;
• construction activities and placement of utilities;
• educational and scientific projects;
• sales of goods and services by vendors, concessionaires and other businesses.

Camping on Oregon’s ocean beaches is allowed in many areas, but please be aware of the tides and camp above the high tide line. Note: Overnight parking is not allowed in state park day-use areas or waysides.

Camping is prohibited in the following areas:

• on the beach adjacent to an Oregon State Park.
• from the south jetty of the Columbia River to Tillamook Head in Clatsop County.
• on the beaches of the following communities: Seaside, Cannon Beach, Manzanita, Rockaway Beach, Lincoln City, Newport, Bandon and Gold Beach. It is your responsibility to know the city boundaries before you camp.
• in Western Snowy Plover habitat areas. These areas are signed at beach access points.

Small quantities of driftwood, shells, agates, and other non-living natural products may be taken off the ocean shore as a souvenir for non-commercial, personal use. Details for different types of products may be found in the recreation rules for the ocean shore (OAR 736-021-0090).

Respect the life here and the precious value it has for all Oregonians: follow proper tidepool etiquette when exploring some of the Ocean Shores’ more sensitive habitats.

More information about visiting the beach is on our Ocean Shore web page.

In some cases, yes. Oregon’s beaches were originally designated as a “public highway” in 1913 which set the stage for the more well-known “beach bill” which followed years later. While the beach is now a state recreation area, driving is allowed in some places. Official Oregon State Highway Mapscan be obtained from the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) that depict those areas where driving is allowed.

Only street-legal vehicles may drive on the beach with the exception of areas designated for off-road vehicles.

ATVs are allowed in designated areas only. ATV operator permits are required.

Operators of vehicles may not disturb wildlife or other natural resources or block access, use, or the safe and uninterrupted passage of others on the ocean shore.

Details can be found in Division 21 and Division 24 rules, searchable here.

• 3’X3’ or smaller
• made of natural, untreated natural wood free of attached metal, nails, glass or plastic objects (e.g., not pallets)
• started with non-petroleum-based products
• located in open, dry sand well away (at least 25 ft.) from any vegetation, driftwood, other combustible materials or beach access points
• not located in dunes or in or near vegetation, small wood debris or log accumulations
• not left unattended
• not allowed to cause damage to facilities or natural resources
• extinguished completely with water (NOT sand) before users leave the area
• not in seasonally restricted Western Snowy Plover habitat areas

Generally, yes. Dogs and other domestic animals are welcome on most ocean beaches; however they must be leashed if you are within the boundaries of a state park. Beyond those areas, leashes are not required, although you must carry a leash with you at all times and your dog must be under direct control (within sight and responsive to commands). If you choose to allow your dogs to run free on the ocean shores, you are still responsible for their behavior so please make sure they are not interfering with others’ recreational enjoyment or harassing seabirds or other wildlife.

Dogs are not permitted on some beaches or at certain times of the year (even on a leash) to protect wildlife, such as western snowy plovers. Snowy plover nesting areas are restricted areas from March 15-September 15. Look for restricted beach access information at bit.ly/wsplover. Follow rules posted at beach accesses and signs posted in the sand.

When you visit a state park, you are sharing the space with wild animals like black bears, cougars and coyotes. They are not domesticated, and are focused on their survival. When they see a human, they are considering:

1. Will the human harm me or my offspring?
2. Is the human a threat to my territory?
3. Will the human feed me?

If you face a black bear, cougar or coyote:

• Maintain eye contact with bears and cougars. This is a direct threat to the animals and keeps you focused.
• Do not maintain eye contact with coyotes.
• Pick up any children, but do so without bending down or turning your back on the animal.
• Back away slowly. DO NOT RUN.
• Raise your voice and speak firmly. The words do not matter; the tone and volume do.
• Raise your arms to make yourself look large and clap your hands.
• If the animal leaves, DO NOT RUN. Remain alert and continue to the exit area.

Watch the animal for signs it may attack:

• Direct eye contact
• Lowered head
• Frozen
• Slow movements toward you
• If the animal feels threatened, it will growl, hiss, snap or pop its jaws, and make itself look larger. A bear may stand up; a cougar or coyote will lift its fur.
• In the rare event that the animal attacks you, fight back with rocks, sticks or anything else available.

Check out the OMMSN stranding "do's and don'ts."

If you are concerned about the welfare of a marine mammal you encounter, report it to the 24-hour Oregon State Police hotline at 800-452-7888. Please describe the situation and location of the animal so the Oregon Marine Mammal Stranding Network (OMMSN) can follow up on your concerns.

Dead or Stranded Marine Mammals on beaches

The Marine Mammal Health and Stranding Response Program coordinates emergency responses to sick, injured, distressed, or dead seals, sea lions, dolphins, porpoises, and whales. The 1992 Amendments to the Marine Mammal Protection Act formalized this program and designated NOAA Fisheries' Office of Protected Resources as the lead agency to coordinate related activities. The program focuses on four primary areas:

• Stranding and entanglement networks.
• Unusual mortality event response.
• Biosurveillance and baseline health research.
• John H. Prescott Marine Mammal Rescue Assistance Grant Program.

What is a Stranding?

• A marine mammal that is on the shore and unable to return to the water under its own power.
• A marine mammal that is on the shore and, although able to return to the water, is in need of apparent medical attention.
• A marine mammal in the water that cannot return to its natural habitat without assistance.
• A dead marine mammal on the beach or in the water.

How to Report a Stranding

First, determine if the animal is truly stranded. Many seals and sea lions haul out and rest on land and are not in distress. You can evaluate the animal’s behavior and monitor their condition for 24 hours. Let others who are nearby know to stay at least 100 yards away (about the length of a football field), keep pets 100 yards away, help minimize disturbances if possible, and be aware of hazards or rising tides and monitor from an area that is safe.

Reporting Hotlines

To report a dead, injured, or stranded marine mammal along the West Coast (i.e., off California, Oregon, and Washington):

• West Coast Region Stranding Hotline: 1-866-767-6114
• Regional Stranding Response Contacts

For more information, please visit the West Coast Marine Mammal Stranding Network webpage.

General state park area rules

Additional park and other rules related to the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department