The latest news stories across the state of Oregon from the digital home of the Oregon coastal cities, OregonBeachMagazine.com
Thursday, December 28, 2023
Oregon Beach Weather
Active Weather Alerts – NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE
HIGH SURF ADVISORY ISSUED: 3:08 AM DEC. 28, 2023 – NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE ...HIGH SURF ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 PM PST THIS AFTERNOON... * WHAT...Large waves and hazardous surf conditions. Breakers up to 30 feet. * WHERE...In Oregon, North Oregon Coast and Central Oregon Coast. In Washington, South Washington Coast. * WHEN...Until 4 PM PST this afternoon. * IMPACTS...Destructive waves may wash over beaches, jetties, and other structures unexpectedly. People can be swept off rocks and jetties and drown while observing high surf. Minor beach erosion may damage coastal properties and buildings. Higher than normal water run-up is expected on beaches and low-lying shoreline. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... A High Surf Advisory means that high surf will affect beaches, producing rip currents, sneaker waves and beach erosion. Stay well back from the water's edge and be alert for exceptionally high waves. Keep away from large logs on the beach. Water running up on the beach can easily lift or roll logs which can injure or kill someone caught in their path. HAZARDOUS SEAS WARNING ISSUED: 2:00 AM DEC. 28, 2023 – NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE ...HAZARDOUS SEAS WARNING NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 1 PM PST FRIDAY... * WHAT...Very steep and hazardous seas 18 to 23 ft at 18 seconds. * WHERE...All areas. * WHEN...Until 1 PM PST Friday. * IMPACTS...Strong winds and very steep seas could capsize or damage vessels. Low visibility conditions are expected. * View the hazard area in detail at https://go.usa.gov/x6hks
Sneaker Waves Along The Coast – Anyone planning to spend time during the holidays along the Oregon coast should be mindful of possible sneaker waves.
King tides refer to the highest tides of the year and along the Oregon Coast these tides are typically 9 to 10 feet. There are four series of king tides, so mark your calendars. To learn more about these tides and/or to participate in some cool citizen science visit: https://www.oregonkingtides.net
Sneaker waves are waves that suddenly surge further up the beach than expected, according to the NWS. They are powerful enough to sweep people into the ocean, and can roll logs and other debris along the beach.
Clatsop County Working on Housing Issues – Revamping Seaside’s Red Lion Inn
Tourist-dependent Clatsop County, population 41,000, has the highest rate of homelessness in Oregon. A project to convert a hotel into housing units for healthcare workers and the unhoused is a step in the right direction, leaders say.
Cloudy skies loomed over the small coastal town of Seaside, Oregon, on a November morning earlier this year, but the rain stayed away as a group of residents, healthcare workers, and city officials gathered outside of what was, up until a few months ago, a Red Lion Inn.
The group was gathered to celebrate the former hotel’s new role as an affordable housing development for people struggling with chronic homelessness and as transitional housing for the local hospital’s workforce.
While Seaside is one of several small towns in northwest Oregon’s Clatsop County that is known for its bucolic tourism industry, the region is struggling with a lesser-known but dire housing shortage where one out of every 40 individuals is homeless. This is the highest per capita homelessness rate of any county in the state of Oregon.
There are plenty of theories why this coastal county’s housing problem has gotten so bad, but officials say it boils down to one key issue: a lack of money for rural affordable housing development.
Oregon also has some of the strictest building regulations in the country, which makes any new development difficult. Building on the coast is even more challenging because of tsunami zones and national forest land that limit where new construction can occur.
This is where the Red Lion Inn comes into play. The building, purchased earlier this year by the state’s health care plan CareOregon that serves Oregonians on Medicaid, doesn’t face the construction challenges that other affordable housing projects contend with on the coast because it’s already built. The Red Lion Inn just needs renovation, which began in early November when the project’s leaders and county officials gathered at a ceremonial “groundbreaking” event.
Once finished, 55 rooms will be available for rent: 37 for workforce housing and 18 for low-income housing. The building should be move-in ready by late spring of 2024, according to the project’s leaders. Rent hasn’t been determined yet, but the tentative number named at the groundbreaking event for workforce housing was $1,100 per month, utilities included. This number could change before next spring, project leaders emphasized.
The Red Lion Inn housing project is one glimmer of hope in a rural area that’s been struggling to gain access to resources to address their housing needs. The Red Lion Inn project is an attempt to solve part of this problem, focusing mainly on housing for local healthcare providers and some housing for low-income people.
While the project won’t solve Clatsop County’s homelessness crisis, community members say it’s a step in the right direction, and addresses the adjacent issue of rural healthcare access. Read More Here: (SOURCE) This article first appeared on The Daily Yonder and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.
Coos County Tops List of DUII Arrests Over Christmas Holiday
Oregon State Police says troopers arrested 22 suspected DUII drivers around Oregon during the Christmas holiday.
Coos County topped the list with four DUII arrests made by state troopers.
“Impaired driving crashes are preventable,” OSP said in a statement to Elkhorn Media Group. “Drivers are urged to plan ahead and never drive impaired with any substance. To make it home safely, designate a sober driver, use public transportation, call a sober friend or family member, or use a ride share service or taxi. If you see an impaired driver on the road, call 911.”
With New Year’s Eve approaching, OSP reminds drivers that 37 people are killed each day in drunk driving crashes. Approximately 31% of all traffic deaths in the U.S. involve impaired drivers.
Oregon State Parks Hosts Whale Watch Week Wednesday through Sunday
An Oregon Parks and Recreation Department release said every year thousands of gray whales migrate south through Oregon’s waters at the end of December and state parks invite visitors to the coast to see their journey.
Trained volunteers will be stationed at 15 sites to help visitors spot whales, share information and answer questions from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. daily. The Whale Watch Week spots are some of the best places to spot whales on the Oregon coast.
A map of volunteer-staffed sites is available online at: https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=park.profile&parkId=183
The Whale Watching Center in Depoe Bay will be open from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. Visitors can enjoy interactive whale exhibits and take in panoramic ocean views. Binoculars are provided. Rangers from Oregon State Parks will also be on hand to answer questions about whales.
The Whale Watch Week sites are some of the best places to spot whales on the Oregon Coast.
A map of volunteer-staffed sites is available online on the official event webpage: https://oregonstateparks.org/index.cfm?do=thingstodo.dsp_whaleWatching
An estimated 14,500 gray whales swam past Oregon’s shores last winter, according to the most recent population estimates from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The journey is part of their annual migration south to the calving lagoons near Baja, Mexico, and the end of December is the peak time to see their migration south.
All Whale Watch Week visitors are encouraged to dress for the weather, to bring binoculars and to follow beach safety guidelines such as remaining out of fenced areas, knowing the tide schedule and keeping an eye on the surf at all times. Go to https://visittheoregoncoast.com/beach-safety/ for a list of safety tips.
For more information about coast parks and campgrounds, visit oregonstateparks.org.
Visitors are encouraged to share their photos and videos from Winter Whale Watch on social media using #OregonStateParks and #ORWhaleWatch23.
Two Arrested For Possessing Explosives And Endangering Child In Coos Bay
On December 22nd, 2023, at 9:00 a.m., Sgt. A. Slater was conducting an investigation on a property located on West Beaverhill Road near Hemlock Lane. The investigation resulted in an unrelated arrest. During this investigation, Sgt. Slater developed information that a minor child on the property was being subject to neglect and criminal mistreatment. As a result of the investigation, a search warrant for the property was secured.
At 2:00 p.m. Sgt. Slater, along with Deputies H. Francis, S. Starr, J. Owens, Bandon Police Chief C. Dhillon, members from DHS (Child Services), and Bay Cities Ambulance, responded to the property on West Beaver Hill for service of the search warrant.
During the search, several items were located, including multiple explosive devices, narcotics, firearms, body armor, and ammunition. A young child at the location was also found and removed from the home by DHS (Child Services).Ryan W. Woolman (37) and Megan N. Woolman (26) were arrested on several charges. Ryan was charged with Possession of a Destructive Device, Felon in Possession of a firearm, Felon in Possession of Body Armor, Criminal Mistreatment I, and Endangering the Welfare of a Minor. Megan was charged with Possession of a Destructive Device, Criminal Mistreatment I, and Endangering the Welfare of a Minor. Both subjects were transported to the Coos County Jail, where they were booked and are currently in custody.
The Oregon State Police Bomb Squad was contacted about the explosive devices. The Bomb Squad responded and disposed of the items per their protocol.
DUII Enforcements Planned For The Christmas New Year Holiday Season Along the Coast
The Lincoln City Police Department plans on using the first of their 2023-2024 DUII Enforcement Grant funds during the up-coming Christmas / New Year’s holiday season. This time period is part of the national “High Visibility Enforcement,” which runs from December 13, 2023 through January 1, 2024.
The national High Visibility Enforcement events are designed to increase the number of patrol officers on the streets nationwide with an emphasis on seeking out drivers impaired by alcohol or drugs and removing them from the roadways. The holiday season is known for being merry and bright, but it is also a time when increased numbers of impaired drivers may be on the roadways.
The Lincoln City Police Department is pleased to be joining forces with other law enforcement agencies across the nation to crack down on impaired drivers. Our goal is simple: to save lives and prevent injuries. Drunk driving is simply not worth the risk; if you drive drunk, you will be arrested.
DUII Enforcement Grant funds from the previous grant allocation were last used during the 2023 Labor Day weekend time period, however, no DUII arrests were made during those operations.
The members of the Lincoln City Police Department are committed to the safety of our citizens and visitors, and these grant funds are a valuable resource that assist us in improving the traffic safety in our community. These grant funds are made possible through Oregon Impact and the Oregon Department of Transportation.
Florence Police say they will be on the watch for DUII drivers this Christmas and New Year’s. According to a release from the City of Florence, and other local Law Enforcement agencies will be participating in extra DUII enforcement during the Christmas/New Year’s Holiday weekends; December 24 – 25 and Dec. 31 – Jan.1
“The Florence Police Department has received additional Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants (DUII) enforcement grant funds to help seek out impaired drivers and to deter people from driving while they are impaired,” the release states. “Florence Police Department, along with Law Enforcement agencies throughout Oregon and the rest of the United States, are continually making efforts to get impaired drivers off the road.” Funds were made available to the city from Oregon Impact, which administers DUII grant funding in Oregon.
Coast Guard Cutter Steadfast Returns To Astoria To Be Decommissioned
The U.S. Coast Guard cutter Steadfast completed its final voyage On Friday, December 22nd.
Coast Guard officials say the 210-foot medium endurance cutter and crew transited 11,742 nautical miles on a 64-day multi-mission patrol. The ship patrolled several hundred miles from Oregon to the Central Mexico coast.
“I’m incredibly impressed with the crew’s flexibility and ingenuity during our dynamic multi-mission District Eleven patrol,” said Cmdr. Brock Eckel, commanding officer of the Steadfast. “Whether it was working in and around marine protected areas to conduct critical ship-helo training or working seamlessly with multiple Coast Guard sectors to ensure the protection of natural resources and the safety of commercial fishermen, in every instance they rose to the occasion with innovative operational solutions.”
Officials say Steadfast’s recent successes have been in the counternarcotics area, however, this patrol saw Steadfast’s crew conducting 13 living marine resources boardings off the California coast for the first time in 14 years. Crews issued six safety violations.
The Steadfast returned to Astoria where officials say the ship will be decommissioned. The Steadfast was originally based in St. Petersburg, Florida before calling Astoria home in 1994.
Oregon Department Of Forestry Recreation Team Seeking Camp Hosts
The Oregon Department of Forestry Recreation Team is looking for camp hosts to support operations at 8 campgrounds in the Tillamook, Clatsop, and Santiam State Forests for the 2024 season.
Campgrounds operates from May through October with flexible scheduling opportunities to include both full-season and short-season commitments.
Camp hosts are provided with:
*electricity
*water
*firewood
*septic
*ODF uniforms and supplies
Hosts help with light facility maintenance, visitor information services, and provide a point of contact for visitors in case of an emergency. Camp hosts enjoy direct access to trails and other recreation areas, get to meet people from all over the world, and can spend time exploring the vast experiences and views state forests have to offer.
To learn more, visit the ODF volunteer page: https://www.oregon.gov/odf/recreation/pages/volunteer.aspx
Florence Café 60 Senior Meals Program Reopens for Dine-In Meals
Lane Council of Government’s Senior Meals Program is reopening its Café 60 location in Florence after being closed for the past three years.
LCOG officials said that during the closure, LCOG’s Senior and Disability Services division offered grab-and-go meals but the reopening of Café 60 will provide a dine-in location for seniors who might otherwise go hungry. The Florence location will reopen on December 4 and operate three days a week at 11:15 a.m. on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at the Florence Senior Center located at 1570 Kingwood Street, LCOG officials said.
Organizers said that interested seniors should make reservations at least a week in advance by calling ahead at 541-997-5673 or filling out a reservation menu at the Café 60 location. The program is open at no cost to seniors 60 years of age or over and those not 60 years or older are welcome to join by paying the meal cost of $8, program organizers said. Donations are welcomed to support the program’s continued operation in the community, LCOG officials said.
Volunteers are also sought to help with the program and those who would like to participate may call 541-682-1366. More program information is also available here: https://www.lcog.org/sdslane/page/florence-caf%C3%A9-60-reopens-dine-meals
Have you reserved your vehicle timed entry and parking for Shore Acres Holiday Lights, Nov. 23 – Dec. 31, 2023?
Reservations are available now at https://bit.ly/2023holidaylights or call 800-452-5687, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Preferred date and time sold out or you need more flexibility to plan your visit? Beginning Nov. 16, ADDITIONAL timed entry and parking becomes available each day during a 7-day rolling window. So, on Nov. 16 you can reserve for visits on Nov. 23; Nov. 17 for visits Nov. 24; and it continues to roll through the event. The rolling window inventory online becomes available at 6 a.m. each day.
Visitors inside the vehicle don’t need reservations.
The $5 vehicle parking ticket assigned to a date and entry time of the visitor’s choice is needed to enter the show. Just reserve and then have your ticket for parking ready to show when you arrive at your selected time. Visitors no longer have the option to purchase a parking permit onsite to attend.
Go to https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm… for additional details, including options for waiving the $5 parking fee, and the link to reserve.
Image description: an illustration of a starry night, trees, and holiday lights strung along a hedge. Text reads: Shore Acres Holiday Lights. Nov. 23-Dec. 31, 2023.
Census Data Shows Oregon’s Population Declined For Second Year In A Row
According to new numbers from the U.S. Census Bureau, Oregon’s once steady population growth has come to a halt in the last few years,
A little more than 6,000 people – or 0.1% of the population – left Oregon from July 2022 to July 2023, according to census data released Tuesday. Stretching back to 2021, overall census numbers estimate the state’s population went down by 0.5%, or about 23,000 people.
The numbers are different from Portland State University’s estimate that Oregon added a small number of residents over the same 12-month period.
“Of course these new Census estimates are in contrast to the population estimates from Portland State’s Population Research Center,” writes Josh Lehner, an Oregon state economist, in an analysis. “Their latest estimates showed Oregon’s population holding steady in 2022, following a downward revision, and then a moderate rebound in 2023.”
While U.S. Census Data is important in determining things like federal funding for certain programs or congressional seats, Oregon policymakers mostly use PSU’s numbers when drafting legislation or as a foundation for other official state business.
According to PSU’s Population Research Center, the state welcomed 23,397 people from July 2022 to July 2023, representing a 0.55% increase. PSU also crunched county-level data, which showed Multnomah County grew by 0.21% or 1,728 people.
Oregon employment economist Gail Krumenauer said both data sets show a big turnaround from historical trends.
“One of the advantages that Oregon has had relative to many other states – and overall in the U.S.,” Krumenauer said, “is that we’ve been able to grow our employment, grow jobs, at a greater rate over the course of the past few decades than the U.S. on average, and more than other states.”
Krumenauer said that’s because in past years, more people moved to Oregon than left the state. Economists call that net in-migration, and Krumenauer said that’s previously been the main driver for growth in the state’s labor force.
“Either case now, either very slow population growth or decline, is a very different story,” she said. “Either one of them spells lower labor force growth for us.” (SOURCE)
Many new consumer protection laws go into effect Jan. 1, 2024
Salem – When the clock strikes midnight on Jan. 1, 2024, many new laws immediately take effect. The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation (DFR), part of the Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services (DCBS) – the state’s largest consumer protection and business regulatory agency – is releasing an easy-to-follow guide on new consumer protection laws. https://dfr.oregon.gov/news/news2023/Pages/20231227-Many-new-consumer-protection-laws.aspx
Oregon State Police says troopers arrested 22 suspected DUII drivers around Oregon during the Christmas holiday.
The arrests were made in 12 of Oregon’s 36 counties between midnight on Dec. 24 and 2 a.m. on Dec. 26. According to OSP, preliminary data shows two of the arrests occurred in Malheur County, one in Baker County and one in Wallowa County.
Coos County on the southern coast topped the list with four DUII arrests made by state troopers.
“Impaired driving crashes are preventable,” OSP said in a statement to Elkhorn Media Group. “Drivers are urged to plan ahead and never drive impaired with any substance. To make it home safely, designate a sober driver, use public transportation, call a sober friend or family member, or use a ride share service or taxi. If you see an impaired driver on the road, call 911.”
With New Year’s Eve approaching, OSP reminds drivers that 37 people are killed each day in drunk driving crashes. Approximately 31% of all traffic deaths in the U.S. involve impaired drivers.
Portland Police Shoot And Kill Robbery Suspect During Confrontation Outside Mall 205
Police officers shot and killed a man outside Mall 205 in Southeast Portland Wednesday afternoon. Police described the man as a suspect in a robbery with an active arrest warrant, and said he was shot during a confrontation when the officers attempted to arrest him.
Three officers fired at the man, according to a news release from the Portland Police Bureau, and a firearm was later found next to him, but police did not release any further details about the circumstances of the shooting and did not say whether the man fired at the officers or displayed the gun during the confrontation.
The Portland Police Bureau initially reported around 4:30 p.m. that a majority of the Mall 205 parking lot and the adjacent portion of Southeast 96th Avenue were closed for a police shooting investigation, and said the closure would last several hours. The agency said there were no reported injuries to officers, but provided no further details about the situation at the time.
The investigation appeared to be concentrated around a T-Mobile store in a satellite building at the southwest corner of the Mall 205 property. Numerous officers and investigators could be seen moving in and out of the store late Wednesday afternoon, with patrol cars outside and most of the surrounding parking lot area roped off.
In a subsequent news release at around 7:30 p.m., PPB said officers had been dispatched just after 3:30 p.m. to “a large department store” in Mall 205 and were told that a suspect in a previous robbery was trying to steal merchandise, and that the suspect had an active arrest warrant.
Nearby members of the Focused Intervention Team responded and saw the suspect leaving the store. The suspect began running when the officers moved in to arrest him in the parking lot, according to the news release.
There was a confrontation between the suspect and officers near the west end of the Mall 205 parking lot along Southeast 96th Avenue, and the officers shot and injured the suspect. Police called EMS to the scene, and the officers approached the suspect and confirmed he was dead, according to the news release. They also found a firearm next to him.
Two of the officers who fired their weapons were from the Focused Intervention Team and the third was from the East Precinct, police said. Detectives with the Portland Police Homicide Unit responded to the scene and began investigating. The officers involved in the shooting have been placed on leave, which is standard procedure, police said.
Two of the officers who fired their weapons were from the Focused Intervention Team and the third was from the East Precinct, police said. Detectives with the Portland Police Homicide Unit responded to the scene and began investigating. The officers involved in the shooting have been placed on leave, which is standard procedure, police said. (SOURCE)
Manage state benefits with the Oregon ONE Mobile app
People can now securely manage their medical, food, cash and child care benefits through the State of Oregon from the convenience of their mobile devices using the new Oregon ONE Mobile app. People first will need to apply for benefits online, in person at a local office or over the phone.
The app is available for free in the Apple and Android app stores. It is an official State of Oregon app created by the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS). The app’s development was partially funded by the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
“At ODHS we are committed to meeting people in Oregon where they are with as many ways as possible to manage their benefits, check application status and share needed documentation, like when they get a request for information during a renewal,” said Nathan Singer (he/him), director of the ODHS Oregon Eligibility Partnership. “People can now manage their benefits in-person, by mail, by fax, by telephone, online and on their mobile phone using the Oregon ONE Mobile app, which is available in English and Spanish.”
Interview with OEP Director Singer available on YouTube
Oregon ONE Mobile app video on YouTube
New Oregon ONE Mobile app video link
- Create a ONE Online account.
- Access their existing ONE Online account.
- Report changes to household information including address, contact information and income.
- Upload requested documents using a smartphone camera.
- Get updates on application status and check if it is approved, denied, or pending, and what actions might need to be taken.
- See and download notices that were mailed.
- Find the next renewal date for their benefits.
- Get important, time-sensitive alerts and notifications about benefits on mobile devices.
- View benefit issuance history for food and cash payments.
People who serve as Authorized Representatives for people with benefits are also able to use the app.
How to manage your medical, food, cash and child care benefits:
- By phone at: 1-800-699-9075. All relay calls accepted.
- Online at: benefits.oregon.gov
- Through the free Oregon ONE Mobile app available on Apple and Android app stores
- In person at an office near you: Find an office.
- In your language: Help in Your Language
- By mail at: ONE Customer Service Center, PO Box 14015, Salem, OR 97309
- By fax at: 503-378-5628
Resources to help meet basic needs
- Find food resources in your community: needfood.oregon.gov.
- Learn about government programs and community resources for older adults and people with disabilities: Aging and Disability Resource Connection of Oregon at 1-855-673-2372 or www.adrcoforegon.org.
- Dial 2-1-1, or text your zip code to 898-211, www.211info.org
- Find local resources and support by contacting your local Community Action Agency: www.caporegon.org/find-services/
- Oregon Department of Human Services help center
About the Oregon Department of Human Services
The mission of the Oregon Department of Human Services is to help Oregonians in their own communities achieve well-being and independence through opportunities that protect, empower, respect choice and preserve dignity.
About the Oregon Eligibility Partnership
The Oregon Eligibility Partnership (OEP) is part of the Oregon Department of Human Services. OEP supports state staff who determine eligibility for people applying for and receiving medical, food, cash and child care benefits. It also manages the ONE Eligibility System used to process applications and deliver benefits to eligible individuals and families in Oregon. One in three people in Oregon receive benefits through the ONE Eligibility System. OEP administers the ONE Eligibility system in partnership with the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and the Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC).###
Guided First Day Hikes set for January 1st in Oregon State Parks
Guided First Day Hikes led by rangers and volunteers are set for 31 Oregon State Parks on New Year’s Day—Monday, Jan. 1. Hikes are free and the $5 day-use parking fee is waived that day for all state parks that require a parking permit and are open.
America’s State Parks sponsors the First Day Hikes program nationwide to encourage everyone to start the year outside and connect with nature. The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) has participated since 2012.
“I’m excited that we can offer 34 guided hikes in 31 state parks this year,” said Lisa Sumption, director of OPRD. “When more parks offer hikes, Oregonians have more options to hike near their homes or explore a new park and trail. Plus, this year we’re including more trail accessibility information in our online hike descriptions and are offering reasonable accommodations so visitors of all abilities can join us.”
Visit the Oregon First Day Hikes web page to see the list of parks hosting hikes. Additional hike information such as hike times, meet-up locations and trail terrain are available via the park links on the web page. A few hikes require registration.
Remember to plan for winter weather, dress in layers, wear sturdy shoes, bring water, and carry binoculars for viewing wildlife.
Share photos of First Day Hikes via Twitter and Instagram by using the hashtag #ORfirstdayhikesor tagging “Oregon State Parks” on Facebook.
About America’s State Parks
America’s State Parks is an alliance of state park systems in all 50 states. The National Association of State Park Directors (NASPD) promotes and advocates for the state park systems across America in providing conservation and management of natural and cultural resources, quality outdoor recreation experiences, and connecting children and families to nature and the outdoors. With more than 9,817 park areas covering over 20 million acres of land, and visitation of nearly 9 million people annually, state parks are an integral part of protecting natural and cultural resources while providing guests amazing access to the outdoors. Learn more at stateparks.org.
Visitors can book same-day online reservations statewide starting in 2024
SALEM, Ore— Visitors hoping to camp last minute will soon have the chance to view and book same-day campsite openings online statewide starting Jan. 1, 2024.
Previously, most sites required booking 24 hours or more in advance of arrival when reserving online. Same-day online reservations started as a pilot project at two coastal parks and expanded last summer to all 17 coastal state park campgrounds.
“Same-day reservations at the coast gave those traveling the peace of mind that there was a place ready for them when they arrived,” said Coastal Region Director Dennis Comfort.
When the program expands statewide, it will include a total of 40 park campgrounds across Oregon. Some parks switch tent and RV campsites to first-come-first served during the winter and those sites will start offering same-day online reservations in the spring. Visitors can check park webpages for seasonal information on specific parks at https://stateparks.oregon.gov/
Eleven campgrounds will remain first-come-first served year-round: Jackson F. Kimball, Goose Lake, Bates, Cascara, Catherine Creek, Hilgard Junction, Jasper Point (except for the cabin), Minam, Red Bridge, Smith Rock and Ukiah-Dale.
The goal of same-day online reservations is to offer campers the flexibility to travel last minute when sites are available while giving them the security of knowing they have a site when they arrive. Same-day online reservations also have the potential to give park staff more time to offer interpretive opportunities, improve park facilities and increase time interacting with visitors.
“The transition to same-day reservations at Nehalem Bay State Park was nearly seamless and has been generally well received by guests,” said Park Manager Ben Cox.
Starting Jan. 1, 2024:
- Tent and RV campers can make a same-day online reservation up until 11:59 p.m. on the day they arrive by visiting https://oregonstateparks.reserveamerica.com. Yurt and cabin reservations must be made before 6 p.m. the day of arrival due to the staffing required to assist with keys or codes.
- All visitors can make reservations by calling (800) 452-5687 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
- Visitors can also make same-day online reservations at parks statewide using mobile devices where they have cell reception or where Oregon State Parks’ free, limited Wi-Fi is available. Wi-Fi is provided at most parks for reservations only and is not guaranteed to be available 24/7. Signs at the park have login information. Since internet connectivity varies by park, it’s best to reserve campsites before arrival.
- Visitors can still pay with cash or checks at the park by finding a ranger or following posted instructions, which could include using self-registration envelopes only if instructed to do so. Ranger availability is limited depending on time and location.
The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) will waive the $8 reservation fee for all same-day reservations.
If you have any questions about the new option, please contact the information center at k.info@oregon.gov“>park.info@oregon.gov. For more information about the option, please visit our online FAQs.
Missing Yachats Man’s Vehicle Found in North Lane County
On 08/25/2023, Dustin Steyding was reported missing to the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office after he left work on 07/22/2023 and hadn’t been located since. Dustin was living and working in the Yachats area.
Dustin was reported to be in good physical condition, having previously worked as a hot shot firefighter in New Mexico. Dustin is very experienced in the woods and commonly goes out for hikes to stay in shape. Without means to locate Dustin, Deputies entered Dustin as a missing person in a national database.
On 09/04/2023, the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office received a call from Dustin’s family after they located his vehicle on Keller Creek Rd, just outside of Lincoln County in Lane County. Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office Deputies contacted the vehicle and determined it had been at the location for some time. Deputies were unable to determine Dustin’s direction of travel from the vehicle.
The vehicle having been located in Lane County, Lincoln County Deputies contacted the Lane County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue Team and arranged for their response the next day to started searching the area. After two days of searching, no clues to Dustin’s have been found.
Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Dustin Steyding should contact the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office at 541-265-0777 and reference case number 23S-07321.
83-year-old Clarence Edward Pitts walked away from his home in Bandon on Tuesday, January 31 at around 1:00 p.m. Pitts is described as:
- 6′ 00″
- 150 lbs
- Gray hair
- Brown eyes
- Last seen wearing an orange beanie, plaid jacket, tan pants and white shoes
- May have a walking cane
- Has dementia and PTSD
Pitts may be in a vehicle that was also found to be missing from the home:
- 1999 Toyota Van
- White
- Oregon license plate: WYN 788
If you see Clarence or have any information pertaining to where he may be, please call the Coos County Sheriff’s Office Dispatch Center at 541-396-2106 or the Bandon Police Department at 541-347-3189.
Contact us: Info@OregonBeachMagazine.com