Oregon Beach News, Wednesday 12/24 – Weather Updates and Tips for The Christmas Weekend & Other Local and Statewide News…

The latest news stories across the state of Oregon from the digital home of the Oregon coastal cities, OregonBeachMagazine.com

Wednesday, December 24, 2025

Oregon Beach Weather

Winter is here! Here’s the overview of our winter outlook, but be sure to check out what we’re predicting in your area: https://www.farmersalmanac.com/extended-forecast

In a complaint filed Monday in U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon, the city of Newport is suing U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Acting Director Todd Lyons and U.S. Coast Guard Acting Commandant Admiral Kevin Lunday in an effort to stop the Newport Municipal Airport from being used as an immigration facility.

Make plans to attend the Holiday Lights at Shore Acres State Park in December!

Don’t have a reservation?!! Don’t worry! Take the FREE Holiday Lights Santa Shuttle from the Charleston Marina (Guano Rock Lane & Crossline Road) to Shore Acres State Park! The shuttle runs every 20 minutes, 4:15pm to 8:10pm on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, plus Christmas Eve, Christmas Day & New Year’s Eve!

Winter Boater Safety Inspection Event Dec. 27th in Astoria

If you have a trailerable recreational boat registered in Oregon, consider bringing your boat down to the Clatsop County Sheriff’s Office Marine Patrol Winter Boater Safety Inspection Station event later this month. It’s happening Saturday, December 27 from 10 to 2, right across from Englund Marine at the Port of Astoria, and get your 2026 Oregon Boater Safety Inspection sticker.

You’ll need an up to date registration and some safety gear to qualify. It’s not only the law, it’s good safety stewardship for your vessel, the people you take on board, and any rescue personnel who might have to assist you in an emergency.

Per the sheriff’s office – To get your sticker, please bring the following six items:1. Current proof of registration for your boat 2. Current registration year sticker posted next to your OR numbers 3. Boater safety education course card or equivalent 4. Non-expired, good-condition fire extinguisher 5. Proper life jackets 6. A throwable cushion or ring

Depending on your vessel, you may also need a carburetor spark arrestor and a bilge fume blower.

If you have questions, give the Clatsop County Sheriff’s Marine Patrol office a call at 971-704-4465

Winter Whale Watch Week Returns to the Oregon Coast December 27-31

Oregon State Parks will host Winter Whale Watch Week along the Oregon Coast Saturday, Dec. 27 through Wednesday, Dec. 31. 

Trained Oregon State Park volunteers will be stationed at 14 sites along the Oregon Coast from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. to help visitors spot gray whales on their southward migration to the calving lagoons in Mexico. 

The sites are some of the best places to watch for whales on the Oregon Coast. A map of volunteer-staffed sites is available online at the official event webpage: https://oregonstateparks.org/index.cfm?do=thingstodo.dsp_whaleWatching 

This is a great time to see one of the world’s longest migrations, as the gray whales are traveling by our coastline,” said Park Ranger Peter McBride. 

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announced an end to an Unusual Mortality Event impacting gray whales in 2023 when it looked like the population was rebounding. But since then, the population has declined to its lowest level since the 1970s. NOAA now estimates about 13,000 gray whales along the West Coast. 

Winter Whale Watch Week provides an opportunity to see not only the gray whales but other coastal wildlife including birds and other marine mammals with help from trained volunteers and park rangers. 

The Whale Watching Center in Depoe Bay will be open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 27-31. Visitors to the center can enjoy interactive whale exhibits and take in the panoramic ocean views. Binoculars are provided. Park rangers from Oregon State Parks will also be on hand to answer questions about the whales.
 

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 always keeping an eye on the surf. Go to https://visittheoregoncoast.com/beach-safety/ for a list of safety tips. 

For more information about coast parks and campgrounds, visit https://stateparks.oregon.gov/ 

Visitors are encouraged to share their photos and videos from Winter Whale Watch on social media using #ORWhaleWatch.

2026 16th Annual New Year’s Day Peace Hike

View the Future Announces the 16th Annual New Year’s Day Peace Hike: A Community Commemoration of Resilience and Remembrance –Yachats, Oregon

View the Future is proud to announce the 2026 16th Annual Peace Hike, an honored community tradition that brings residents, visitors, Tribal members, and partners together in reflection, unity, and hope for the year ahead.

Held each January, the Peace Hike commemorates the cultural history and enduring resilience of the Tribal peoples who once lived in the lands we now call home. This year’s event continues that legacy, honoring stories of remembrance while celebrating the strength of community stewardship.Participants are invited to join the hike, learn from cultural speakers, and stand together in honor of the past, present, and future. Community members, families, and visitors are all welcome.

Event Details

• Event: 16th Annual New Year’s Day Peace Hike
• Date:  January 1, 2026 – 8:30am-1pm
• Location:  Yachats, Oregon

For additional information including the schedule of events and ways to get involved, please visit: https://www.viewthefuture.org/2026-16th-annual-peace-hike

About View the Future — View the Future is a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting natural lands, restoring ecosystems, and ensuring long-term community resilience. Through conservation work, public education, and meaningful partnerships, View the Future strives to safeguard the places we love for generations to come.

Guided First Day Hikes set for New Year’s Day in 25 Oregon State Parks

Whether you prefer a moderate hike through a desert landscape or a paved wooded trail inside city limits, Oregon State Parks has a First Day Hike for you on New Year’s Day, Thursday Jan. 1.

Rangers and volunteers will lead guided First Day Hikes at 25 parks around the state with distances ranging from a quarter-mile stroll to a 5-mile trek. Hikes are free, but a day-use parking permit is required at some parks. Permits cost $10 per day for Oregon Residents or $12 for non-residents; annual permits are also sold online or at park offices.

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.

“Across Oregon, First Day Hikes have grown into a beloved New Year’s tradition for visitors and staff alike. On January 1^st, park rangers and volunteers share stories of park history, geology, wildlife, and plants, as families and friends kick off the year together with an engaging outdoor adventure,” said Lisa Sumption, director of Oregon Parks and Recreation Department.

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 including Deschutes River, Elijah Bristow, Emigrant Springs, LaPine, Lukiamute, Oswald West, Sitka Sedge, and Smith Rock.

For any questions about accessibility or to request reasonable accommodations needed to participate in a hike, please see the contact information on each hike’s webpage.

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 X and Instagram by using the hashtag #ORfirstdayhikes or tagging “Oregon State Parks” on Facebook.

Free First Day Hike at Heceta Head Lighthouse Jan. 1, 2026

FLORENCE, Ore. – Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is hosting free self-guided First Day Hike at Heceta Head Lighthouse on New Year’s Day, Thursday, Jan. 1. 

It’s part of the annual First Day Hikes event at 25 Oregon State Parks held in partnership with America’s State Parks on New Year’s Day.

Visitors are welcome to explore the first floor of the Heceta Head Lighthouse and learn about the lives of lighthouse keepers and their families from over 130 years ago. Hikers can also enjoy miles of trails leading to several scenic overlooks.

Hike hosted at Heceta Head Lighthouse:

• Enjoy a scenic half-mile self-guided hike from the parking lot to Oregon’s most photographed lighthouse. Volunteers will be on-site to provide historical information and answer any questions. Visitors can also observe several native animal species and explore coastal plant life atop the stunning Heceta Head.
• Guests can access the first floor of the lighthouse from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. to learn about the life of lighthouse keepers and their families.
• There are numerous photo opportunities where the forest meets the sea. Hikers can also explore miles of additional trails from the lighthouse to several scenic overlooks.
• Participants should dress in layers, wear sturdy shoes, and bring water and snacks, as well as a camera or binoculars for wildlife viewing.
• For more information, call 541-547-3416.

If you have questions about access or need any reasonable accommodations for your participation, please contact the park office at 541- 547-3416. Requests must be submitted at least three days before January 1.

All activities are free, but a day-use parking permit is required. Permits cost $10 per day for Oregon Residents or $12 for non-residents; annual permits are also sold at the park.

Share photos of First Day Hikes via social media by using the hashtag #ORfirstdayhikes.

First Day Hikes is a national initiative to welcome the coming year in the outdoors, promote exercise and encourage connecting with nature. The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department has participated since 2012.

Oregon Food Bank · Find free food sites near you using OregonFoodFinder.org.

If you can’t make it to a food location, someone else can pick up food for you.You will just need to print and fill out the Authorized Representative form at https://lnkd.in/dsskUpkQ, and have them take it with them to the food sites. You can find step-by-step instructions at https://lnkd.in/dVBRxn-A.

Worried about recent changes or losing assistance?

Here are resources that can help:

211Info:  Dial 2-1-1 or visit the211Info food webpagefor information and referrals to more than 1,500 food resources across Oregon.

Oregon Food Bank:  Use the Oregon Food Bank’s Food Finder Mapto find over 100 food pantries, free food markets or hot meal programs near you. 

Aging and Disability Resource Connection of Oregon (ADRC): Call 855-673-2372 or visit the ADRC food webpage to find local meal programs and food boxes in your area. 

BLM Launches “One Dollar, One Tree” Holiday Savings Across Local Public Lands

New fee reductions and expanded cutting areas offer meaningful savings for families this winter

The Bureau of Land Management has announced a series of holiday affordability measures that will help families save money, enjoy public lands, and support wildfire prevention efforts across Oregon and Washington during the 2025–2026 winter season.

Effective immediately through January 31, the BLM is reducing many personal-use permit fees to just $1, including Christmas tree permits and firewood permits. Local BLM offices are also opening new cutting areas in overstocked woodlands to provide families with more opportunities to gather their own firewood and Christmas trees, while also supporting forest thinning and hazardous fuel reduction.

 “Here in Oregon and Washington, families rely on public lands for tradition, recreation, and essential resources,” said Barry Bushue, BLM OR/WA State Director. “These fee reductions and expanded access make it easier for people to gather firewood and Christmas trees close to home, all while helping us reduce hazardous fuels and improve forest health.”

These actions align with the Trump administration’s mission to lower costs for American families and will contribute to national savings estimated at more than $9.4 million this holiday season.

Effective immediately, the BLM will:

• Reduce fees for personal-use Christmas tree and firewood permits.
• Increase household limits to up to 10 cords of firewood and up to three Christmas trees, with flexibility to adjust limits in areas with abundant resources.

These steps will help reduce household costs, expand access to local woodlands, and improve forest conditions by removing overstocked or hazardous fuels. The BLM will continue coordinating with community partners, tribal governments and local organizations to share information about permit availability and new cutting areas.

Residents can find up-to-date information on permit locations, cutting area maps, and safety guidance at: https://www.blm.gov/programs/natural-resources/forests-and-woodlands/forest-product-permits/oregon-christmas-trees

-BLM- The BLM manages roughly 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.

Potential High Winds and Mountain Snow Prompt OEM To Urge Caution During Holiday Travel and Power Outages 

Multiple spin outs and vehicles not using chains caused closures on I-84 at Ladd Canyon last week. Please chain up when conditions warrant. Visit TripCheck.com to learn current road and weather information as you prepare for holiday travel. Photo courtesy of Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT).

. As Oregonians prepare for one of the busiest travel periods of the year, the Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) is urging residents and visitors to take extra precautions. A series of weather systems will bring rain, mountain snow, and increasingly strong winds through Wednesday, creating potentially hazardous travel conditions across the state and may bring additional power outages. 

According to the National Weather Service, waves of snow showers, gusty coastal winds, and a potential for strong inland winds may impact travel—particularly over mountain passes, on the coast and along the I‑5 corridor. 

Weather Hazards to Expect 

Mountain Snow and Pass Travel 

• Snow showers will continue through Tuesday, with snow levels between 2,500 and 4,000 feet. 
• Travelers crossing the Cascades should expect slick roads, reduced visibility. 
• Strong Winds 
• Breezy to gusty winds return to the coast and Coast Range today, with a 45–70% chance of gusts exceeding 45 mph. 
• A stronger wind event is possible Wednesday, with a 25–50% chance of major wind impacts, including:45–58 mph gusts inland 
• 55–70 mph gusts along beaches and headlands 
• The I‑5 corridor may experience up to six hours of peak gusts, though exact timing remains uncertain. 

Coastal Thunderstorms 

• A 10–25% chance of thunderstorms exists along the coast today, bringing the potential for locally heavy rain, small hail, gusty winds, and occasional lightning. 

River Conditions 

• Minor flooding will persist along the Pudding River at Aurora through today, though levels are trending downward.  
• Latest river forecasts: https://water.noaa.gov/ 

Safety Concerns Beyond the Weather 

Fallen Trees and Power Outages 

Recent heavy rainfall has left soils saturated across western Oregon. Combined with strong winds, this increases the likelihood of downed trees and power lines. Travelers should be prepared for: 

• Sudden road blockages 
• Localized outages 
• Delays on major routes 
• Tree limbs can break without warning, especially in high winds or under the weight of snow and ice, so be extra cautious when walking outdoors. 
• Read more about power outage safety here. 

Hazardous Water Conditions 

OEM strongly advises the public to stay out of rivers, streams, and coastal waters. As runoff from last week’s atmospheric river continues moving through the system: 

• Waterways contain high levels of debris, including branches and logs 
• There is potential for sewage contamination 
• Fast‑moving, cold water increases the risk of injury or drowning 

Travel Preparedness Guidance 

Check Conditions Before You Go 

• Expect delays and allow extra travel time. Rushed drivers are unsafe drivers. 
• Fill up your gas tank. Be prepared for taking longer detours or remaining idle for an extended periods of time due to traffic jams by having plenty of gas in your tank. 
• Visit TripCheck.com or call 511 for real‑time road conditions, chain requirements, and incident updates. 
• Make sure you have Wireless Emergency Alerts activated on your phone and are Signed up for emergency alerts for the area in Oregon you are visiting by going to ORAlert.gov and typing in your destination’s zip code. 
• If you are visiting another state, search for that state’s Department of Emergency Management and look for their instructions on how to receive alerts. 
• If you end up stuck in snow, keep your car running as much as possible to stay warm, but keep the area around your exhaust pipe clear.   

Give Snowplows Space 

• Never pass a snowplow. 
• Maintain a safe following distance—plows often create clouds of snow that reduce visibility. 
• Crews need room to operate safely; your patience helps keep everyone on the road safer. 
• For more safe winter driving tips visit the Oregon Department of Transportation’s Winter Driving Safety webpage, or read this article on Getting Ready for Winter Driving. 

Pack an Emergency Car Kit 

OEM recommends every vehicle carry: 

• Warm clothing and blankets 
• Water and non‑perishable food 
• Flashlight and extra batteries 
• Chains and traction devices 
• Ice scraper and shovel 
• First‑aid supplies 
• Phone charger and backup power 
• Sand or kitty litter for traction 
• Back up phone charger and hand cracked weather radio. 

If You Encounter Downed Trees or Power Lines 

• Never touch or move downed lines 
• Report hazards to local authorities 
• Treat all lines as energized 

Looking Ahead 

Forecast confidence suggests a calmer, drier pattern returning by Saturday, December 27. However, OEM encourages the public to remain vigilant and stay informed as conditions evolve. 

It’s the holiday season, when families gather, parties are scheduled and travel spikes. Safety should be top of mind. Following is tried-and-true advice to ensure your family remains safe and injury-free throughout the season.

Traveling for the Holidays? Be Prepared

If you’re traveling this year, be sure your vehicle is in good running condition, get plenty of rest and be prepared for any emergency. Traveling by car during the holidays has the highest fatality rate of any major form of transportation based on fatalities per passenger mile. Hundreds of people die every year in crashes on New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day, according to Injury Facts. Alcohol impairment is involved in about a third of these fatalities.

Stay safe on the roads over the holidays — and every day:

● Prepare your car for winter and keep an emergency kit with you
● Get a good night’s sleep before departing and avoid drowsy driving
● Leave early, planning ahead for heavy traffic
● Make sure every person in the vehicle is properly buckled up no matter how long or short the distance traveled
● Put that cell phone away; many distractions occur while driving, but cell phones are the main culprit
● Practice defensive driving
● Designate a sober driver to ensure guests make it home safely after a holiday party; alcohol or over-the-counter, prescription and illegal drugs can cause impairment

Decorate Safely

Decorating is one of the best ways to get in a holiday mood, but emergency departments see thousands of injuries involving holiday decorating every season.

When decorating follow these tips from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission:

● Keep potentially poisonous plants – mistletoe, holly berries, Jerusalem cherry and amaryllis – away from children
● If using an artificial tree, check that it is labeled “fire resistant”
● If using a live tree, cut off about 2 inches of the trunk to expose fresh wood for better water absorption, remember to water it, and remove it from your home when it is dry
● Place your tree at least 3 feet away from fireplaces, radiators and other heat sources, making certain not to block doorways
● Avoid placing breakable ornaments or ones with small, detachable parts on lower tree branches where small children can reach them
● Only use indoor lights indoors and outdoor lights outdoors, and choose the right ladder for the task when hanging lights
● Replace light sets that have broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, or loose connections
● Follow the package directions on the number of light sets that can be plugged into one socket
● Never nail, tack or stress wiring when hanging lights, and keep plugs off the ground away from puddles and snow
● Turn off all lights and decorations when you go to bed or leave the house

Watch Out for Fire-Starters

Candles and Fireplaces
Use of candles and fireplaces, combined with an increase in the amount of combustible, seasonal decorations in many homes during the holidays, means more risk for fire. The National Fire Protection Association reports on average candles cause 46% of fires annually in December.

● Place candles where they cannot be knocked down or blown over, and out of reach of children
● Keep matches and lighters up high and out of reach of children in a locked cabinet
● Use flameless rather than lighted candles near flammable objects
● Don’t burn trees, wreaths or wrapping paper in the fireplace
● Use a screen on the fireplace at all times when a fire is burning
● Never leave candles or fireplaces burning unattended or when you are asleep
● Check and clean the chimney and fireplace area at least once a year

Turkey Fryers
Be alert to the dangers if you’re thinking of celebrating the holidays by frying a turkey. The Consumer Product Safety Commission reports there have been hundreds turkey-fryer related fires, burns or other injuries, and millions of dollars in property loss from these incidents.

NSC discourages the use of turkey fryers at home and urges those who prefer fried turkey to seek out professional establishments or consider using an oil-less turkey fryer. If you must fry your own turkey, follow all U.S. Fire Administration turkey fryer guidelines.

Food Poisoning Is No Joke

Keep your holidays happy by handling food safely. The foodsafety.gov website from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services provides some valuable holiday food safety tips:  

● Wash your hands frequently when handling food
● Keep raw meat away from fresh produce
● Use separate cutting boards, plates and utensils for uncooked and cooked meats to avoid cross-contamination
● Use a food thermometer to make sure meat is cooked to a safe temperature
● Refrigerate hot or cold leftover food within two hours of being served
● When storing turkey, cut the leftovers in small pieces so they will chill quickly
● Thanksgiving leftovers are safe for three to four days when properly refrigerated

Watch this holiday food safety video for more information.

It’s Better to Give Safely

Gifts and toys should inspire joy, not cause injuries. Thousands of children are seriously injured in toy-related incidents every year. Avoid safety hazards while gifting with these tips from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission:

● Toys are age-rated for safety, not for children’s intellect and physical ability, so be sure to choose toys in the correct age range
● Choose toys for children under 3 that do not have small parts which could be choking hazards
● For children under 10, avoid toys that must be plugged into an electrical outlet
● Be cautious about toys that have button batteries or magnets, which can be harmful or fatal if swallowed
● When giving scooters and other riding toys, give the gift of appropriate safety gear, too; helmets should be worn at all times and they should be sized to fit

To find out about holiday toy safety and recalls, check the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission website.

Oregon’s Missing Persons

Many times you’ll see postings without case numbers or police contact. There is rarely a nefarious reason why (the nefarious ones are pretty obvious). Usually the loved one tried to call to report their missing person and they are either refused or told to wait a day or two by people who are unaware of SB 351 and the laws that they are bound to when answering the phone. Many people don’t bother calling LE if their loved one is homeless or in transition because they believe LE won’t care. The biggest myth is the 24 hour rule.

In Oregon we don’t have those rules and an officer or person answering the phone is not allowed to decide. The law decides. We have Senate Bill 351 and it states that the police CANNOT refuse a request for any reason and they must begin working on it within 12 hours. The person making the report does not have to be related to missing person either.

Here is SB 351 written by families of the missing here in Oregon in conjunction with Oregon law enforcement officers. This should be common knowledge, please make it this way. https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/…/SB351/Introduced

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We’ll be back in the office on Monday 12/29