Oregon State Parks

Ecola State Park will be closed this evening through the late afternoon of Aug. 15 so crews can install asphalt patches on deteriorated sections of the road. While the repair is limited to the Indian Beach road section, large equipment will navigate the narrow, windy road, so a full closure is best for safety. The park will reopen as soon as the repairs are complete.

Image description: Close-up of a large crack in the asphalt at Ecola State Park.

Debido a varios incendios forestales en el estado, varios parques estatales en Oregon están afectados y están total o parcialmente cerrados temporalmente. Por favor, evite cualquier área en la que haya incendios forestales activos. Para obtener actualizaciones sobre los parques afectados por los incendios forestales, por favor, visite: https://bit.ly/3R7ZcbZ. Esta página web se actualiza regularmente, pero podría no mostrar todos los cierres de los parques.

Cierres:
- Área Recreativa Estatal Farewell Bend
- Corredor Escénico Estatal Battle Mountain Forest
- Corredor Escénico Ukiah-Dale Forest
- Área Recreativa Estatal Unity Lake
- Parque Estatal Bates
- Sendero Estatal de la Autopista Histórica del Río Columbia desde Mosier a Hood River, incluyendo los inicios de sendero en el este y oeste de Hatfield

Varios caminos y carreteras han sido cerrados debido a los incendios forestales. Por favor, use TripCheck.com para obtener más información sobre los cierres y las rutas alternativas. Confiar en un GPS puede llevar a los conductores a condiciones inseguras.

Para actualizaciones sobre incendios forestales, por favor, visite wildfire.oregon.gov.

Descripción de imagen: incendio forestal en tono naranja. Pueden verse árboles en el frente. El texto dice “ENTÉRESE ANTES DE IR”.

Due to several wildfires throughout the state, multiple Oregon State Parks are being impacted and are temporarily fully or partially closed. Please avoid any areas where wildfires are active. For updates on parks impacted by wildfires, please visit: https://bit.ly/3R7ZcbZ. This webpage is updated regularly, but it may not show all park closures.

Closures:
- Farewell Bend State Recreation Area
- Battle Mountain Forest State Scenic Corridor
- Ukiah-Dale Forest State Scenic Corridor
- Unity Lake State Recreation Site
- Bates State Park
- Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail from Mosier to Hood River, including East and West Hatfield Trailheads

Several roads and highways have been closed due to wildfires. Please use TripCheck.com to learn about closures and alternative routes. Relying on GPS might lead drivers into unsafe conditions.

For any wildfire updates, please visit wildfire.oregon.gov.

Image description: wildfire tinting the night orange. Trees can be seen in the foreground. The text reads "KNOW BEFORE YOU GO".

The outdoor movie series ends next weekend Aug. 3 with The Dark Crystal at Champoeg State Heritage Area!

Oregon State Parks and The Hollywood Theatre have partnered to bring you Summer Movies at Oregon State Parks! The screening is free, and no tickets are required. The movie starts at dusk, and free day-use parking is available after 7 p.m. We hope to see you there!

The Dark Crystal at Champoeg State Heritage Area - Hollywood Theatre This outdoor event takes place at Champoeg State Heritage area. Oregon State Parks and the Hollywood Theatre join forces once again for Summer Movies at Oregon State Parks! Pack a picnic and bring your friends to a summer season of vintage blockbusters and cult favorites, screening under the stars ...

We are incredibly grateful to all our visitors for respecting the campfire bans at parks around the state. Your cooperation significantly reduces the risk of new wildfires and eases the burden on Oregon’s hardworking wildfire first responders, who are already stretched to their limits. Thank you for being a part of wildfire prevention efforts!

All state parks east of the Cascades are under a fire ban. Our website has a full list of statewide campfire bans and flame restrictions.

Campfire/flame restrictions - Oregon State Parks Please check this page before your camping reservation to see if the park you're visiting is impacted by a fire ban. These bans help to keep you and other visitors safe during the busy fire season. 

All Oregon State Parks east of the Cascades have banned campfires and open flames due to continued low humidity and increased risk of wildfires. Please see individual park webpages for further details and the wildfire feature story for additional bans throughout the state at stateparks.oregon.gov/. Thank you for helping to reduce the risk of wildfires this summer!

An updated list of fire bans and flame restrictions can be found here: https://bit.ly/3oxCn2C

Image description: a circle with an "x" over an illustrated matchbox positioned over the eastern region of a silhouette of Oregon. The text reads, "Know before you go."

Get ready for another movie night at the park! This Saturday, the series continues with a screening of "The Witches" at L.L. Stub Stewart State Park.

Oregon State Parks and The Hollywood Theatre have partnered to bring you Summer Movies at Oregon State Parks! You can enjoy classic blockbusters and cult favorites under the stars at gorgeous locations. The screenings are free, and no tickets are required. The movies start at dusk, and free parking is available after 7 p.m.

https://bit.ly/3yb3YQo

The Witches at Stub Stewart State Park - Hollywood Theatre No ticket required! This outdoor event takes place at Stub Stewart State Park.Oregon State Parks and the Hollywood Theatre join forces once again for Summer Movies at Oregon State Parks! Pack a picnic and bring your friends to a summer season of vintage blockbusters and cult favorites, screening und...

On the morning of July 10, the Huntington Mutual Aid Fire was reported. By evening, high winds and dry conditions led to a Level 3 evacuation of Farewell Bend State Recreation Area. All visitors and staff were safely evacuated, and though 20-30% of the park was burnt, no buildings, vehicles, campsites, or equipment were lost. The damage mainly affected our native sagebrush areas, fence lines, and materials for upcoming projects.

The park is currently closed, and we kindly ask the public to stay away. Our staff is working hard to clear hazard trees, repair water lines, and remove burnt material. We're also coordinating with utility companies to restore services. We aim to welcome everyone back on August 1.

Stay safe and thank you for your understanding.

If you are planning to build a campfire in a permitted area, please follow these tips to ensure that campfire flames do not cause any trouble. Fire and flame restrictions are in effect in many of Oregon’s state parks. There is a link below with a list of current fire bans.

https://bit.ly/3oxCn2C

Image description
Frame 1: Marshmallows on sticks, roasting over a campfire ring at night.
Frame 2: Text reads, “Make sure campfire flames don’t turn into trouble! Use the designated fire rings. Keep flames below your knee. Never leave a fire unattended. Keep plenty of water close. stateparks.oregon.gov"

Last month, Oregon State Park ranger Tyler Banks found the otter pups in a ditch in The Cove Palisades State Park outside Madras, according to Think Wild, the Bend-based wildlife hospital that brought them in.

“Animals that become comfortable around humans cannot safely or humanely be returned to the wild, so we are taking extreme measures to ensure the otter pups do not associate humans or their scent with food or safety,” says Pauline Hice, director of wildlife rehabilitation at Think WIld.

Read more at https://www.oregonlive.com/trending/2024/07/orphaned-otter-pups-rescued-in-central-oregon.html?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=dhfacebook&utm_content=app.dashhudson.com%2Ftheoregonian%2Flibrary%2Fmedia%2F429258665

This Saturday, the outdoor movie series returns with ParaNorman at Milo McIver State Park! 🌳 📽️ 🍿

Oregon State Parks and The Hollywood Theatre are teaming up for Summer Movies at Oregon State Parks! Enjoy vintage blockbusters and cult favorites under the stars at beautiful locations. Free screenings. No tickets are needed. Movies start at dusk—free parking after 7 p.m.

ParaNorman at Milo McIver State Park - Hollywood Theatre No ticket required! This outdoor event takes place at Milo McIver State Park.Oregon State Parks and the Hollywood Theatre join forces once again for Summer Movies at Oregon State Parks! Pack a picnic and bring your friends to a summer season of vintage blockbusters and cult favorites, screening unde...

We understand if you prefer to stay indoors during this heatwave. Here are some icy pictures to help you cool down.

Every year, park visitors are evacuated due to heat-related illnesses. Always prioritize safety. If you plan to visit the parks during extreme heat, remember to bring plenty of water for yourself and your pet if it’s not possible to leave them at home where it’s cool. It's also important to wear loose-fitting, breathable clothes in light colors, and schedule your visit for the coolest part of the day. Be sure to check the park's webpage for emergency closures and general advisories.

Click this link https://bit.ly/3Wc7T8Q for information on preventing heat-related illnesses.

Image descriptions: 1) Heceta Head Lighthouse State Scenic Viewpoint covered in snow and ice 📷: Alan Nyiri 2) The base of Peter Iredale at Fort Stevens State Park covered in ice 3) South Falls waterfall at Silver Falls State Park dusted with ice and snow 4) Ice covered branched in the foreground of Thompson’s Mill State Heritage Site 5) Vista House at Crown Point State Scenic Corridor covered in ice

Personal fireworks and explosive devices are prohibited in state parks and on ocean beaches.

Image description: Text reads, Keep it legal. Fireworks are prohibited on beaches, at state parks, and on state or federal forest lands. This 4th of July, Keep it legal. Keep it safe. Oregon State Fire Marshal.

Don't miss Return to Oz 📽️ this Saturday, June 29 @ 9 P.M. at Rooster Rock State Park! 🍿

Oregon State Parks and the The Hollywood Theatre join forces for Summer Movies at Oregon State Parks! Pack a picnic and bring your friends to a summer season of vintage blockbusters and cult favorites, screening under the stars at some of Oregon’s most beautiful locations.

https://bit.ly/4eV5KpF

Return to Oz at Rooster Rock State Park - Hollywood Theatre No ticket required! This outdoor event takes place at Rooster Rock State Park. Screening begins at dusk.Oregon State Parks and the Hollywood Theatre join forces once again for Summer Movies at Oregon State Parks! Pack a picnic and bring your friends to a summer season of vintage blockbusters and cul...

Parking and timed entry reservations are now available online for Shore Acres Holiday Lights, Nov. 28 - Dec. 31, 2024! Reservation time slots for vehicle parking and timed entry are available for 4:30 p.m., 5:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. daily during the event. Visitors inside the vehicle don't need additional 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.

See the link below for additional details, including options for waiving the $5 parking fee, and the link to reserve. Reservations also can be made by calling 800-452-5687.

https://bit.ly/3zzOFig

Image description: an illustration of a starry night, trees, and holiday lights strung along a hedge. Text reads: Shore Acres Holiday Lights. Nov. 28-Dec. 31, 2024.

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The closure of Beverly Beach State Park has been extended through July 31 due to construction delays. Construction work at the popular campground and day-use area included moving power lines underground and replacing aging water lines to help better serve visitors in the future. You can read more about the construction, which was made possible with GO Bond funds in the link below.

https://bit.ly/3yVVhJM

Image description: Construction crew laying power lines underground at Beverly Beach State Park campground.

Angels Rest Trail and Trailheads are closed for public safety in coordination with Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area - U.S. Forest Service. The closure is effective immediately until further notice due to a mountain lion interaction on the trail. We will work with our partners to reopen the trail in a safe and timely manner and provide updates on the park page when they become available.

https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=park.profile&parkId=219

⚠️⚠️On 06/11/24 we received reports of a trail-runner having been stalked by a mountain lion on Angel's Rest Trail. Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Wildlife Services, and Oregon State Police responded immediately. The mountain lion has not been sighted again; however it is best to be aware of the encounter and follow the safety tips presented in the attached graphic. ⚠️⚠️

Coming soon!

Oregon State Parks and the Hollywood Theatre join forces once again for Outdoor Movies at Oregon State Parks! Pack a picnic and bring your friends to a summer season of vintage blockbusters and cult favorites, screening under the stars at some of Oregon’s most beautiful locations.

These screenings are free to attend—no ticket required. Movies begin at dusk. Free day-use parking after 7:00pm.

More info: hollywoodtheatre.org/series/outdoor-movies/

A recent Facebook post--not ours--is making the rounds that says we're blowing up a beached whale later this month.

History isn't repeating itself.

It isn’t happening.

A necropsy on the humpback whale that washed ashore on the North Coast in late May combined with natural decomposition has left nothing but an unrecognizable blob and a horrible stench.

Our guess is no one wants to see it or smell it.

Also, what little remains is in a snowy plover management area. The birds are trying to nest and hordes of people traipsing through their area causes the nests to fail.

No one wants this to happen. Don’t go there, please.

Learn about snowy plover management areas and why it’s so important to leave them be at https://www.oregon.gov/oprd/pcb/pages/pcb-plovers.aspx

For the curious, here's a photo of what remains of remains. The photo was taken several days ago and we can guarantee it looks worse now.

Image description: The remains of an actively decomposing whale on the sand.

On National Trails Day June 1, Siskiyou Upland Trails Association (SUTA) celebrated the opening of new trail segments at the Wolf Gap Trailhead.

SUTA received a grant from the Recreational Trails Program (RTP) in 2023 to construct five new miles of trails in the Sterling Mine Ditch Trail System near Jacksonville on land managed by the Bureau of Land Management.

RTP is funded by the Federal Highway Administration and administered by the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD).

OPRD is proud to support this great work. The Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission recently approved a second RTP grant to continue the construction of these trails.

The Recreational Trails Program mentioned in this story is one of many grants administered by OPRD that supports outdoor recreation, historic preservation, and conservation. More information at https://www.oregon.gov/oprd/GRA/pages/GRA-overview.aspx

OPRD includes Oregon State Parks, Oregon Heritage and the State Historic Preservation Office, All-Terrain Vehicles, Grants, Ocean Shores, Park Planning, Rules and several additional programs. We share information about these programs because they may interest you and your communities.

OHA ADVISORY: An outbreak of paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) that sickened at least 20 people is prompting health officials to urge those who harvested mussels from a stretch of Oregon’s coast since Saturday to discard the mollusks.

PSP is a foodborne illness. PSP symptoms include numbness of the mouth and lips, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, and in severe cases, shortness of breath or irregular heartbeat.

If you have eaten any of these mussels and are feeling ill, see a doctor right away.

For more information, read our news release: https://ow.ly/FWbH50RYPoB

Celebrate State Parks Day June 1!

Day-use parking fees will be waived at the 25 locations that charge them as well as camping fees for all tent, RV and horse campsites. Visit https://bit.ly/3KmGRVu for special events planned this Saturday.

Day-use parking fees also are waived June 2 to support Free Fishing Days offered by Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Image description: Drawing of a coastal scene with lighthouse and waves, mountains and river, and people hiking and wildflowers. Text says State Parks Day. June 1, 2024.

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and OPRD are aware of a dead humpback whale that washed ashore at Nehalem Bay State Park Monday morning, May 27. NOAA is working to determine cause of death but results may not be available for a week.

The whale washed ashore near a snowy plover management area. Oregon’s beaches are protected nesting grounds for a small shorebird called the western snowy plover. This means there is no access to the beach from the dry sand area where signs are posted and pets are not allowed. Watch for special signs or fences during nesting season (March 15 – Sept. 15) and follow the rules to help protect snowy plovers.

Image description: A deceased humpback whale resting on the wet sand. A sign in the foreground reads "Do not disturb!".

Responders continue to survey beaches along the Oregon and Washington coasts for tar-like patties and impacted wildlife. The substance has been determined to be petroleum-based.

• Report oiled wildlife to 1-800-22-BIRDS.
• Call 211 for questions not related to oiled wildlife.
• Please leave cleanup to professional responders who are trained and equipped to handle this type of material. Responders are actively working to clean up beaches.
• If you come into contact with the beach tar, wash the area with soap or degreasing dishwashing detergent and water. Avoid using solvents, gasoline, kerosene, diesel fuel or similar products.

For the latest updates please visit ordeq.org/beach-tar. This site will be updated regularly.

For the latest updates on the tar-like substance on the Oregon coast and southern Washington coast, including recent news releases, please visit https://ordeq.org/beach-tar. This site will be updated regularly.

The most recent news release from May 25 is available at https://bit.ly/3yt1EEc. The release includes a Communications Toolkit.

Reminders to coastal visitors:

• Try to avoid touching or handling oiled wildlife. Report oiled birds and wildlife If you see oiled birds or other wildlife, report it to 1-800-22-BIRDS (1-800-222-4737).

• Please leave cleanup to professional responders who are trained and equipped to handle this type of material.

• If you come into contact with the beach tar, wash the area with soap or degreasing dishwashing detergent and water. Avoid using solvents, gasoline, kerosene, diesel fuel or similar products.

UPDATE: For the latest on the tar-like substance on the Oregon and southern Washington coast visit https://ordeq.org/beach-tar. This site will be updated regularly.

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State, local, and federal agencies continue to work together in response to a tar-like substance on Oregon and southern Washington beaches. As of Friday evening, May 24, tar balls were reported on Oregon beaches as far south as Yaquina Head.

Please do not handle any tar or oily product found or attempt to assist affected wildlife along the shore – this is dangerous for you and for the wildlife. Keep dogs and other pets away from the materials and report oiled wildlife to 1-800-22-BIRDS (1-800-222-4737).

Multiple agencies are working together to determine the source of the tar-like substance. At this time the source is unknown.

Learn more about the incident and joint response: https://ordeq.org/Oregon-Coast-tar-May24-2024

Clumps of a tar-like substance have washed ashore on various Oregon central and north coast beaches. Southern Washington beaches also have reported finding the substance earlier this week.

What we know as of Friday morning is several state and federal agencies are monitoring the beaches, using best practices to clean up sites, and helping injured wildlife. They also are actively working to identify and control the source.

Here is what you need to know in the coming days for your beach visit:

All beaches remain open. Look for signs at beach accesses where the tar-like clumps have been found. Signs may also be added to additional beach accesses if additional clumps are found in new locations.

The advisory signs include the number to call for reporting affected wildlife, 1-800-22-BIRDS (1-800-222-4737).

For your family’s safety, keep pets and children away from the substance and all injured wildlife.

You may notice cleanup crews at some locations as well as others on beaches looking for possible additional locations. Don’t pick up the clumps on your own.

Follow Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and Oregon DEQ for more information.

Be safe this weekend. The water is COLD everywhere!

Here comes the heat!

Don't have a life jacket? Consider recreating at a location with a life jacket loaner station. Find a complete list here: https://bit.ly/3ULI4ta

The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Oregon Department of State Lands and Oregon State Marine Board are seeking to better understand how Jackson County residents and visitors would like to enjoy and protect a 31-mile stretch of the Upper Rogue River between former Gold Ray Dam site and Lost Creek Dam.

The agencies have hired Oregon’s Kitchen Table, a community engagement organization, to assist in the effort.