Explore with Care

Never turn your back on the ocean

The ocean is beautiful and compelling, but also powerful and unpredictable. Conditions can change drastically at a moment’s notice. Sneaker waves appear without warning and can easily catch beach-goers off guard. The US Coast Guard warns that sneaker waves are one of the most significant weather threats to those on the beach. A period of calm can be followed by a wave surge which can catch beachgoers off guard and sweep them off their feet, sometimes into the ocean. Even when the water is only ankle or knee-deep, coastal riptides can pull anyone out and under.


During King Tides and severe storms, beach accesses may be closed, and for good reason. Protect yourself, your family, pets, and even your car by avoiding low-lying coastal areas and obeying beach access closures. Stay away from logs near the surf. The smallest amount of water can move the largest of logs. These waterlogged logs can end up on top of you. Tides change by the hour. Consult a tide chart to be aware of when the tide is going out and when it is coming back in. Access to certain areas of the beach is affected by the tides. You don't want to get stuck or end up in a dangerous situation.

Beach Fires

Beach fires are allowed much of the year on Lincoln City’s public beaches, but always check local regulations to be aware of seasonal closures. Use small pieces of wood only. Large logs are prohibited. All fires must be west of the vegetation line. Build your fire away from any beach grass and piles of driftwood. Extinguish beach bonfires with water. Do not cover fires with sand. Covering fires with sand can heat the sand and cause severe burns to unsuspecting beach goers who happen to walk over the fire location.

Firework Regulations

All types of fireworks are prohibited year-round on all types of public property - including parks, the beach, parking lots, campgrounds, streets, and any other right-of-way.

Only very small consumer fireworks are permitted on private property.

Find detailed firework information here.

Stay off Cliffs and Stay on Trails

Danger lurks along cliff edges and eroding bluffs. These areas are prone to unstable ground and falling rocks. To stay safe, keep a safe distance and avoid climbing altogether. Remain behind fences and railings. Avoid walking or climbing cliffs as the rock can be unreliable. Remember, large chunks of rock can break away and fall at any moment. This danger is even greater near overhangs and caves. Finally, resist the urge to dig into cliffs or bluffs – it's simply not worth the risk.

When hiking Lincoln City’s headlands and public trails, park in designated areas, stay on the trail and be mindful of signage and maps. Venturing off trail can damage sensitive habitat and interfere with the wildlife that call this place home.

Always recreate responsibly and safely on these cherished, protected coastlines.

Be Kind To The Coast

The coast is one of Oregon’s most beloved destinations. If we all work together to take care of these irreplaceable natural spaces, our coastline will remain pristine for generations of wildlife and humans to come.

While at the beach, pack out what you pack in, and bring along a bag to pick up any possible trash you find along the way. Send Explore Lincoln City a photo of your debris bag and be eligible to win a handmade glass float as part of the Trash for Treasures program.

Be mindful of sensitive habitat — like tide pools, sea stacks, riparian (waterfront) areas, and swaths of beach grass — to protect local flora and fauna.

Remove natural beach debris sparingly, if at all, and remember that fishing, crabbing, and clam digging require a license and adherence to seasonal regulations.

Keep Pets on a Leash

Dogs should be leashed at all times. Leashing your pet prevents them from tangling with wild animals or other visitors' pets, becoming lost, ransacking campground garbage, damaging plant life, being hit by a car, or falling from a cliff. Dogs on leash protect sensitive habitat and wildlife. The presence or scent of dogs in a natural habitat may force wild animals to leave their homes and separate parent-child pairs, both temporarily and permanently. Keeping your dog on a leash also avoids an expensive citation!

Visit the Oregon State Park “Pawsitive” info pages, for more details related to any frequently asked pet friendly questions.

Oregon Coast Visitors Association

Oregon State Parks