Tips & Tools for Coasting With Care

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Cliff’s Creed isn’t just about rules — it’s about knowing how to make smart choices before and during your adventure. Below are practical tips and tools to help you travel responsibly, keep yourself safe, and leave the coast better than you found it.

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1. Before You Go

Planning is the first step in protecting both yourself and the coast. (Tools You Can Use)

• Check the tides. The Oregon Coast is renowned for its dramatic tides and sneaker waves. A rising tide can cut you off from certain beaches or tide pools. Always know the high and low tide times before you step out.

• Watch the weather and swells. Rain, wind, and changing swells can turn an effortless walk into a dangerous trek. Use trusted marine forecasts to check surf height and storm warnings.

• Know your route. Some areas have limited cell service, especially deep in forests or along cliffside trails. Please consider downloading offline maps, carrying a paper map if possible, and informing someone of your plan.

• This also applies to permits and closures. Some recreation sites or river sections require day-use passes or may be seasonally closed. Check official sites or park notices before heading out.

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2. On the Coast

Once you arrive, your behavior shapes the experience for everyone.

• Stay on designated paths. Trails, boardwalks, and stairs are built to protect fragile dunes and vegetation. Walking off-path may cause long-lasting damage.

• Use marked access points. Oregon beaches are public, but sensitive dunes and riverbanks aren’t made for foot traffic. Look for official beach access signs and stay within those corridors.

• Beach driving rules. Some stretches of beach allow vehicles, but many do not. If you drive, only do so where it’s explicitly permitted, keep speeds very low, and watch carefully for people, pets, and nesting birds.

• Dispose responsibly. Restrooms and trash cans are limited. Pack your own trash bags, and don’t leave anything behind—even biodegradable items like fruit peels attract pests and change ecosystems.

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3. Wildlife & Habitat

The Wild Rivers Coast is home to some of Oregon’s richest habitats.

• These habitats include tidepools and marine life. Tide pools are living aquariums. Resist the urge to collect shells, starfish, or seaweed. Instead, look, learn, and leave them for the next explorer.

• Give seals and sea lions space. These animals often rest on beaches—especially pups. If you see one, stay at least 100 yards away and never attempt to touch or move it. Call a wildlife hotline if you think the animal is in distress.

• Nesting birds. The cliffs and dunes are critical nesting grounds. Loud noises, unleashed pets, or too much human traffic can cause birds to abandon nests. Binoculars let you watch without disturbing.

• Vegetation matters. Dunes, wildflowers, and marshlands are fragile systems that prevent erosion and house countless small species. Tread lightly and avoid trampling.

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4. Community & Culture

Respect for the coast means respect for the people who live here too.

• Support local businesses. Eat at locally owned restaurants, book tours with local outfitters, and shop in small coastal towns. Every dollar helps keep communities thriving.

• Respect private property. While beaches are public, access often runs through private land. Use official paths and avoid trespassing or ignoring signage.

• These areas are considered cultural heritage sites. Many areas hold tribal, historical, or cultural importance. Treat these sites with reverence, stay on paths, and read interpretive signs to learn their stories.

• Mind noise and fires. Quiet is part of the coastal charm. Keep noise to a minimum and only build fires in designated pits—never on fragile grass or driftwood piles.

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5. Get Involved

Stewardship doesn’t end when your trip does.

• Join a cleanup. Volunteer at beach cleanups, trail maintenance days, or local stewardship events. Even one hour makes a difference.

• Support conservation groups. Donate, volunteer, or spread the word about local nonprofits protecting coastal ecosystems.

• Report issues. If you spot trail damage, graffiti, or unsafe conditions, report it to local rangers or visitor centers. Quick fixes prevent long-term harm.

• Share responsibly. When you post photos of your adventures, use #CoastWithCare to inspire others and show positive behaviors (like staying on the trail or packing out trash).

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6. Tools You Can Use

We made it easy to follow Cliff’s Creed with these handy resources:

• Tide & swell charts—quick links to NOAA weather along with the tide predictions and surf forecasts.

• Offline maps—links to downloadable maps for major parks and trails in Curry County.

• Local hotlines—wildlife rescue contacts, park ranger offices, and emergency info.

• Road trip—we have you covered with TripCheck; well, ODOT covers the roads in southwestern Oregon.

• Aquatic Safety—We take water safety seriously on the south coast; never turn your back on the ocean.

• Cliff’s Tips Newsletter—seasonal reminders about safe and responsible travel.

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