Protecting Our Coast
Visitors flock to the Tillamook Coast to enjoy all it has to offer, and the most thoughtful of those visitors know to “Leave No Trace.” We’ve developed Seven Principles with our partners at the national Leave No Trace organization to help guests and locals alike enjoy our scenic treasures while also leaving it the same (or better!) than it was before. Let’s delve deeper into our 5th Principle: Be Careful with Fire.
There is nothing quite like the crackle of a warm fire on a chill evening on the Tillamook Coast. A beach fire or campfire can definitely set the scene for a cozy adventure, but it isn’t without risk. Wildfire is a significant concern in Tillamook County, and the majority of them are human-caused. During especially dry and windy seasons, officials may limit fire activity, including restricting campfires in our campgrounds. Always check current regulations to see if there are any fire bans and plan to follow all local restrictions. You can explore this map at Oregon Department of Forestry for details on restrictions and where to follow up for more info.
Campgrounds, Gather ’Round
A toasty fire is the perfect complement to a coastal camping trip, but there are best practices to follow. Always use campground-provided fire rings or fire pits and source your wood from as close to the campsite as possible. The camp host usually has firewood for sale right at your campground! This helps cut down on invasive species that live in non-native wood.
Remember to put your fire out before bedtime — an unattended campfire is a safety hazard. Use the “drown, stir, feel” method by drowning the fire with water, stirring the embers, and feeling them to make sure they are cool to the touch.
The Best Beach Bonfire
Some of the most magical moments on the coast are found during sunset on the beach. The soft glow of a beach fire can help you say goodbye to the day, but make sure it’s an evening to remember by following some simple rules.
Keep fires small and contained (less than 3 feet in either direction) and at least 50 feet from dunes, vegetation, and beach access points. If it’s an extra windy day, it might be best to skip the beach fire. Our coast can see some extreme wind gusts. Use locally harvested firewood that you purchase at your destination, and leave the driftwood on the beach, please. It is an important ecosystem!
Finally, use the “drown, stir, feel” method to put out your beach fire. Never smother your beach fire with sand. The fire could continue to burn under the sand and could potentially injure unsuspecting people, dogs, or wildlife. Check out Oregon Parks and Recreation for more information.
Don’t Leave Home Without It
Come prepared to roast marshmallows by having these simple tools at your disposal! These are things you’ll need every time you want to start a fire on the Tillamook Coast.
- Fuel (locally-sourced firewood, not driftwood)
- Shovel
- Bucket for water
- Heat resistant gloves (helpful to have, not required)
Leave No Trace
The Tillamook Coast is a special place and if we work together, we can ensure that it stays that way for years to come. If you come with the right tools and the right plan, you’ll be eatin’ s’mores while respecting the environment, too!