Closures on Oregon Coast: Sutton Lake Ramp Near Florence, Nestucca Refuge Reopening

Published 09/18/2026 at 7:55 a.m.
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Florence, Oregon) – Two closures have recently taken place along the Oregon coast, though one is ending as this is published.

Near Florence, you may have found the Sutton Lake Boat Ramp has been in a state of disarray. That is a major reconstruction project that continues.

Construction on the south central Oregon coast favorite began in early August, when crews removed the old dock and demolished the failing launch ramp. Work has since shifted to building a long-term foundation using layers of riprap and aggregate, a structural base intended to stabilize the site for decades of use. Officials say more updates will be released as the project progresses.

The Oregon Marine Board announced earlier this summer that construction at the Sutton Lake boat ramp off Highway 101 would begin once materials arrived, and work started during the first week of August.

“Sutton Lake boat ramp has had intermittent temporary closures since 2021, due to the toe of the launch ramp failing,” the board said. “The condition of the ramp poses launching risk and potential damage to trailers from the steep drop-off. The ramp underwent temporary repair to keep the site open for boaters until a long-term design and funding could be secured.”

The project calls for replacing the deteriorating concrete launch ramp, wood pier, wood gangway, concrete dock, and steel piles with a new concrete ramp and aluminum boarding docks. The full closure began August 3 and is expected to last through November 2026, though officials say the site could reopen sooner if construction finishes ahead of schedule and receives approval.

Funding for the work includes $449,497 from the Marine Board’s Boating Facility Grant program and $210,860 from the U.S. Forest Service, for a total project cost of $660,357. The Siuslaw National Forest and Marine Board plan to share construction updates on their social media channels.

Farther up on the north Oregon coast, if you noticed one major spot near Pacific City was closed for a couple of days and wondered why, you could say that's a “burning question.”

Bad puns aside, it was planned.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service had planned a prescribed fire for 16 acres of grasslands at Nestucca Bay National Wildlife Refuge from Thursday, September 17 through Friday, September 18, 2026.

For safety reasons portions of the refuge have been closed during these two days; this included Christensen Road above the first parking lot, the Two Rivers Nature Trail, and the Pacific View Trail.

Near Pacific City - Oregon Coast Beach Connection

However, there is a general closure at one feature at the moment.

“The deck on the Pacific View Trail is closed due to a lack of structural integrity. The trail remains open to hiking/walking but the deck is closed to all public use. There is no estimated timeline for the deck to reopen,” said the USFWS.

Hotels in Pacific City - Where to eat - Pacific City Maps and Virtual Tours

MORE PHOTOS BELOW

Coho Oceanfront Lodge Hints at Its 'Oregon Coast of Old' Beginnings: History
19 Jun 2026 at 9:06am
Now a generational Lincoln City tradition, it got its start in 1970. Lincoln City hotel reviews, history

Distinctive N. Oregon Coast History Lies Beneath Oceanfront Tolovana Inn
The very beginning of a little town once known as Tolovana. Tolovana Inn Reviews

Pacific City Hotels, Lodging
Pacific City Hotels, Lodging, hotel Pacific City hotel reviews, vacation rentals

Newport Hotel Reviews: These BnB Views and Amenities Will Blow Your Mind
7 Sep 2026 at 11:11pm
A tiny BnB and historic home gets a new life, injected with charm and style. Ocean House Newpor

More About Oregon Coast hotels, lodging.....

More About Oregon Coast Restaurants, Dining.....

Washington Coast / Oregon Coast Articles (stories are random: hit reload to see different articles)

Back to Oregon Coast

Contact Advertise on Oregon Coast Beach Connection
All Content, unless otherwise attributed, copyright © Oregon Coast Beach Connection. Unauthorized use or publication is not permitted