Oregon Coast Closures, Returns: Whale Center, Sutton Lake, Trolley, Outdoor Movies

Published 07/23/26 at 6:55 a.m.
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Depoe Bay, Oregon) – Sundry and varied little bits are new along the Oregon coast and some of them will surprise and disappoint. Among them: Depoe Bay's Whale Watching Center is closing for construction in a bit, as is a lakeside favorite. However, this good news in the way of outdoor movies in Astoria and more.

For a slight update: Hug Point on the north coast is still closed to visitors because of wrecked infrastructure and cliff structure. There is as yet no word on a reopening.

Sutton Lake Boat Ramp on the central Oregon coast will close Aug. 3 through November 2026 for a full reconstruction project aimed at replacing the aging boat ramp and floating docks. The closure includes all on-site facilities — the dock, parking lot, and restrooms — while crews work to upgrade safety features and extend the life of the popular access point. Long-term boat storage users will need to remove vessels before Aug. 3 or wait until construction wraps up. The project is supported by the Oregon State Marine Board. More information and alternative boating locations are available at fs.usda.gov.

One of the state's favorite attractions is going down for awhile.

The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department has also issued a construction advisory for the Whale Watching Center in Depoe Bay. From Aug. 1 through Oct. 31, 2026, the center and its surrounding viewing area will be closed to the public while crews replace the building’s roof.

Depoe Bay is still one of the most prime places to watch for whales on the entire Oregon coast. You'll still be able to do that from other areas there – you just won't have access to the state's whale guide consistent wisdom.

A little-known secret: according to Oregon Whale Watching's admin and local whale expert Julie Conrad, the south coast is really quite amazing for spotting whales and underrated. You don't hear as much about it because there are fewer eyes out there, but your chances of spotting them (grays and humpbacks this time of year) improve a bit.

On the north coast, the free Pacific City Shuttle is returning for the 2026 season. The weekend service operates Saturdays, Sundays, and Labor Day, connecting Bob Straub State Park with Whalen Island and Clay Myers. Riders can use the shuttle to reach beach access, Pelican Brewing Company, Sitka Sedge, Whalen Island, and the Kiawanda Community Center. Buses run every 60 minutes beginning at 10 a.m. from the Thousand Trails office, with bike racks available. Details are posted at tillamookbus.com.

There are others: New Trolleys on Oregon Coast (and Another Shuttle): Pacific City, Tillamook, Yachats - Yachats and Tillamook get trolleys, and Pacific City resumes shuttle service

Astoria Parks & Recreation is preparing for another round of free Movies in the Park at Fred Lindstrom Park. Two screenings are scheduled: “Zootopia 2” on Friday, July 31, and “Night at the Museum” on Friday, Aug. 14. Films begin at dusk, and admission is free.

There is no update yet on what other movie dates are in the works.

Families are encouraged to bring blankets, chairs, and snacks for an outdoor summer movie night.

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