Oregon Coast's OR229 Shut Down Indefinitely by Severe, Chasm-like Landslide

Published 12/12/25 at 8:35 p.m.
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Depoe Bay, Oregon) – This week's floods on the Oregon coast took to Highway 229 with a special zeal, causing a massive landslide on the rural road between Kernville and Siletz at about milepost 14, one that opened up an enormous chasm. (Photo Jenny Rae Nelson)

Jenny Rae Nelson lives about 10 miles down the road from the slide and caught this video and some photos.

Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) said the highway is shut down indefinitely.

“Because the slide has taken out a portion of the road, this will be a long-term closure,” ODOT said. “At this time, it is not known whether the closure will last days, weeks, months, or longer.”

ODOT said travelers will need to use U.S. Highway 101 as a detour.

The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office reported damage to about five residential properties, with at least three sustaining substantial impacts. Two displaced residents have been connected with the American Red Cross for assistance. No injuries have been reported, and all affected individuals have been safely evacuated.

The event follows severe weather earlier in the week that triggered catastrophic flooding in southern and western Washington and major floods along the Oregon coast.

Indeed, more “atmospheric river” conditions are headed for Washington and with it more flooding. The region just qualified for federal disaster relief.

Photo ODOT

“Our geotechnical crews will need time to assess the slope and determine next steps before a timeline can be established,” ODOT said. “The slide follows several days of heavy rain and high water in the area. Our maintenance crews have been responding to weather-related impacts along OR 229 in recent days, including emergency repairs to a sunken grade area near MP 9 on Wednesday.”

Nelson and her husband Ian encountered much of the flood conditions, and provided photos of the event to Oregon Coast Beach Connection. She said water was thigh-high for her at some points, and she is six feet tall.

The landslide began on property owned by Weyerhaeuser above Highway 229 and extended down to homes and the Siletz River, carrying earth, structural debris, and possible vehicle wreckage into the waterway.

Governor Tina Kotek said state agencies are working quickly to support emergency responders near Siletz and that her office is monitoring the situation closely. She urged residents to follow official instructions, subscribe to alerts at ORAlert.gov, and remain aware of changing conditions. See Oregon Coast Highway 101 / Coast Range Traffic

You can see more Oregon coast weather and Washington coast weather here, including any flood alerts. Washington Coast Weather -- Oregon Coast Weather - Oregon Inland Weather

- South Coast Hotels - Oregon Coast Vacation Rentals - Where to eat - Maps - Virtual Tours

MORE PHOTOS BELOW

An Oregon Coast Stay Full of Ocean Expanse, Cannon Beach Bunnies, Maybe Elk
Cannon Beach's Wayside Inn hosts balconies or patios to the watery world. Cannon Beach hotel reviews

In Manzanita, Susan's Beach Cottage is Elder Oregon Coast Statesman with a Mo...
One vacation rental no one seems to know about. Manzanita hotel reviews, Oregon coast lodging news

Reviews of The Seashore Inn, Seaside
11 Jun 2026 at 4:35am
We stayed in late winter and it was gorgeous in spite of the rain. Storm was perfect. You all made our belated 25th anniversary really special. Carmel and J. Seaside, Oregon hotel reviews

Manzanita Hotels, Lodging
Manzanita Hotels, Manzanita hotel reviews, vacation rentals, Lodging

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