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

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