Oregon State Parks Bans Driving on Coastal Beach at Manzanita

Published 06/25/25 at 6:55 p.m.
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Manzanita, Oregon) - At its June 18 meeting, the Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission approved driving restrictions along the beach at Manzanita after a few months of receiving comments.

All but a handful of spots on the Oregon coast allow driving, and even then only with various restrictions. This new adopted rule ends all driving on that stretch except with permits for boat launching.

Previously, the shoreline near Manzanita was open to vehicle access from 7 a.m. to noon between October 1 and April 30. Under the new rules, that window has been closed. However, individuals launching boats will still be able to apply for special permits.

The beach access restriction was introduced at the request of the Manzanita City Council, citing concerns over public safety and environmental degradation due to increased visitation. Following a public comment period and joint review by the commission, Manzanita City Council, and the Tillamook County Commission, the proposal was approved.

OPRD photo

Nan Devlin, executive director of Visit Tillamook Coast, said it was about safety.

“The main reason is that Manzanita beach areas are crowded with people and dogs,” Devlin told Oregon Coast Beach Connection.

Some 43 public comments were submitted, with a majority expressing support for the closure. Advocates emphasized the need for safer, pedestrian-only beaches and voiced concerns about the impacts of vehicles on coastal wildlife and ecosystems.

According to OPRD testimony at the meeting, local input indicated that beach driving here – even with limited hours – was no longer compatible. The beach community had grown, especially during winter months.

Concerns from those who opposed the ban were largely centered around boat launching, which the new rule addresses.

The decision follows similar actions in other Oregon coast communities. In 2023, Lincoln City imposed new driving restrictions at its NW 15th Street beach access. Long open year-round, the ramp is now closed during summer but remains accessible during fall, winter, and spring - allowing vehicles to travel 150 feet in either direction from the access point between October 1 and April 30.

“Motor vehicles are prohibited at all other times except for emergency vehicles,” State Parks officials said in a release at the time.

Meanwhile, Lincoln City's NW 34th Street access - commonly known as the Grace Hammond access - was closed to beach driving year-round. Officials cited safety issues due to heavy beach use and insufficient separation between visitors and vehicles. The area includes a stream where children frequently play, raising concerns about potential injuries.

Cars on the beach were banned at most areas around Pacific City as well in recent years.

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