Summer in full swing at Cape Perpetua, Oregon dunes

Corvallis, OR, July 5, 2018 – Kids are out of school and the smell of fireworks still linger in the air, so that must mean the summer fun season is well underway! Before heading for the coast, visitors should check out the schedule of ranger programs, hikes, and other family activities available throughout the summer – and review some important trip-planning reminders.

 

Mondays at Cape Perpetua: “Walk with a Ranger” series invites visitors on guided approx.. hour-long hikes on easy to moderate trails starting from the visitor center. Learn secrets of the cape and local flora and fauna from a retired chief park ranger; through summer; 12pm.

Alternating Fridays at Beverly Beach State Park: Evening campfire programs with rangers covering a range of interesting topics related to forests and wildlife; July 13 & 27, Aug 10 & 24; 8pm.

Alternating Fridays at Eel Creek Campground: Evening campfire programs with rangers covering a range of interesting topics related to forests and wildlife; July 13 & 27, Aug 10 & 24; 8pm.

Saturdays at Honeyman State Park: Evening campfire programs with rangers covering a range of interesting topics related to the Oregon dunes and wildlife; through summer; 7pm.

Saturday and Sunday ranger programs and hikes: Each Saturday and Sunday through summer join us for ranger programs and guided hikes at Cape Perpetua and the Oregon Dunes. Hikes typically depart from Cape Perpetua Visitor Center, Oregon Dunes Day Use Area, and Siltcoos Recreation Area/Waxmyrtle Trail; 11am, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm (call visitor center for details).

Friday and Saturday Junior Ranger programs: Each evening, Junior Ranger programs will be offered for families at Spinreel, Eel Creek, Driftwood 2, and Lagoon campgrounds on the Oregon dunes; starting July 14; 5:30pm.

 

July 17 Cape Perpetua BioBlitz: Guided hikes and exploration of the rocky intertidal zone where visitors can contribute to science by recording what interesting tidepool critters they observe (no experience necessary; meet at visitor center); 10am.

July 19 Storytime with a Ranger: Rangers will be leading storytime at the Yachats Public Library; 10am.

July 19 Living History: Meet 153-year old Gifford Pinchot, first chief of the US Forest Service, who will be making an appearance at the Oregon Dunes Day Use Area; call Cape Perpetua Visitor Center for details.

July 21 Canvas at the Cape: Join experienced and budding artists for this open-air public art event where you can practice capturing your perspective this special place with materials and canvas we provide; call Cape Perpetua Visitor Center for details.

July 19 – 20 and 26 – 27 Marbled Murrelet surveys: Contribute to research aimed at saving this threatened seabird. Join scientists and land managers to learn about murrelet nesting and feeding habits, then help identify and count birds as they fly between the forest and ocean. No experience necessary; call Cape Perpetua Visitor Center for details and to sign up.

Know before you go: Between March 15 and September 15 we’re sharing some beaches with nesting western snowy plover, a threatened shorebird that is easily disturbed by people and pets. The wet, packed sand on all beaches is open to walking, but if you want to throw a Frisbee, ride your fat tire bike, or bring Fido, find out where your best options are before heading out the door.

Recreation in your back pocket: For up-to-date recreation information that fits on your smart phone or tablet download the new free Forest Service recreation app for Apple or Android devices, which provides maps, important alerts, and information about your favorite trails and campgrounds.

All events are free and open to the public, but a Northwest Forest Pass, Oregon Coast Passport, Federal Recreation Pass or $5 day-use fee is required within the Cape Perpetua Scenic Area and at many Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area recreation sites. For more information on any of these events, contact the Cape Perpetua Visitor Center at 541-547-3289. For information related to passes and permits, visit our website or call any office.