Siuslaw National Forest

Know Before You Go

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A well-planned outing can make the difference between a life-long memory and a disaster you hope to forget as soon as possible. This page is dedicated to helping you think through the items you should consider to make your trip as enjoyable and safe as possible.

Permits

Before you leave for an activity on the Forest, please be sure to check whether or not you need a permit or pass. Required permits and passes are listed for each rec site in the trip planning section.

Current Conditions

Check the Current Conditions page for links to the National Weather Service forecasts, tides, road condition information, and wildfire information, as well as district contact information for local information.

Beach Safety

It takes a watchful eye to play safe at the beach. Know what to look for – and what to avoid before you arrive.

Beware of sneaker waves – Impossible to predict, they appear without warning, oftern surging high up on the beach wit deadly force. Play it safe: Never turn your back on the ocean.

Watch those logs – The ocean is strong enough to pick up even the biggest log and plop it down on top of you. Some logs may look small, but even the tiny ones can be waterlogged and weigh tons. Play it safe: If you see a log in the surf or on the wet sand, stay off of it.

Look out for deep water & strong currents – The deeper the water, the greater the risk of falling victim to an undertow (the seaward pull of receding waves breaking onshore). These currents can swiftly sweep unwary beachcombers and waders off their feet and out to sea. Play it safe: Stay in shallow water.

Know the tides – Incoming tides isolate rocks from headlands and the shore. Avoid the temptation of strolling out to an interesting rock without knowing when the tide rolls back in. Free tide tables ar readily available at state park offices, information centers and many shops and motels. Play it safe: Stay off rocks and small, enclosed beaches. Know when the tide is coming in

Campground fees, reservations & regulations

Some campgrounds require a reservation, while others are first-come, first served. Check out the campground pages to find out what you need to do.

Weed Free Forage Required

As part of a larger effort to reduce invasive species on national forest lands, weed-free feed is required in the 17 national forests and the Crooked River National Grasslands of the Pacific Northwest.

Livestock owners and others are required to use feed that is either commercially processed feed or crop products certified to be free of weed seeds. All hay, cubed hay, straw, mulch, and other such products used or stored on national forest lands must be state certified as weed free.

Weed-Free Feed Requirements
[links to Forest Service Pacific Northwest Region site for explanation and details]

Weed-Free Forage Providers
Weed-Free Forage Progam
[links to State of Oregon site]

USDA Forest Service, Siuslaw National Forest
Last modified Monday, March 23 2009