Pacific City’s Fun Spot!
We will be closing for a needed winter break We look forward to bringing the fun back starting Valentines Day.
Nite; Birthday;
Spotting Their Spouts
Winter Whale Watch Week returns to Oregon Coast, Dec. 27-31
Oregon State Parks will host Winter Whale Watch Week on the Oregon Coast Friday, Dec. 27 through Tuesday, Dec. 31.
Trained Oregon State Park volunteers will be stationed at 15 sites along the Oregon Coast from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. to help visitors spot gray whales on their southward migration to the calving lagoons in Mexico.
The sites are hailed as some of the best places to watch for whales on the Oregon Coast. A map of volunteer-staffed sites is available online at the official event webpage: https://oregonstateparks. org/index.cfm?do=thingstodo.dsp_ whaleWatching. The closest volunteerstaffed sites to Pacific City are at Boiler Bay State Park to the south and Cape Meares to the north. But that doesn’t mean climbing atop Cape Kiwanda doesn’t offer a prime viewing spot for spotting migrating cetaceans. Prior to Covid, Cape Kiwanda was one of the staffed sites — but that was when the program featured 20-some viewpoints with volunteers pointing the way.
“Now is a perfect time to see the whales as their population rebounds on the Oregon Coast,” said Park Ranger Peter McBride.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration announced an end to an Unusual Mortality Event impacting gray whales. Since then, the estimated population has increased by roughly 30
percent from 14,530 last year to 19,260 this year, according to NOAA. The numbers are on the rise overall, but the calf count is still low as the population continues to rebound.
“While there are more gray whales to see now on the Oregon Coast, the calves remain a rare and important sight,” said Michael Milstein, public affairs officer with NOAA Fisheries.
Officials say Winter Whale Watch Week provides an opportunity to see not only the gray whales but other coastal wildlife including birds and other marine mammals with help from trained volunteers and rangers.
The Whale Watching Center in Depoe Bay will be open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 27-31. Visitors to the center can enjoy interactive whale exhibits and take in the panoramic ocean views. Binoculars are provided. Rangers from Oregon State Parks will also be on hand to answer questions about the whales.
All Whale Watch Week visitors are encouraged to dress for the weather, to bring binoculars and to follow beach safety guidelines such as remaining out of fenced areas, knowing the tide schedule and always keeping an eye on the surf. Go to https://visittheoregoncoast.com/beachsafety/ for a list of safety tips.
For more information about coast parks and campgrounds, visit oregonstateparks. org.
TRAINED OREGON STATE PARK volunteers will be stationed at 15 sites along the Oregon Coast from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. to help visitors spot gray whales during Winter Whale Watch Week.
Photo courtesy of OPRD
Illuminating the Season
THE BRIGHT CHRISTMAS LIGHTS and blaring sirens adorning the fire engines of Nestucca Rural Fire Protection District helped bring a festive exclamation point to the communties of South Tillamook County as the annual parade of fire engines and Christmas lights made their way from Beaver, through Cloverdale, on to Pacific City and finally finished in Neskowin. The fire engines put their stamp on the holidays on Monday, Dec. 23.
Building Codes Division launches Building Evaluation Support Agreement
Oregon’s Building Codes Division has announced the formation of an agreement that allows building departments throughout the state to request and share services such as plan review and inspections.
The Building Evaluation Support Agreement is a voluntary agreement between jurisdictions. Building departments across Oregon regularly provide mutual aid in which one department with extra capacity helps another in need, such as with an inspector out on leave, a recruitment, or a special project. Without that mutual aid, inspections and plan reviews can be delayed due to staff shortages, causing construction delays. The division created the agreement to make mutual aid more efficient, particularly in anticipation of increased demand for services as housing production increases.
“We believe the BESA will be a valuable tool for local jurisdictions and
the construction industry across Oregon,” Building Codes Division administrator Alana Cox said. “Because of the way the BESA is structured, participating jurisdictions can work directly with other participants, including our staff at BCD. We hope this will help jurisdictions be nimble in responding to local builders’ needs and allow those with expertise and extra capacity to help others that are in a crunch. This will be positive for everyone.”
Jurisdictions, including cities and counties, that maintain building inspection programs under Oregon’s statewide building code can elect to join the agreement. By joining, jurisdictions agree that they intend to provide services for building official, plan review, or inspection services to each other when requested and mutually agreed.
Because the BESA is structured as a multilateral agreement, all participating jurisdictions have a framework in place
to work directly with other participants. Once a jurisdiction joins the agreement, it does not need to have separate agreements with each jurisdiction. Any participating municipality can request from and provide services to BCD and any other participating municipality. BCD is also acting as a connector by helping to join jurisdictions in need to those with extra capacity.
“We are excited to offer this service to help builders keep projects moving while simultaneously helping building departments to efficiently address staff shortages or special projects,” Cox said. “We invite all building departments that have not yet joined to consider being a part of the agreement, which will be more effective as more local governments sign on.”
For more information, including specific information within the agreement, visit oregon.gov/bcd/jurisdictions/Pages/besa. aspx.
SUN Pacific City
Photo by Tim Hirsch
Photos by Tim Hirsch
Jan
6:04
Jan
Cape Lookout to move construction closure to summer, reopen reservations
Cape Lookout State Park will move its construction closure to summer 2025, which means spring campground reservations will reopen.
The park was slated to close temporarily for construction starting in spring 2025, but the schedule has changed.
All reservable campsites in A, B, C and D loops as well as deluxe cabins and yurts are reservable online (stateparks.oregon.gov) for stays in March 1 through May 31 starting Dec. 20, 2024.
Cape Lookout is one of the nine GO Bond projects at Oregon State Parks supported through Oregon-issued general obligation bonds approved by the Oregon State Legislature in 2021. Other parks on the list are Beverly Beach State Park, Champoeg State Heritage Area, Fort Stevens State Park Guard House, Fort Stevens State Park, Kam Wah Chung State Heritage Site, Nehalem Bay State Park, Silver Falls State Park, and Smith Rock State Park.
Originally, the project included moving camp loops A & B to higher ground and away from encroaching seawater, but unexpected geological and safety concerns prevented the move. Now the work will focus on extending the life of the existing infrastructure and is slated to include
reinforcing the existing dune to prevent seawater from entering the camp loops; upgrading electrical and water systems in C and D loops; day use improvements; and replacing campground restroom/shower building.
The work is scheduled to begin in summer or fall of 2025 and extend into
spring or summer 2026. The campground and day-use area will be closed during construction.
OPRD encourages visitors to monitor stateparks.oregon.gov for up-to-date information about the Cape Lookout State Park GO Bond project and campground closures.
SPRING CAMPGROUND RESERVATIONS will reopen at Cape Lookout State Park as Oregon State Parks is moving a planned construction closure to summer 2025.
Photo courtesy of OPRD
The Board of Directors of the Pacific City Joint Water-Sanitary Authority is holding a special meeting on Monday, Jan. 6 when they will consider candidates for board position no. 4, which is currently vacant. The Board will be swearing in the new board member at its regular board meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 14.
As of press time, applicants for the position, included Justin Pecot, a former reporter and homeowner association board member; Margaret Rand, a 33-year veteran in the food service industry including the last 10 as a manager and supervisor; and Dan Doyle, a retired Pacific City citizen, former part-owner of Doyle Truck Repair, and current director of Nestucca Volunteer Firefighters Association, and co-president, with his wife Denise, of the PC Heights Neighborhood Association.
For more information, contact PCJWSA by calling 503-965-6636.
ODOT closes OR 131
Oregon Dept. of Transportation has closed OR 131 to all traffic due to the need for emergency slide repairs. During the full closure, ODOT suggests using Cape Mears Loop Road as a detour to Oceanside. Currently, they plan to reopen for single lane usage the week of Jan. 6, 2025. Portable traffic signals will direct traffic through one open lane in the slide area, which is south of the OR 131 and Cape Drive intersection. ODOT warns to plan for delays and give oneself extra time and states it could take up to 60 days to complete the emergency repairs.
Library to host ‘Ukelele Jams’ twice a month
South Tillamook County Library will host Ukulele Jams with Alan on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month. January’s dates are Jan. 14 and 28 at 4 p.m. The library is located at 6200 Camp St. in Pacific City. For more information, call 503-965-6163.
Head to Meridian for electric start to 2025
For a musical — and sumptuous — start to any New Year’s celebration, residents and visitors of Pacific City are being welcomed to an evening of soulful sounds, fine dining and sumptuous sips when Meridian Restaurant & Bar welcomes the Portland duo of Freddy and Pati, an acoustic guitar/violin duo that performs Americana-style music with a Ranchero feel. Music will start at 7 p.m.
The event is open to those eager to indulge in Meridian’s special New Year’s Eve offerings, revelers wanting to cozy up to a celebratory beverage in the oceanfront dining establishment or just music fans wanting to take in the unique sound of the duo.
Found at the one-of-a-kind vacation, dining and recreation destination of Headland Coastal Lodge & Spa, 33000 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City, the event will be at a venue where diners are treated to fine coastal cuisine with aweinspiring views of the mighty Pacific as well as an intimate experience delivered by Meridian’s open kitchen concept and sprawling bar.
Simi Valley, California-born, and Portland, Oregon-based singer-songwriter Freddy Trujillo self-released his fourth solo album, “I Never Threw A Shadow At It,” in May 20024. Billed as a very personal record based around Chicano experiences, it is the follow-up to 2022’s “Sketch of a Man.” Trujillo, who is also the bass player for The Delines and Richmond Fontaine, delivers what he describes an an honest storyteller’s look at his life growing up in
Southern California as a Chicano. The record is so personal that the album’s title track, “I Never Threw A Shadow At It,” details a situation where Trujillo called the Los Angeles Police Department when someone attempted to steal his car, only to be treated like the criminal because of the color of his skin when the police showed up.
Trujillo’s first three records — 2002’s debut “Hawks & Highways,” 2014’s “Amexica,” and 2022’s “Sketch of a Man” — were recorded and produced by close friend and frequent collaborator Luther Russell on analog tape machines. However, due to social distancing, “I Never Threw A Shadow At It” is Trujillo’s first record not done with Russell and first recorded digitally.
With “I Never Threw A Shadow At It,” done, Trujillo is focused on touring, whether that means playing solo acoustic, with a stripped-down band, or his full band.
“However I perform it live, I want to use it to spread more awareness outside of Portland,” he says. “I hope to make my birth state of California, Washington, and other parts of Oregon just as much my scene as Portland. I really want to get out there more as a solo artist than I have in the past, and try to get this record to reach people.”
For more information about Meridian’s musical intro to 2025 and their special New Year’s Eve menu, visit headlandslodge.com/meridian/.
ODFW adopts 2025 recreational, commercial groundfish regulations
The Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission adopted 2025 recreational and commercial groundfish regulations at their Dec. 13 meeting in Salem that continue a five-fish recreational bag limit during the popular summer months.
Nearshore groundfish species (approximately a dozen species of rockfish, cabezon, greenlings, and lingcod) are subject to joint state and federal management. The recent (2023) stock assessment for both black rockfish and canary rockfish resulted in a reduced quota for Oregon’s fisheries.
While the year will start with a four-
fish daily marine bag limit, the bag limit increases to five fish starting July 1 (with a one-fish sub-bag limit of canary rockfish all year). ODFW heard support for this approach during meetings earlier in the year when it asked for public feedback on how to accommodate the reduced quotas. This approach is expected to provide a stable fishery throughout the year, with a low risk that the bag limit will need to be further reduced in-season. The increased bag limit during the popular summer months will provide the most opportunity as many visitors come to the Oregon coast to vacation and fish during summer and
ocean conditions are also much better. The commercial nearshore fishery’s bimonthly trip limits are also reduced for 2025.
ODFW is seeking to collect more data on black rockfish to increase confidence in survey data and hopefully increase the quota; the 2025 reduction in quota would have been larger but for ODFW assessment data.
The Commission’s next meeting is Jan. 10, 2025 in Salem.
A recording of the Dec. 13 meeting can be viewed at youtube.com/@MyODFW/ streams.
ACOUSTIC GUITAR/VIOLIN DUO Freddy & Pati will play at Meridian Restaurant & Bar on New Year’s Eve, Tuesday, Dec. 31, starting at 7 p.m.
Courtesy photo
NEW YEAR’S EVE
At Meridian Restaurant & Bar
LIVE MUSIC WITH FREDDY & PATI
7:00 P.M.
Experience the soulful Amexicana sounds of this acoustic guitar and violin duo.
SPECIAL NEW YEAR’S EVE DINNER
5:00 – 9:00 P.M.
Welcome new beginnings with curated specials.
A Tale of Light vs. Dark
Inspired by Native American culture and historical events, a two-book series by author Cosme Duarte will be featured during a meet the author event Saturday, Dec. 28, noon, at Stimulus Coffee + Bakery, 33105 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City.
The event is billed as a chance to immerse yourself in a tale of light versus dark.
Duarte is a a Native American actor, (Longmire, Better Call Saul, The Brave, Woman Walks Ahead), author (R3NEGADE In Time – books 1 and 2) and an activist (Standing Rock, Oak Flat, Rio Yaqui) from the Yaqui Nation.
At Headlands Coastal Lodge & Spa 33000 Cape Kiwanda Drive, Pacific City
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He says he’s crafted his books to be a set of stories like none ever written. To do this he says he has used his own culture and language to weave a story that involves true historical events as a background to tell a story of light versus the dark.
The books offer what Duarte describes as a mysterious tale that will take readers through the layers of time and dimension as he discovers the true identity of himself as well at the light and darkness as a hidden war rages on beyond the vision of mortal men, for the souls of humanity.
He says his dream is to share his culture as well as to enlighten those who are without certain knowledge, so, we as human beings, can flourish together as the Almighty intended.
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Tillamook PUD’s 2025 Community Support Grant Program is now open for local not-for-profit entities to apply.
Grant applications are available online at tpud.org/news-community/communitysupport-grants/ or at the TPUD office by request. Completed applications are due on or before 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 20, 2025.
The Tillamook PUD Board of Directors evaluates grant applications and makes selections in mid-March. In their evaluation, the Board considers each project’s potential for economic development and community outreach, as well as financial need. Notfor-profit entities that do not receive funding through taxes will be priority in the selection process. Additionally, not-for-
profit entities whose projects will result in a physical asset will be considered priority in the selection process.
Projects must be completed by the end of the 2025 calendar year. In addition, individual grant awards are limited to $10,000 each year and entities are eligible to receive no more than $20,000 within a five-year period.
Some examples of past projects that have received Community Support Grant funding include community emergency preparedness activities, lighting and electrical upgrades at various civic organizations, energy efficiency measures, and supporting improvement projects at local organizations utilized by the community.
Photos courtesy of Dan Doyle
THE NESTUCCA VALLEY LIONS CLUB helped to spread Christmas joy to needy families through its Christmas Basket program by filling approximately 96 boxes with gifts for children, a Christmas ham and side dishes, canned food, and sundry items such as soap, shampoo and toothpaste. The Christmas Baskets were distributed on Dec. 21 at the Nestucca Rural Fire Protection District’s fire hall in Hebo.
Calendar Events of
SIP, SOCIALIZE AND CRAFT
Dec. 27, 4-7 p.m. PC-Pour Wine Bar, 33310
Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. Learn an easy craft for $15 or bring your own and work with other crafty people. RSVP at PC-Pour.com.
WINTER WHALE WATCH WEEK
Dec. 27-31. Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area, Pacific City. Catch a glimpse of gray whales migrating south for the winter. Visit ORWhaleWatch.org.
MEET THE AUTHOR:
COSME DUARTE
Dec. 28, noon. Stimulus Coffee + Bakery, 33105 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City.
BINGO
Dec. 28, 5-6:30 p.m. PC-Pour Wine Bar, 33310 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. Play Bingo with others - free. Must be 21 or over. RSVP at PC-Pour.com.
LINE DANCING CLASS
Dec. 28, 7 p.m. Kiawanda Community Center, 34600 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. Classes begin with a lesson then dancing. $10 fee. Contact Kris Rooke, 425-894-4111.
TRIVIA NIGHT
Dec. 29, 5-6:30 p.m. PC-Pour Wine Bar, 33310 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. Free admission. Must be 21 or over. Play trivia. Sign-up at PC-Pour.com.
YOGA
Dec. 30, Jan. 1, 3 & 4, 9 a.m. Kiwanda Community Center, 34600 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. $10 per class. Call 541-450-0655.
PACIFIC CITY WALKING WONDERS
Dec. 30, Jan. 1 & 3, 10 a.m. Meet at Kiawanda Community Center, 34600 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. For more information, visit https://tillamookcountywellness.org/movewell/walking-groups/ or contact coordinator Kathy, 503-801-7448 (text).
STITCHERS
Dec. 31, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Kiawanda Community Center, 34600 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. Community of people who make things for
WINTER WHALE WATCH WEEK
Dec. 27-31. 15 volunteer-staffed sites on Oregon coast. Catch a glimpse of gray whales migrating south for the winter. Visit ORWhaleWatch.org.
others. All levels welcome. $6 admission. Call 503-965-7900.
SOUTH COUNTY FOOD PANTRY
Dec. 31, 12:30-6 p.m. Nestucca Valley Presbyterian Church, 35305 Brooten Rd., Pacific City.
ACOUSTIC GUITAR/VIOLIN DUO FREDDY & PATI
Tuesday, Dec. 31, starting at 7 p.m. Meridian Restaurant & Bar. New Year’s Eve music.
TUESDAY NIGHT TRIVIA
Dec. 31, 6-8 p.m. Pelican Brewing, 33180 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. Call 503-9657007.
SUNDAY LIVE MUSIC SERIES
Dec. 31, 6-8 p.m. Pelican Brewing, 33180
Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. Call 503-9657007.
LIVE MUSIC: FREDDY & PATI
Dec. 31, 7 p.m. Meridian Restaurant & Bar, 33000 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. Acoustic guitar/violin duo.
SILETZ BAY SPLASH
Jan. 1, 10 a.m. Taft Dock, 860 SW 51st St., Lincoln City. Welcome 2025 with a jump into the water, then warm up with hot chocolate, pastries, and bonfire. Visit LincolnCity.org.
BOXING CLASS
Jan. 1, 5 p.m. Kiawanda Community Center, 34600 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. Boxing skills and cardio-strength training for ages 12 and older. $10 fee. To register, email pacificcityboxing@gmail.com.
ARTIST OF THE MONTH RECEPTION
Jan. 3, 5-7 p.m. Bay City Arts Center, 5680 A St., Bay City. Levi Timm and BCAC Board of Directors. Open to the public. Visit baycityartscenter.com.
ARTIST RECEPTION
Jan. 3, 5-7 p.m. Lincoln City Cultural Center, 540 NE Hwy. 101, Lincoln City. Kate Kerrigan’s exhibit “Piecing Us Together.” Visit KateKerrigan.net.
PACIFIC CITY JOINT WATER-SANITARY
AUTHORITY BOARD MEETING
Jan. 6, 5 p.m. Kiawanda Community Center, 34600 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. Call 503-965-6636.
YOGA
Jan. 6, 8, 10 & 11, 9 a.m. Kiwanda Community Center, 34600 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. $10 per class. Call 541-450-0655.
PACIFIC CITY WALKING WONDERS
Jan. 6, 8 & 10, 10 a.m. Meet at Kiawanda Community Center, 34600 Cape Kiwanda
Dr., Pacific City. For more information, visit https://tillamookcountywellness.org/movewell/walking-groups/ or contact coordinator Kathy, 503-801-7448 (text).
ZUMBA
Jan. 6 & 9, 5:45 p.m. Kiawanda Community Center, 34600 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. $10. Email Krisrooke@gmail.com
STITCHERS
Jan. 7, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Kiawanda Community Center, 34600 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. Community of people who make things for others. All levels welcome. $6 admission. Call 503-965-7900.
PACIFIC CITY-NESTUCCA VALLEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEETING
Jan. 7, noon. Kiawanda Community Center, 34600 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. Local concerns and business matters. Email pcnvchamber@gmail.com.
TUESDAY NIGHT TRIVIA
Jan. 7, 6-8 p.m. Pelican Brewing, 33180 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. Call 503-965-7007.
FLU VACCINE CLINIC
Jan. 8, 8 a.m-4 p.m. Adventist Health, 38505 Brooten Rd. Ste. A, Pacific City. No appointment needed. Bring medical insurance info and valid ID. Call 503-965-6555.
TILLAMOOK COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MEETING
Jan. 8, 9 a.m. Tillamook County Courthouse, 201 Laurel Ave., Room 106. Also available via teleconference live video at tctvonline. com or teleconference at #971-254-3149, conference ID: 736-023-979 (listen only). For agenda, visit tillamookcounty.gov.
SOUTH TILLAMOOK COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIME
Jan. 8, 3:30 p.m. South Tillamook County Library, 6200 Camp St., Pacific City. All ages invited. Call 503-965-6163.
NESTUCCA RURAL FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT BOARD MEETING
Jan. 8, 4 p.m. Hebo Fire Station, 30710 Hwy. 101 S., Hebo. Call 503-392-3313.
BOXING CLASS
Jan. 8, 5 p.m. Kiawanda Community Center,
34600 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. Boxing skills and cardio-strength training for ages 12 and older. $10 fee. To register, email pacificcityboxing@gmail.com.
WEDNESDAY NIGHT MOVIE
Jan. 8, 6 p.m. Tillamook County Library, 1716 3rd St., Tillamook. “The Princess Bride.” Free - popcorn provided. Visit tillabook.org or call 503-842-4792.
TAI CHI
Jan. 9, 10:30 a.m. Kiawanda Community Center, 34600 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. $10 per class/first class free. Call 503-510-0588.
INVISIBLE LOSSES
Jan. 9, 2 p.m. Tillamook County Library, 1716 3rd St., Tillamook. Helen Beaman discusses how to cope with “invisible losses” that come with aging. Visit tillabook.org.
BIRD WALK
Jan. 10, 9-11 a.m. Meet at Regatta Park, off of NE 14th St., Lincoln City. Guided bird walk at Regatta Park and Devils Lake. Call 541-9942131.
CREATE CARDBOARD CAT HOUSES
Jan. 11, 1 p.m. Tillamook County Library, 1716 3rd St., Tillamook. All ages invited to create cardboard cat houses. Visit tillabook.org.
LINE DANCING CLASS
Jan. 11, 7 p.m. Kiawanda Community Center, 34600 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. Classes begin with a lesson then dancing. $10 fee. Contact Kris Rooke, 425-894-4111.
SOUND BOWL SUNDAY
Jan. 12, 6:30 p.m. Kiawanda Community Center, 34600 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. Visit kiawanda.com.
NESTUCCA VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD MEETING
Jan. 13, 6:30 p.m. Nestucca Valley Jr/Sr High School, 34660 Parkway Dr., Cloverdale. UKULELE JAM WITH ALAN
Jan. 14, 4 p.m. South Tillamook County Library, 6200 Camp St., Pacific City. Call 503965-6163.
Courtesy photo
Courtesy photo
MEET THE AUTHOR: COSME DUARTE Saturday, Dec. 28, noon, Stimulus Coffee + Bakery, 33105 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. Duarte has penned the “R3negade In Time” duo of fiction tales.
Photo by Tabitha Peckron
Whether it’s a sunset hike along the coast or a wooded trail that best tempts you out of your recliner and into nature, Oregon State Parks’ First Day Hikes has an adventure for all on New Year’s Day, Wednesday Jan. 1.
Near Pacific City, people can opt for the outdoors by heading a few miles north to Sitka Sedge State Natural Area where a trail promises opportunities for bird watching and scenic views.
In total, rangers and volunteers will lead 37 guided First Day Hikes at 30 parks around the state with distances ranging from a quarter-mile stroll to a 5-mile trek. Hikes are free, and the $5 day-use parking fee is waived on that day at the state parks that charge for parking.
At Sitka Sedge State Natural Area, hikers will have an opportunity to join a park ranger for a 2.5-mile guided hike through the Sandlake Estuary. Anticipated highlights include birdwatching on the Sandlake Estuary, hiking through a coastal upland dune forest, and taking a stroll along the beach. The hike provides scenic views of the estuary, and the ranger will identify plants and animals while answering any questions.
The noon hike will begin at the trailhead parking area at Sitka Sedge State Natural Area located off Sandlake Road, north of Pacific City and south of Sandlake. If the main parking lot is full, there will be overflow parking across the street.
The first half mile of the trail features compacted gravel and has a slight slope, but it is otherwise flat, making it accessible for strollers and wheelchairs. After this section, the trail narrows and the surface becomes softer.
Leashed, friendly dogs are welcome.
Participants are encouraged to dress in layers with rain gear and gloves, wear sturdy shoes and bring water and snacks, as well as a camera or binoculars for wildlife viewing. For more information, call 503812-2403.
America’s State Parks sponsors the First Day Hikes program nationwide
to encourage everyone to start the year outside and connect with nature. The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) has participated since 2012.
“First Day Hikes has become a fun tradition for both visitors and staff on New Year’s Day. Rangers and volunteers get a chance to share park history, geology, wildlife and plants, and visitors get to experience an adventure with friends and family to start the new year,” said Lisa Sumption, director of Oregon Parks and Recreation Department.
Visit https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index. cfm?do=v.feature-article&articleId=356 to see the list of parks hosting hikes. Additional hike information such as hike times, meet-up locations and trail terrain are available via the park links on the web page. A few hikes require registration including Champoeg, Detroit Lake, Emigrant Springs and Smith Rock.
Those that have questions about accessibility or would like to request reasonable accommodations should see contact information for each of the hikes and reach out accordingly.
OPRD is reminding all to plan for winter weather, dress in layers, wear sturdy shoes, bring water and carry binoculars for viewing wildlife.
America’s State Parks is an alliance of state park systems in all 50 states. The National Association of State Park Directors (NASPD) promotes and advocates for the state park systems across America in providing conservation and management of natural and cultural resources, quality outdoor recreation experiences, and connecting children and families to nature and the outdoors. With collectively more than 9,817 park areas covering over 20 million acres of land, and visitation of nearly 9 million people annually, state park systems across the country are an integral part of protecting natural and cultural resources while providing guests amazing access to the outdoors. Learn more about America’s State Parks at stateparks.org.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 28 | 12:00 PM
Discover R3NEGADE In Time (Books 1 & 2) by actor, author and activist Cosme Duarte of the Yaqui Nation. Immerse yourself in a gripping tale of light versus dark, inspired by Native American culture and historical events.
CAPE KIWANDA DR. PACIFIC CITY STIMULUSCOFFEEBAKERY.COM
Generator Safety Tips
When installing a permanent generator, be sure to obtain the required permits and have a certified professional complete the installation.
Read and follow all manufacturer operating instructions to properly ground the generator.
Never operate a generator in a confined area such as a garage. Generators can produce numerous gases, including toxic and deadly carbon monoxide. They require proper ventilation.
Remember maintenance between uses. Inspect fuel, oil filters, oil level and fuel quality. Be sure to start the generator on a regular basis before an emergency situation occurs.
Sitka Sedge amongst ‘First Day’ hikes planned by OPRD
SITKA SEDGE STATE NATURAL AREA will be one of 37 sites where Oregon State Parks will host First Day Hikes on Jan. 1 when rangers and volunteers will lead guided excursions.
THE FIRST DAY HIKE at Sitka Sedge State Natural Area will begin at noon.
Photo courtesy of OPRD
Photo by Tim Hirsch
