Alsea Bay clam harvest advisory

ODFW recommends people avoid harvesting and consuming softshell and bay clams after the Oregon Health Authority issued a recreational use advisory for Eckman Lake in Lincoln County.

Mussel harvest closure Cape Blanco to CA border

Mussel harvesting is now closed from Cape Blanco to the California border due to high levels of domoic acid, a marine biotoxin.

 

What is a conservation closure? Read here.

Razor clamming on Clatsop beaches is closed beginning 12:01 a.m., July 15. The last day to harvest is July 14.

Recreation Report

Northwest Zone

Recreation Report

Table of Contents

Recreation Report

Great egret
"Estuary Egret Lunch" Netarts -Photo by David Shuldes

NW WILDLIFE VIEWING  

September 10, 2026  

Recreating in drought and wildfire season - actions you can take to protect wildlife.  

For the most current fire closures and restrictions--KNOW BEFORE YOU GO.

Tillamook County  

Birds  

At this time of year, herons and egrets can be seen hunting amphibians and small mammals in local farm fields. Bald eagle pairs can be viewed near estuaries and rivers.  

Clatsop County  

Birds  

Coastal storm-watchers may find interesting pelagic species pushed closer to shore by the rough weather. Some species which may be viewed during and just after storms include skuas, jaegers, petrels, storm petrels, shearwaters, fulmars and even the occasional albatross. These species are best viewed from headlands (also the best spots for storm-watching) with good optics on clear days just following storm activity and high winds.  

Pastures and fields are heavily used by a variety of waterfowl when flooded and by wading birds under nearly any conditions. Peeps can be extremely difficult to identify due to small size and subtle differences in plumage – a good guide and optics are a must.  

Jewell Meadows Wildlife Area  

Elk viewing has been good at Jewell Meadows Wildlife Area. Viewing has been limited to early mornings and late evenings, especially on warm sunny days. Early morning fog may become an issue with viewing opportunities in September. As weather starts to cool, elk should stay out in the open fields longer during the day. Good places to look are the Fishhawk Tract along Hwy 202 and the first 1.5 miles along Beneke Creek Road.

The breeding season or "rut" has begun with bulls bugling and battling for dominance. Listen for bulls bugling and antlers clashing in the late evenings and just after dark. Breeding behavior should continue throughout September and into the first week of October.

Other wildlife to watch for include coyotes in the fields, bald eagles perched in tall trees near the creeks, and turkey vultures soaring overhead. Listen for pileated woodpecker calls in the mornings or pacific tree frogs croaking in the evenings.

Areas posted as "Wildlife Refuge" are closed to public entry. Additionally, posted portions of the Beneke Tract are closed to public entry during any Saddle Mt. unit elk season, including the general archery season. Closure dates are August 1 through March 31 (see big game regulations for exceptions).  

A parking permit is required to park at Jewell Meadows Wildlife Area. Find out how to buy a parking permit.  

Lincoln County/Western Lane County  

Several species of birds, such as herons, osprey, eagles, pelicans, pintails, widgeon, mallards and teal, use our coastal estuaries and lakes for foraging and resting. They can often be found along the edges of the estuary and roosting in adjacent trees. Some good places to check out are the mouth of the Salmon River, Devils Lake, Siletz Bay, Yaquina Bay, Alsea Bay, Yachats River mouth, multiple lakes around Florence and the mouth of the Siuslaw River. Take your binoculars and try to catch a glimpse of these birds as they begin their migration south.