Ready. Set. Adventure! What Travelers Can Expect As We Reopen Oregon’s Adventure Coast

So much has changed in our world since the COVID-19 crisis began a few months ago, but we are beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Although it will take time to “get back to normal”, steps are being made in the right direction. On June 6th, 2020 Coos Bay/North Bend/Charleston a.k.a. Oregon’s Adventure Coast was allowed to enter into Phase 2 of the reopening process. This means that our community has spent at least 21 days in Phase 1 and saw no significant increase in COVID-19 cases. If you’re planning on traveling this summer and fall, you’re probably wondering what’s open and what’s safe.

As Oregon’s Adventure Coast begins to carefully reopen, it’s important that visitors make informed decisions and prepare themselves for our “now normal” (because this won’t be forever!). Here are some answers to questions you may have to help you decide if you and your family are ready for an Oregon Coast Adventure!

What Does Phase Two Mean for Travelers to Oregon’s Adventure Coast? It means that we are ready to welcome our visitors back this summer, but things may look a little different. Don’t worry, our region is still as beautiful as ever and offers travelers space to spread out, socially distance themselves while relaxing and recharging.

What’s Open? The Visitors Information Centers in Coos Bay, North Bend & Charleston re-opened last week under some strict protocols to keep volunteers, patrons and staff safe. Our volunteers are on hand to help you find things to see and do while you are here.

What’s New? The Governor of Oregon issued an order, effective July 1, 2020, requiring face coverings be worn in all indoor public spaces.

Retail Stores, Boutiques, Antique Stores and Galleries. Many of our local retail stores and boutiques have re-opened, but with stringent cleaning and social distancing protocols in effect. Most are offering shoppers hand sanitizer to use when they enter and ask that face masks be worn to help protect employees and customers from the virus. Please check with the shop or shops you wish to visit for their specific protocols.

Restaurants and Bars. Many restaurants in Coos Bay/North Bend and Charleston are still offering delivery, pick-up and curbside service. But some have opened their dining areas at reduced capacity by changing the layout to maintain physical distancing requirements and have implemented enhanced food safety and sanitation procedures. Self-service operations and pre-set tableware are prohibited under Phase Two guidelines. Please keep in mind that some businesses may have additional requirements of customers, such as face masks. Please be sure to contact the restaurant you wish to visit in advance to confirm hours and new rules.

Parks and Public Lands. Parks and public lands began to reopen as of May 29, 2020 for day use only and have since begun slowly opening overnight camping facilities. Please bear in mind that guidelines and open status are subject to change without notice and depend on which agency manages it. Here’s a quick run-down of what outdoor destinations are open (remember, this list is subject to change). Be sure to research current guidelines before making the trip! Check the Oregon State Parks Status Map for the most up-to-date list.

• Bastendorff Beach - Bastendorff Beach is currently open for day use and was one of the first developed sites managed by the Bureau of Land Management in Oregon to reopen. “Visitors should be aware that sanitation services may be limited, and restrooms may take additional time to reopen," the Coos Bay District BLM said.
• Cape Arago State Park - Park is open to limited day use. Restroom closed; use restroom in Sunset Bay Day-use Area or Shore Acres State Park.
• Golden and Silver Falls State Natural Area Park and trails are open to limited daytime use. Vault restroom is open. Note: facilities may close without notice.
• Horsfall Beach Day Use OHV Staging - Open for Day Use ONLY. Campground is closed until June 18th, 2020.
• Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area - most national forest boat ramps, day-use sites, and trailheads throughout the forest, and off-highway vehicle staging areas on the Oregon Dunes, will be available for day use, in many cases with limited or no services. Barring unforeseen circumstances related to community readiness, starting June 18th, most camps at the Oregon Dunes and campgrounds throughout the forest will reopen with limited services. Most (if not all) ATVing & Motorsports rental shops are also now open.
• Shore Acres State Park - Day-use area and gardens are open to limited daytime use. Be prepared to turn around if crowded. Facilities may close without notice.
• South Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve . All hiking trails are currently open. The Reserve Visitor Center is closed until further notice. All South Slough Reserve programs, field trips, events and meetings have been canceled until further notice though some online events are now available.
• Sunset Bay State Park - Day-use area is open and some overnight camping is allowed as of June 9th. Reservations for camping are required - call 800-452-5687. Walk-ups will not be accepted. Shower facilities will remain closed but restrooms are open.

Some Indoor & Outdoor Entertainment. As we mentioned earlier in the post, there is plenty of space on Oregon’s Adventure Coast to spread out and stay safe. In addition to our State Parks and Public Lands mentioned above, visitors will find that other sources of fun and entertainment are now available under Phase Two with some restrictions.

• Coos Bay Speedway . Phase Two allows the Speedway to open as long as they follow safety guidelines set by local health officials to keep employees, drivers and fans safe. Crowds will be limited in size and only every third row will be open to facilitate social distancing. Anyone showing symptoms of COVID-19 will not be permitted to enter.
• North Bend Lanes on Virginia Avenue is now open with additional safety measures that include social distancing between lanes and enhanced sanitizing to keep everyone safe and healthy.
• The Mill Casino • Hotel & RV Park . The Mill is open and has a reconfigured gaming floor, social distancing measures, enhanced sanitizing, and disinfecting protocols. In addition, guests and employees will have their temperature taken upon entry, and face masks will be provided for guests to wear. Table games will be back with limited/distance seating starting July 1. Dine-in service has resumed in the Timbers & Warehouse 101 restaurants with some limitations. Check their website for the most up-to-date information.
• Three Rivers Casino Resort . The Casino is open and has changed their hours to make time for deep cleaning and sanitation at the end of each business day. A third of their slot games will be placed out of service and chairs have been removed to encourage responsible social distancing practices. The Casino will also require temperatures be taken of each guest entering the casino using a touch thermometer.

Farmers Market. The Coos Bay Downtown Farmers Market . As an essential food service, the Downtown Farmers Market will be open every Wednesday rain or shine through October 28th from 9:00 am until 2:00 pm with the first hour reserved for Seniors and customers with underlying health conditions and issues. Social distancing and additional safety measures have been put in place to keep shoppers and vendors safe.

Fishing, Crabbing & Clamming. Fishing , crabbing and clamming is open on Oregon’s Adventure Coast, however, you are still required to have a fishing license and you will need to check with the agency managing the land or facility that you wish to visit to learn about any additional restrictions. We recommend following these tips on the ODFW website . By the way, it’s Razor Clam Season on Oregon’s Adventure Coast !

What’s Being Paused for Now? Out of safety concerns, the Egyptian Theatre , Charleston Marine Life Center , Coos History Museum and Coos Art Museum remain closed to the public until further notice. Most major events taking place this summer and early fall have either been canceled or postponed. Follow our Events Page for up-to-date information.

What Now? As Oregon’s Adventure Coast continues to open up, we’re doing our best to keep our visitors informed on how to stay safe and healthy. The information in this post is subject to change. However, the need to practice basic safety measures like wearing face coverings, regular hand washing and social distancing is not changing anytime soon and will go a long way to keep Oregon’s Adventure Coast open for business through the summer and beyond. When you are ready to travel, we’ll be here ready to welcome you back.

More Info:

Oregon’s Adventure Coast COVID-19 Information Page

Oregon Public Broadcasting FAQ: What To Expect For Phase 2 Of Oregon’s Reopening Plan