Beachgoers in Manzanita will now find a quieter, more pedestrian-friendly shoreline experience. The Oregon Parks and Recreation Commission has officially banned vehicles from the beach stretching between Oswald West and Nehalem Bay state parks, a move that covers the entire beach access area in town.
This decision follows similar actions taken at other popular coastal spots like Lincoln City and Cape Kiwanda, where increasing crowds and environmental concerns have pushed officials to rethink vehicle access. In Manzanita, driving was previously permitted only during specific off-season morning hours, from October through April. But after a formal request from the city council and a period of public feedback, the rule has changed for good.
Why The Shift?
Driving on the beach might seem like a harmless way to have some fun at the coast, but the impacts are more significant than they appear. Vehicles can disrupt sensitive coastal ecosystems, damage dune vegetation, and contribute to beach erosion. For nesting shorebirds, many of which camouflage their eggs directly in the sand, tires pose a deadly threat. Even newly hatched chicks face danger, getting trapped in tire ruts or becoming separated from their parents.
These risks, along with vehicles often getting stuck in the sand, and the safety of the growing number of pedestrians using Oregon’s beaches for recreation pushed local leaders to act. The Manzanita City Council argued that the traditional allowance for cars, while once compatible with the beach’s usage, no longer fits with its current role as a destination for low-impact outdoor enjoyment.
Mixed Reactions To The New Rules
Not everyone welcomed the change. During the public comment period, Around seventy people weighed in. About 60% supported the new rule, citing safety and environmental benefits. Others raised concerns, particularly those who rely on beach access for launching boats. In response, the final rule does allow for limited vehicle access by permit specifically for boat launching, similar to systems in place in other coastal towns.
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A petition opposing the rule gathered over 100 signatures, and some voiced worries about how the ban could affect traditional fishing practices. Nonetheless, the rule gained support from both Manzanita and Tillamook County officials and officially passed on June 18th, 2025.
In the future, more beaches may go car-free as we aren't guaranteed a right to drive on public beaches in Oregon, only to use and enjoy them as stated in Oregon's famous Beach Bill.
