The Siuslaw National Forest is reopening most trailheads, day use areas and boat ramps beginning at noon Friday, the start of the three-day Memorial Day weekend.
But campgrounds and large facilities like the Cape Perpetua Visitors Center will remain closed. The road to the top of Cape Perpetua and its overlook is reopening.
But the agency said there will be limited or no services involved with the reopenings.
The forest service said visitors are strongly encouraged to follow state and local guidelines for physical distancing and staying close to home.
The Forest Service closed their facilities and trails in late March in coordination with similar restrictions by the state of Oregon.
The agency said its ability to open recreation sites and the level of service depends on several factors, including the number and availability of workers, and the ability to provide services in a manner that is safe for employees.
Visitors should be prepared to be self-sufficient, the forest service said, as they may encounter a reduction in or lack of services, such as bathrooms and trash collection.
“We understand how important outdoor recreation is to our local economies and to Oregonians who rely on public lands for their physical, mental, and spiritual health,” said Donna Mickley, acting Siuslaw forest supervisor. “Since we’re not yet able to provide the level of service at recreation sites that visitors may be accustomed to, we’re asking everyone to please protect and respect their public lands, as well as other visitors, by packing out all of their waste.”
For more information and the complete list of recreation sites opening on Friday, visit the Siuslaw’s recreation website. This website will be updated regularly and the list of open sites may change with little notice.
Planning for opening remaining sites and campgrounds is ongoing, with dates yet to be determined.
