Skip to main content

Oregon State Flag An official website of the State of Oregon »

Oregon.gov Homepage

FAQs: South Slough Reserve

Big Cedar Trail is open during Reserve business hours. It is wheelchair accessible and leads from the lower parking lot to the marsh observation deck. The trail is a quarter mile. Request an appointment to check out a gate key at the Visitor Center by calling 541-888-5558 ext. 121. Please leave a message and someone will call you back within 24 hours (M-F) with appointment availability.   The gate key can be picked up M-F (10 - 4pm) at the Visitor Center.  The key must be turned back in on the same day by 4pm. Please Note: The gate access key is reserved for persons with mobility disabilities only.
It is free to visit and enjoy the Reserve; however, there are fees associated with some classes and activities.
The 5,900-acre Reserve, the first established in the United States, is a joint partnership with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Oregon Department of State Lands. Its main functions are research, stewardship and education.
More information
Full-time science staff work with visiting scientists and student interns on a wide range of topics, including water quality and weather monitoring, climate change research, species and habitat research and monitoring, and restoration and stewardship projects.
More information
Yes, on a leash. Please remember to pick up after them.
More information
Yes - the Education Program staff offer a wide variety of educational field trip experiences for classes, as well as in-classroom training. Check the website for current offerings. All field trips are offered at no charge.
More information
Yes - The South Slough Reserve has a robust volunteer program, overseen by the Public Involvement Coordinator who works with community partners, Reserve staff and the Friends of Sough Slough to raise awareness of public involvement opportunities. There are many ways to become involved: • Trail guide • Visitor services • Program publicity • Education • Field work • Clerical tasks • Trail maintenance Volunteers contribute more than 4,463 hours annually, which translates to approximately $102,961. Contact the Public Involvement Coordinator to get involved.
More information
You can hunt in designated areas of the Reserve. Recreational fishing is allowed in the Reserve, subject to any rules, regulations, and license requirements put in place by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Hunting map - South Slough Reserve
The Reserve has a robust community education program that offers classes, workshops and hikes for all ages. Check the website often for upcoming events, and for the summer camp schedule.
More information
No. Sunset Bay and Bullards Beach State Parks and Bastendorff Beach County Park all provide public camping facilities.
More information
Yes, much of South Slough Reserve is currently open and accessible to the public. Trails and waterways are open; restrooms are open on weekdays from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. The Reserve visitor center remains closed. Most programs, field trips, events, and meetings have been cancelled until further notice. Limited programming for adults and children is available. Last date updated: January 11, 2020
Current classes and programming at the Reserve
Yes, there are hiking and water trails at the South Slough, as well as a Visitor Center with exhibit space and a bookstore. Trails are for foot traffic only, no bikes, ATVs or horses. Trails are open every day from sunrise to sunset, and the center is open Tuesday Through Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
More information