Heading to the Oregon Coast to beat the heat wave? What to know before you go

Many Oregonians are expected to travel to the Oregon Coast over the Fourth of July holiday weekend as a heat wave will cause sweltering temperatures to climb into the triple digits and bake the Willamette Valley.

The National Weather Service predicts while Salem temperatures could hit highs of 104 degrees this weekend, it's mid 70s, sunny and breezy an hour west in Lincoln City.

"Friday might hit 79 and Saturday 78," Rockaway Beach Mayor Charles McNeilly said. "But that's a whole lot better than what they're going to be experiencing away from the coast. That's why I live in Rockaway Beach. I absolutely love the weather here."

To avoid getting stuck in endless traffic jams on Highway 101, or highways leading from the coast, here are some tips to consider before heading out.

Cooler weather expected on Oregon Coast during heat wave

Scorching temperatures are set to hit much of the state over the coming days and this weekend. Portland, Salem, Eugene and Medford could hit highs at or above 100 degrees. At the coast, it's a different story, with places like Brookings, Florence and Tillamook expected to hit highs in the upper 70s and 80s.

How to prepare for spending time at the Oregon Coast during the heat wave

People should bring good footwear, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, trash bags and extra water when spending a day at the coast, according to Chris Havel, associate director of the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department.

“Take a minute to prepare before you go,” Havel said, “before you see the ocean and everything you planned to but didn’t do when you arrive just flies out of your head. That's the power of the ocean, to make you forget all your life cares of the day.”

Getting to and parking at the Oregon Coast

Visitors should leave early to beat the rush to the coast.

“We always prepare for an inundation of tourists this week,” Mayor McNeilly said about Rockaway Beach. “Fourth of July weekend is far and away the peak of the tourism season.”

The small town was set to host its annual Independence Day celebration — kicking off with a parade at 11 a.m. followed by dachshund racing in the 16th annual Firecracker Wiener Nationals, a children’s treasure hunt on the beach and fireworks at dusk.

Normal tourism numbers plus the exodus of inlanders heading to the coast to avoid the warm weather will likely cause abnormal traffic and difficulty finding a place to park. But that doesn't mean you can park anywhere.

“If the parking lot is full,” Havel said, “resist the urge to park alongside of roads, on the wrong side of the road or on the grass. It’s going to be tempting, once you see the cool Pacific Ocean in front of you, to immediately ditch the car, jump down onto the beach and spread out right there.”

Where to go and what to do at the Oregon Coast

There are 363 miles of Oregon Coast with plenty of nature to see, restaurants to eat at and Fourth of July festivities to attend this weekend.

Havel recommends avoiding the crowds and seeing possibly new places by heading south and perusing the Oregon Coast Visitor Association website for ideas.

“There are beaches that have good parking and access that maybe you haven't visited before,” he said. “As you work your way down the coast, you're going to find more and more places that have more room. So, if it's crowded, please do move along even if that adds a little more to your trip.”

Warnings and what to avoid at the Oregon Coast

No fireworks are allowed on the beach and visitors are asked to respect wildlife habitat.

“Reminder that fireworks are never allowed at anytime, anywhere on the beach,” Havel said. “It’s dry, even if it’s not hot. There’s plenty of beach grass and wood that could ruin everyone’s day if a fire breaks out.”

Some Oregon beaches are protected nesting grounds for tiny shorebirds called the western snowy plover from March until September. Prohibited activities include dogs, vehicles, kites, drones, camping and campfires. Signs are posted in protected areas and more information can be found at bit.ly/4cpzmcN

Elliott Deins is an outdoors journalism intern for the Statesman Journal. He can be reached at edeins@salem.gannett.com