Hobbies And Interests
Compliance of Federal and State Laws
People must comply with federal and state antiquity laws that protect historic and prehistoric sites from destruction when operating metal detectors on Oregon beaches.
Authority Notification
When an object of historical or cultural significance is located, park staff or state authorities must be notified and the object must not be removed. Objects uncovered with a value of $100 or more must be turned in to authorities or a park manager.
Conditions for Digging
Shovels and other digging equipment can’t be used on beaches to uncover objects only ice picks, small knives or screwdrivers. You also can’t drive a motor vehicle to a digging site. In addition, the sand must be returned to its original form after digging is finished.
Digging without a Permit
Certain parks and coastal areas, including beaches, permit the use of metal detectors without a permit. As of 2010, the state allows metal detecting along the state’s north coast, mid-coast and central coast beaches as well as some beaches in the south coast without a permit. Metal detecting is permitted from the vegetation line to the water line.
Digging with a Permit
Individuals must obtain a permit for certain beaches along the south coast of Oregon. As of 2010, those beaches include Sunset Bay, Shore Acres, Cape Arago, Seven Devils, Brandon, Arizona Beach, Pistol River and Harris Beach. Individuals wishing to use a metal detector on these beaches must obtain a permit from a park or the park closest to the beach. In addition, an individual can get a permit from the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department.