Free Fishing

Get outdoors with friends and family and enjoy free fishing, crabbing and clamming on Friday and Saturday, November 28 and 29. Statewide free fishing days are a great chance to take someone new fishing and celebrate Oregon’s natural resources.

No fishing or shellfish licenses or tags (Including the Combined Angling Tag, Columbia River Basin Endorsement or Two-Rod Validation) are required on those two days. All other fishing regulations apply including closures, bag limits and size restrictions. Both Oregon residents and non-residents can fish for free.

Crabbing is open in bays, beaches, estuaries, tide pools, piers and jetties. Ocean crabbing is closed every year from Cape Blanco to the Washington border from Oct. 16 to Nov. 30.

As of mid-November, razor clamming is open from the WA border to Cape Blanco and closed from Cape Blanco to the CA border. Bay clams and mussels are open from the WA border to the CA border. Closures may change by Thanksgiving Weekend so check before you go.

Tree Permits

Christmas tree permits are available at Ranger Stations, local businesses and online through Recreation.gov. Permits are $5 per Christmas tree and each family can cut up to five trees. Information about designated cutting areas, dates, and types of trees that may be cut is included with the permit.

To purchase a Christmas tree permit online, visit Recreation.gov and search for Willamette National Forest Christmas Tree Permits. Visitors will also need to set up or log in to a Recreation.gov account to complete the transaction.

Fourth graders with an Every Kid Outdoors pass are eligible for a free Christmas tree permit and can apply by entering the pass or voucher number when purchasing a permit (note: a $2.50 service fee will be applied online).

To purchase a Christmas tree permit in-person, please call the McKenzie River Ranger Station at 541-822-3381 for their hours as well as a list of local businesses that are offering them.

Bridge Lighting

Upriver’s Holiday Bridge Lighting Celebration will be held from 4:30 to 6 pm on Sat Dec 6th at the Upper McKenzie Community Center, 54745 McKenzie River Drive in Rainbow. The annual event includes a lighted raft parade float down the McKenzie past the Belknap Bridge float by on the river, featuring Santa Claus and a variety of displays.

People are invited to join their family and friends in holiday carols while the historic Belknap Bridge is illuminated for the holiday season.

Then join us at the Upper McKenzie Community Center for hot cocoa, hot cider, festive treats, and a chance to meet Santa in person! (Once he is done rafting, of course) We’ll have kid’s activities too!

There will also be a Holiday Treat Potluck so bring some holiday cookies or treats to share.