Metal Detecting
Where can I metal detect in Oregon?
Areas without a permit:
Metal detecting without a permit is allowed in specific areas of Oregon State Parks and the ocean shores. The list below identifies those sites. The list may change and we encourage you to check this webpage before you head out.
Areas with a permit:
Areas not included on the list may be open to metal detecting with an approved permit. Please contact the park staff to discuss the area and obtain a permit if metal detecting is allowed. Some parks are unstaffed, so to locate the closest park office to the park you’re interested in, call 1-800-551-6949, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Oregon Administrative Rules for Metal Detecting:
OAR 736-010 -0040 Visitor Conduct (8) (d) and (11)
- The use of metal detectors without a permit is allowed only in areas designated in the list below.
- All federal and state antiquity laws must be obeyed.
- Shipwrecks are protected archaeological sites.ORS 358.920
- If you find an item of possible historic or cultural significance, leave the item where you found it. Please contact park staff.
- The probing and digging for items is limited to the use of an ice pick, screwdriver or small knife. The use of larger digging tools is prohibited.
- All turf, dirt, etc. must be left in the original condition after digging.
- All articles found in state parks having a value of over $250 must be turned over to the Park Manager.
- The cutting of vegetation and driving of motor vehicles to the digging site is prohibited.
Coast Sites
Detecting Allowed Without a Permit:
Note: Shipwrecks are protected archaeological sites. ORS 358.920
| Location | Description |
| North Coast | |
| Ocean Shores – excluding Fort Stevens SP | Beach area from the vegetation line seaward — wet sand, open sandy areas. No digging allowed in cliffs. |
| Mid-Coast | |
| Ocean Shores | Beach area from the vegetation line seaward — wet sand, open sandy areas. No digging allowed in cliffs. |
| Munson Creek Falls SNS | Mowed lawn areas and developed picnic sites only |
| Neskowin Beach SRS | Mowed lawn areas and developed picnic sites only |
| Gleneden Beach SRS | Mowed lawn areas and developed picnic sites only |
| Ellmaker Wayside | Mowed lawn areas and developed picnic sites only |
| Agate Beach SRS | Mowed lawn areas and developed picnic sites only |
| WB Nelson SRS | Mowed lawn areas and developed picnic sites only |
| Driftwood Beach SRS | Mowed lawn areas and developed picnic sites only |
| Gov. Patterson Memorial SRS | Mowed lawn areas and developed picnic sites only |
| Central Coast | |
| Ocean Shores | Beach area from the vegetation line seaward– wet sand, open sandy areas. No digging allowed in cliffs. |
| Siltcoos ATV | All developed areas |
| North Jetty | All developed areas |
| Elk Creek Tunnel | All developed areas |
| South Coast | |
| Ocean Shores – excluding Sunset Bay SP, Cape Arago SP, Seven Devils SRS, Arizona Beach SRS, Pistol River SSV, Harris Beach SP | Beach area from the vegetation line seaward– wet sand, open sandy areas. No digging allowed in cliffs. |
| Sunset Bay SP | Upland area within closed camping loops |
| Golden & Silver Falls SNA | Parking lot, picnic area, and trail surfaces |
| Face Rock SSV | All developed areas |
| Albert Powers | All developed areas |
| Hoffman Memorial Wayside | All developed areas |
| Paradise Point SRS | All developed areas |
| Otter Point SRS | All developed areas |
| McVay Rock SRS | All developed areas |
| Winchuck SRS | All developed areas |
Portland Area Sites
Detecting Allowed Without a Permit:
| Location | Description |
| Milo McIver SP Riverbend Day-Use Area | Disc golf course and day-use shelters when not in use or occupied |
| Milo McIver SP Viewpoint | Developed area only |
| Coalca Landing Greenway | Developed area only |
| Wapato Access | Developed area only |
| Bonnie Lure SRA | Developed area only |
Willamette Valley Sites
Detecting Allowed Without a Permit:
| Location | Description |
| Bald Peak SSV | Developed picnic sites and parking lot area |
| Jasper SRS | Developed areas. Forested area east of shelters 1, 2, & 3 and east of the paved parking lot in that same area prohibited. Anything west of Shelter #4 near the park entrance is also prohibited. |
| State Capitol SP | The area that lies between Court St on the south, Center St on the north and between E. Summer St and W. Summer St. East and West Summer Streets are the travel lanes on the mall that flank the State Office buildings. The Willson Park area west of the Capitol and the Capitol Park area east of the Capitol are closed to metal detecting. |
Central Oregon Sites
Detecting Allowed Without a Permit:
| Location | Description |
| North Central | |
| The Cove Palisades SP-Crooked River Day Use | Developed day-use areas (turf, swim-beach areas only) |
| The Cove Palisades SP-Upper Deschutes Day Use | Developed day-use areas (turf, swim-beach areas only) |
| The Cove Palisades SP-Lower Deschutes Day Use | Developed day-use areas (turf, swim-beach areas only) |
| Peter Skene Ogden State Scenic Viewpoint | Turf-area only |
| Smith Rock SP | Main day-use area – turf area only |
| Dyer State Wayside | Day-use area – turf area only |
| High Desert | |
| Cline Falls SSV | Developed areas |
| Pilot Butte SSV | Green space and old gravel pit area nort of the green space that is on the east side of the park |
| LaPine SP | Developed areas of camp loops excep fort occupied campsites |
Eastern Oregon Sites
Detecting Allowed Without a Permit:
| Location | Description |
| North East | |
| Wallowa Lake SP | Vacant campsites Oct. 1-April 30 and by registered campers only |
| South East | |
| Clyde Holliday | Developed day-use area |