The state parks of Oregon are lovely and biologically various. You possibly can discover 12,000-foot peaks, temperate rainforests, high-elevation deserts, and pristine seashores all inside the span of some hundred miles.
Due to this, it’s possible you’ll be tempted to deliver your drone with you in your subsequent journey.


Are you able to fly a drone in Oregon State Parks?
At present, there are not any statewide guidelines relating to drone operations in Oregon State Parks. As a substitute, every state park has the authority to permit, prohibit, or prohibit drone utilization.
Smith Rock State Park, as an illustration, welcomes drone pilots from August 2 to January 14. In the meantime, Champoeg State Heritage Space prohibits drone utilization year-round.
Learn on to study extra about Oregon State Park drone guidelines.
Federal drone legal guidelines in Oregon State Parks
Maybe you need to seize seaside views at Fogarty Creek State Recreation Space. Or, possibly you need to report a shocking sundown at Ecola State Park.
Both manner, you’ll need to concentrate on federal drone legal guidelines.
Enforced by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), these guidelines apply to all leisure UAV pilots in america.
The 2 largest guidelines to recollect are that you need to:
- Take the examination: The FAA requires that every one UAV hobbyists take and cross The Leisure UAS Security Take a look at (TRUST)[1]. It’s essential to additionally carry proof of passing always when flying.
- Register your drone: In case your drone weighs greater than 0.55 kilos, you need to register your drone with the FAA[2]. You also needs to bear in mind to hold your registration paperwork when flying.
Different security pointers to observe:
- Maintain your drone inside your visible line of sight
- Keep away from different plane
- Fly at or beneath 400 toes
- Solely fly throughout good climate
- Keep away from flying over crowds
State drone legal guidelines in Oregon State Parks
Earlier than you fly above the high-elevation deserts and temperate rainforests of Oregon, you should familiarize your self with the state drone legal guidelines.
We talk about these guidelines in larger element in our overview of Oregon state drone laws.
» MORE: Drone Laws in Oregon
Nevertheless, we’ve distilled the important thing factors right here.
- Don’t use your drone as a weapon. In line with HB 4066, you would face a misdemeanor in case you try to make use of your unmanned plane to fireside bullets, drop objects, or in any other case trigger hurt to people. This invoice additionally discusses repercussions for utilizing a drone to hazard plane or invade others’ privateness.
- Keep away from non-public property. Until you need to face harassment fees, don’t fly over non-public property.
- Pay your payment. As famous in SB 5702, registering a public drone comes at a price.
Drones are additionally prohibited in Oregon Metro Parks and Portland parks.
Are you able to fly a drone in Oregon State Parks?
If you wish to seize footage of old-growth forests or cliffside seashores, the state parks of Oregon are in all probability calling your title.
However is it authorized to fly a drone in these public areas?
Sure and no. In recent times, there was important debate over whether or not to formally permit or outlaw drones in Oregon State Parks.
Nevertheless, as of this writing, there are not any statewide guidelines relating to drone operations in Oregon State Parks.
As a substitute, particular person parks have the leeway to “undertake non permanent guidelines that shield delicate crops and animals in addition to private and non-private property, and permit managers to clean over conflicts between guests.”
Beneath, we’ve listed the Oregon State Parks with identified drone guidelines.
In the event you’re uncertain of a park’s particular restrictions, ask a uniformed park ranger, name 1-800-551-6949 and ask to be linked to the closest state park workplace, or ship an electronic mail forward of time to [email protected].
Bandon State Pure Space
To guard wildlife, particularly nesting birds, drones are prohibited at Bandon State Pure Space.
Bullards Seaside State Park
Business and leisure drones are prohibited at Bullards Seaside State Park.
Cape Arago State Park
You can not legally fly a drone at Cape Arago State Park.
Champoeg State Heritage Space
Drones should not allowed wherever inside the boundaries of the Champoeg State Heritage Space.
Face Rock State Scenic Viewpoint
Drones are prohibited at Face Rock State Scenic Viewpoint.
L.L. Stub Stewart State Park
You could fly your drone on the Hilltop Day Use Space inside L.L. Stub Stewart State Park. Nevertheless, all different areas are prohibited.
Nehalem Bay State Park
To guard nesting shorebirds, drones should not allowed at Nehalem Bay State Park.
Seven Devils State Recreation Website
UAV pilots can’t fly at Seven Devils State Recreation Website.
Shore Acres State Park
To keep away from disturbing nesting shorebirds, drones should not allowed at Shore Acres State Park.
Silver Falls State Park
You could fly your drone on the South Viewpoint and the North Falls Group Camp and Day Use Space. Nevertheless, all different areas of Silver Falls State Park are off-limits.
Smith Rock State Park
Drones are prohibited from January 15 to August 1 to guard nesting golden eagles and falcons.
Sundown Bay State Park
Drones are prohibited at Sundown Bay State Park.
Different suggestions for flying a drone in Oregon State Parks
Park rangers encourage UAV pilots to make use of “widespread sense” when flying in Oregon State Parks. This implies:
- Keep away from flying close to folks, visitors, and historic constructions
- Share overviews and vistas with different guests
- Respect folks and wildlife
Additionally, it’s price noting that if a park ranger asks you to relocate or cease flying, it is best to cooperate.
Although the state parks of Oregon afford jaw-dropping views of mountains, seashores, and deserts, most should not very welcoming of UAV pilots. Due to this, it’s essential that you just perceive the most recent drone guidelines.
When unsure, all the time ask earlier than you fly. A uniformed park ranger can reply any questions you might have relating to drone legal guidelines.
You can too name 1-800-551-6949 or electronic mail [email protected].
Peltier has fairly the expertise, making him certified to show about images and drones in separate programs. He was part of the U.S. Air Power as an F-15E flight teacher for a decade.
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References:
1. The Leisure UAS Security Take a look at (link)
2. Register your drone with the FAA (link)