Florence and Siuslaw Coast Anchor Western Lane County Economy

Florence and the Siuslaw coast are central to western Lane County economic life, drawing visitors for recreation while supporting local fishing, retail, and hospitality businesses. Key attractions include the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area south of Florence, Heceta Head Lighthouse and Lighthouse State Scenic Viewpoint, and the Siuslaw River waterfront and historic Old Town Florence. Those resources produce steady visitor flows in summer and on holiday weekends, with quieter conditions and strong storm watching opportunities in winter.

Recreation at the Oregon Dunes ranges from hiking and sandboarding to off highway vehicle riding, with permits required and specific designated areas for OHV use. Visitors are advised to check trail conditions and dune use regulations before arrival because conditions change with weather and tides. Heceta Head offers an interpretive trail and ocean overlooks, but parking is limited on busy days and most visitors face a short walk from available stalls. The historic lightkeeper residence houses a bed and breakfast which operates on a seasonal schedule, and guests should confirm hours of operation ahead of travel.

Old Town Florence and the Siuslaw River waterfront support marinas, seafood restaurants, galleries, the Siuslaw Pioneer Museum, and a range of small retailers. The waterfront remains active with crabbing, charter fishing, and commercial fishing activity that underpin local incomes and supplier networks. Small businesses along Highway 101 and in Old Town are focal points for local employment and the tourism economy, with many offering locally sourced seafood, crafts, and recreational rentals that keep visitor spending in the community.

Local healthcare capacity centers on PeaceHealth Peace Harbor Medical Center in Florence, which provides emergency and inpatient services to the coastal community. For specialized care residents commonly travel to Eugene. That mix of local acute care and regional referrals is a practical reality for families and business operators who rely on year round services.

Practical advice for residents and visitors includes packing layers for rapid coastal weather changes, respecting posted beach and tide warnings, reserving lodging early for holiday weekends, and verifying business hours in winter months. For community leaders and policymakers, sustaining infrastructure for parking, trail maintenance, and hospital services will remain important to preserve the economic and social value these coastal assets deliver to western Lane County.