Windy Cove Crab and Fishing Dock in Douglas County Temporarily Closed for Repairs

6/2/2024

Douglas County, OR. – Official Release: The Douglas County Parks Department would like to provide an update on the temporary closure of the Windy Cove Crab and Fishing Dock, located at 936 Salmon Harbor Drive in Winchester Bay, Oregon. The dock was closed on February 1, 2024, due to structural damage caused by a large log that got entangled in the pilings during a high-water event in January.

The dock was determined to be structurally unsafe and a public safety hazard by professional engineers hired to do the initial damage assessment. Allowing public access to the dock under these conditions would pose unacceptable safety risks to the public and liability risks for the County, prompting the Parks Department to close it. Douglas County is committed to reopening the Windy Cove Crab and Fishing Dock as soon as possible.

The Parks Department has applied for an emergency “in-water” permit from the Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) that is required to make the necessary repairs. The ACOE has indicated that this is a straightforward repair and is committed to issuing a permit promptly after the required 60-day review period, provided that other regulatory agencies it needs to consult with have no concerns. This timeline is a best-case scenario and is subject to change due to any delays the regulatory agencies may incur completing their respective permit reviews.

An engineering firm has been hired to develop engineered plans for the necessary repairs, with plans expected to be completed in the coming weeks. As soon as the permit is issued, the project will then be put out for bid with a goal of completing the necessary repairs sometime this summer. The current cost estimate to repair the dock is $200,000.

We understand that the Windy Cove Crab and Fishing Dock is a favorite spot for both locals and visitors. During the closure, we recommend Dock 9 near the west boat launch in Salmon Harbor for crabbing without a boat. Additionally, some fishermen have reported success using fishing pole crab traps from the jetties and riverbanks.

Public safety remains our top priority. The Windy Cove Crab and Fishing Dock will remain closed until repairs are completed and the dock is deemed safe. The surrounding parking lot, day-use area, and beach access at Windy Cove County Park remain open. We ask for the community’s cooperation in respecting the closure and staying off the dock until it is officially reopened.

We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work as quickly and diligently as we can to restore the Windy Cove Crab and Fishing Dock to maintain the recreational opportunities you have come to expect in our parks. Updates will be released monthly until repairs are finalized and a public notice will be issued once the dock is safe and ready for use again.

https://douglascountyor.gov/802/Parks