About

Blacklock Point is a designated Marine Conservation Area

Marine Conservation Area regulatory restrictions vary by site. Blacklock Point is designated as such to educate, monitor, and apply ecosystem-based management to conserve the ecological structure of the rocky habitat species facing effects of changing climate.  

There are no changes to the existing statewide harvest regulations for fish, invertebrates, or plants.

Features

Key Resources

Relatively undisturbed rocky intertidal communities.  Harbor seals and California sea lions use rocky areas near the tip of Blacklock Point to haul out.  A portion of the upland is a pygmy pine forest and the area was used historically as a sandstone quarry.

Site Uses

Use of the area is relatively low due to the remote nature of the site and includes sightseeing, hiking on the adjacent Oregon Coast Trail, fishing from shore and some tidepooling.

Access

A 1.5 mile-long trail (one way) through forest from the Cape Blanco airport to the point then a climb down a steep slope to the intertidal area. The gravel trailhead parking area can be reached by turning off HWY 101 a few miles south of the small town of Denmark, across from Pacific High School. There is a small sign pointing to the airport, turn on Airport Road, and go past the cranberry bogs (total driving distance off 101 is approximately 3 miles). The road ends in a barrier for the Cape Blanco Airport. There is limited parking near the sign for Blacklock Point, or by following the small gravel road to a larger parking area. Follow the main trail and signs to Blacklock Point.  Trail access by way of the Boice-Cope County Park is also possible.

Management

Site Management

Floras Lake State Natural Area is an undeveloped OPRD property, which is part of Area 4 (Southwestern Oregon), and the Cape Blanco Management Unit.  Oregon Parks and Recreation Department manages the ocean shore recreation area. OPRD is developing a Trail Investment Plan to identify priority projects to improve the visitor experience and protect the special resources found in the Natural Area. Learn more about the Floras Lake Trail Investment Plan here.

Blacklock Point was designated as a Marine Conservation Area in 2024. The original site proposal can be found here:  Blacklock Point Marine Conservation Area Site Proposal, 2020.

Regulations

No special restrictions, follow statewide ODFW harvest rules.

Ownership

• Submerged and submersible (intertidal) lands: Department of State Lands;
• Offshore rocks above Mean High Water: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service;
• Upland above MHW and dry sands beach areas and uplands: Oregon Parks and Recreation Department.

Management Plan

Feedback Opportunity: Rocky Habitat Site Management Planning

The Oregon Coastal Management Program is Seeking Feedback on
Rocky Habitat Management Plans

OCMP facilitated a two-part public workshop series in 2024 and 2025 to help inform the development of area-based management plans.  OCMP has finished drafting the plans following the workshops in 2024 and 2025. The Plans, informed by coastal communities, will provide a framework to support activities within Marine Conservation Areas, Marine Research Areas, and Marine Gardens near Cannon Beach, Netarts, Depoe Bay, Newport, Coquille, and Port Orford.  

Public Comment Opportunity on the Site Management Plans: 

Read the Draft Plans:

• Ecola Point Marine Conservation Area Management Plan
• Chapman Point Marine Garden Management Plan
• Cape Lookout Marine Conservation Area Management Plan
• Fogarty Creek Marine Conservation Area Management Plan
• Cape Foulweather Complex Marine Conservation Area Management Plan
• Blacklock Point Marine Conservation Area Management Plan
• Cape Blanco Marine Research Area Management Plan

Your feedback is important. OCMP is especially interested in feedback on:

• Chapter 2: Site Management Strategies
• Appendix H: Recommended Implementation Actions Table

When commenting, please reference specific page numbers and section headers. You’re also welcome to suggest additional writing, graphics, images, or links that could enhance the Plan.

Email comments to: "This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it." with the title of the plan in the subject line.

Mail comments to: ATTN: Andy Lanier, OCMP-DLCD, 635 Capitol St. NE, Suite 150, Salem, OR 97301-2540.

Please reach out to Andy Lanier, the Marine Affairs Coordinator with any questions, comments, or to request more information, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..