PORTLAND, Oregon — A significant new tourism initiative, projected to cost approximately $35 million, has formally entered the regulatory review process in Oregon. Oregon EcoVentures LLC submitted its detailed proposal on April 10, 2025, for the ambitious “Tillamook Coast SkyBridge Project.” This project envisions the construction of a high-level pedestrian walkway intended to provide unique access and panoramic views within the rugged coastal range near Tillamook, Oregon.
Spearheaded by project lead Dr. Elara Vance, the proposal describes a sustainable tourism development designed to offer visitors an elevated perspective of the natural landscape adjacent to the Tillamook State Forest. The pathway is planned to span a significant canyon, creating a distinctive visitor experience.
Project Vision and Design
The core concept behind the Tillamook Coast SkyBridge Project is the creation of a world-class pedestrian structure that integrates with the natural environment while minimizing ground-level impact. The proposal emphasizes a “high-level pedestrian walkway” design, suggesting an elevated structure likely supported by towers or anchors on either side of a substantial geological feature – specifically, a “significant canyon” located in the coastal range near the city of Tillamook. The aim is to provide “unique access and views” of the diverse forest and coastal ecosystems that characterize this part of Oregon.
Dr. Elara Vance, identified as the project lead, has guided the development of the proposal, which positions the SkyBridge as a model of “sustainable tourism development.” This classification implies an intent to design, construct, and operate the facility in a manner that respects the ecological sensitivity of the coastal environment and contributes positively to the local economy without detrimental long-term effects.
The precise length, height, and structural details of the proposed walkway are outlined in the formal submission to state authorities. However, the reported cost of $35 million indicates a structure of considerable scale and engineering complexity.
The Review Process Begins
Following the submission, the Oregon Department of Parks and Recreation (OPRD) has confirmed its receipt of the comprehensive plan for the Tillamook Coast SkyBridge Project. OPRD serves as a key regulatory body responsible for overseeing developments that could impact state lands, resources, and recreational areas.
The department stated that a thorough “environmental and feasibility review is underway.” This critical phase involves assessing the potential ecological impacts of construction and operation, including effects on local wildlife, habitats, water resources, and scenic integrity. The feasibility review will likely examine the engineering viability of the structure, the financial plan, operational logistics, and potential risks.
Such reviews are standard procedure for projects of this magnitude and location, particularly given its adjacency to the Tillamook State Forest and position within a sensitive coastal range ecosystem. The OPRD’s role is to ensure that any development aligns with state environmental regulations, land-use planning, and public interest.
Potential Impacts and Considerations
The proposed Tillamook Coast SkyBridge has the potential to significantly alter the tourism landscape of the northern Oregon Coast. A $35 million investment in a unique attraction could draw substantial numbers of visitors, providing an economic boost to Tillamook and surrounding communities through increased demand for lodging, dining, retail, and other services.
However, the proposal’s classification as “sustainable tourism development” highlights the inherent tension between promoting tourism growth and preserving the natural resources that attract visitors in the first place. The environmental review currently being conducted by OPRD will be crucial in determining whether the project can meet stringent environmental standards and avoid significant adverse impacts on the sensitive coastal range and the adjacent Tillamook State Forest.
Feasibility studies will also need to demonstrate the project’s long-term financial viability and operational safety. Community support and potential concerns from local residents, environmental groups, and other stakeholders are often significant factors in the approval process for large-scale developments. The upcoming public comment period is a key mechanism for gathering this broader feedback.
Next Steps
The OPRD’s review process is expected to proceed over the coming months. A significant milestone will be the opening of a “public comment period,” which the department stated is expected to commence in June 2025. This period will allow the public, interested parties, and organizations to review the submitted proposal and the initial findings of the environmental and feasibility reviews, and to provide formal feedback to the state.
The duration and specific procedures for the public comment period will be announced by OPRD. Public input is a vital component of the regulatory process for projects with potential widespread impact. Following the closure of the comment period, OPRD will consolidate and consider the feedback as it finalizes its assessment and makes a determination regarding the project’s permits and approvals.
The submission of the proposal marks the formal beginning of a potentially multi-year process involving detailed reviews, public consultation, and significant investment decisions that could redefine tourism access to a unique part of the Tillamook Coast.
