Beaches in Oregon

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Oregon Day Trips

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Why is the Oregon Coast famous?
- The Oregon Coast is home to some of the most fantastic views in the United States.
What natural features make the Oregon Coast special?
- From rolling sand dunes to towering sea stacks, the Oregon coastline continually captures the imagination of both locals and visitors.
How much of Oregon’s coastline is made up of sandy beaches?
- Approximately 235 miles of the Oregon Coast consists of beautiful sandy beaches.
What are some of the most popular beaches on the Oregon Coast?
- Some of the most well-known beaches along the coast include:
- Cannon Beach
- Clatsop Spit
- Harris Beach State Park
- Oceanside
- Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area
- And many more!

Best Time to Visit Beaches in Oregon

June to September – Sunniest months with pleasant temps, great for beachcombing and coastal hikes.
July & August – Peak season with lively beach towns and perfect conditions for tide pooling and picnics.
May & October – Milder weather and fewer crowds, ideal for relaxed visits and scenic views.
November to April – Cool and stormy, perfect for dramatic ocean watching and cozy getaways.
Late June – A lovely time for exploring before the full summer rush sets in.

⮕ Cannon Beach

Photograph Haystack Rock and stroll the shore on a romantic spring evening.

Cannon Beach

What is Cannon Beach known for?
- Cannon Beach is home to Haystack Rock, one of Oregon's most well-known landmarks.
How tall is Haystack Rock?
- The monolith stands about 235 feet back from the shoreline of Cannon Beach.
Can visitors get close to Haystack Rock?
- Yes, at low tide, visitors can get a close look at the impressive rock tower.
What marine life can be found at Haystack Rock?
- Colorful sea stars, crabs, and anemones cling to the base of the rock.
Are there birds at Haystack Rock?
- Yes, puffins perch on the landmark from early spring to mid-summer.
Is Haystack Rock protected?
- Yes, the famous rock is protected as part of the Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge area.
Can visitors admire Haystack Rock year-round?
- Yes, Haystack Rock and other nearby attractions can be admired year-round.

⮕ Cape Perpetua Scenic Area

Hike forested headlands and watch waves crash during a fall trip.

Cape Perpetua Scenic Area

What is the Cape Perpetua Scenic Area?
- The Cape Perpetua Scenic Area is a stunning natural area located three miles from Yachats, Oregon, known for its captivating views of the Pacific Ocean, miles of headlands, and majestic forests.
What can visitors see at Cape Perpetua?
- Visitors can admire sweeping ocean views, explore the miles of Oregon coastline, and enjoy the tranquil forest surroundings.
What is the Cape Perpetua Visitor Center?
- The Cape Perpetua Visitor Center is an educational facility equipped with a wraparound observation deck that provides breathtaking views.
When is the visitor center open?
- The visitor center is open most days of the year, allowing visitors to enjoy the scenic area year-round.
Are guided tours available?
- Yes, during the summer months, the center is staffed with guides who lead interpretive programs and short tours for visitors.
Does the visitor center have a bookstore?
- Yes, guests can purchase souvenirs and guidebooks at the onsite bookstore throughout the year.

⮕ Carl G. Washburne Memorial State Park

Walk coastal trails and camp near the beach with family.

Carl G. Washburne Memorial State Park

What is Carl G. Washburne Memorial State Park?
- Carl G. Washburne Memorial State Park is located on the east side of Highway 101 and offers tent and RV camping in a secluded natural setting.
How is the park separated from the highway?
- The park is separated from the highway by dense plants and trees, providing a peaceful camping environment.
What types of camping accommodations are available?
- The park offers tent and RV campsites, as well as two yurts.
Are reservations required for campsites?
- No, all campsites (except for the two yurts) are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
What amenities does the campsite provide?
- The campsite has showers, flushing toilets, and other useful amenities for campers.
Are there hiking trails at the park?
- Yes, campers can follow walking paths in Washburne Park to reach Heceta Head Lighthouse and the surrounding remote beach.
What activities can visitors enjoy at the beach?
- The five-mile-long beach is perfect for whale watching, beachcombing, and picnicking.

⮕ Clatsop Spit

Explore wide beaches and watch wildlife on a quiet winter day.

Clatsop Spit

What is Clatsop Spit?
- Clatsop Spit is an 18-mile stretch of beach that is a popular destination for clam diggers.
What makes Clatsop Spit a great location for clamming?
- The beach is home to thousands of razor clams, which vary in size and shape depending on their location on the spit.
Are there any local clamming events?
- Yes, local clamming enthusiasts hold clam digs and clinics throughout the year.
Is there a hiking trail at Clatsop Spit?
- Yes, Clatsop Spit features a 4.6-mile loop hike that is suitable for hikers of all ages.
What wildlife can be spotted along the trail?
- Hikers may see brown pelicans, Caspian terns, double-crested cormorants, and other types of fowl.
What historical site can be found at Point Adams?
- At Point Adams, hikers can visit the area where Lewis and Clark camped with the Corps of Discovery in the early 1800s.

⮕ Cobble Beach, Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area

Search tide pools and view the lighthouse on a quick outing.

Cobble Beach, Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area

What is the Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area?
- The Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area is a stunning stretch of Oregon coastline featuring a majestic basalt headland.
What historic structure is located at Yaquina Head?
- Oregon’s tallest lighthouse, which has been guiding ships to safety since the late 1870s, sits atop the rugged cliff.
What is Cobble Beach?
- Cobble Beach is located below the headland and is known for its tide pools filled with sea creatures and millions of interesting basalt rocks.
What wildlife can visitors see at Yaquina Head?
- Offshore islands provide a home for thousands of nesting sea birds and harbor seals.
Can visitors see whales at Yaquina Head?
- Yes, migrating gray whales can be spotted from Cobble Beach at different times of the year.

⮕ D-River Wayside

Watch the world’s shortest river and enjoy a cheap beach picnic.

D-River Wayside

What is the D River known for?
- The D River is famous for being the shortest river in the world, measuring just 120 feet long. It runs from Devils Lake into the Pacific Ocean.
What activities can visitors enjoy at the D River Wayside?
- Surrounded by a wide, sandy beach, the D River Wayside is a popular area for fishing, swimming, beachcombing, and picnicking.
Are there any festivals held at the D River beach?
- Yes, the beach frequently hosts numerous festivals, including the world's two largest kite festivals, which take place in June and October.
What is the Finders Keepers search?
- The Finders Keepers search is a popular event where people leave handmade glass floats along 7.5 miles of the D River beach for others to find.
Is the D River beach open year-round?
- Yes, the beach is open to visitors year-round.

⮕ Harris Beach State Park

Go tidepooling and hike dramatic sea stacks during a summer getaway.

Harris Beach State Park

What is Harris Beach State Park?
- Harris Beach State Park is named after Scottish pioneer George Harris and is home to Bird Island, the largest island off the Oregon coast.
What is Bird Island?
- Bird Island is a National Wildlife Sanctuary and serves as a breeding ground for various coastal fowl.
What camping options are available at Harris Beach State Park?
- The park offers plenty of space for tent and RV camping, along with six yurts on-site.
What amenities does the park provide?
- Harris Beach State Park features flushing toilets, hot water showers, and an RV dump station.
When is the best time to visit Harris Beach State Park?
- The park attracts visitors year-round. Travelers visit in the winter to see dramatic coastal storms, in the summer for warm, dry days, in the spring for teeming wildlife, and in the fall for incredible sunsets.

⮕ Heceta Head Lighthouse State Scenic Viewpoint

Tour the historic lighthouse and picnic with kids near the cliffside.

Heceta Head Lighthouse State Scenic Viewpoint

What is the Heceta Head Lighthouse State Scenic Viewpoint?
- The Heceta Head Lighthouse State Scenic Viewpoint is located at the mouth of Cape Creek and offers stunning ocean views and hiking opportunities.
How is the viewpoint connected to the Heceta Head Lighthouse?
- The viewpoint is connected to the Heceta Head Lighthouse by a short walking path, which is part of a 7-mile-long trail network in the Heceta Head area.
What wildlife can visitors see along the trails?
- Along the trails, visitors can see stunning ocean views and spot cormorants, gulls, and other seabirds nesting on offshore islands.
Why is the Heceta Head Lighthouse famous?
- The lighthouse sits atop the 1,000-foot-tall Heceta Head and is one of the most photographed spots on the Oregon Coast.
Is lodging available near the lighthouse?
- Yes, the nearby keeper's house is available to rent for overnight stays as well as special events.

⮕ Horsfall Beach

Ride sand dunes and walk the quiet shore during a spring adventure.

Horsfall Beach

What is Horsfall Beach?
- Horsfall Beach is a white-sand beach located within the Oregon National Recreation Area, featuring 47 miles of rolling dunes and scenic wetland areas.
What activities can visitors enjoy at Horsfall Beach?
- Popular activities include surf fishing, off-road vehicle riding, horseback riding, and hiking.
Can visitors camp at Horsfall Beach?
- Yes, visitors can camp overnight at the designated campground located two miles from Coos Bay.
What unique sights can be seen during the winter?
- During the winter months, storms can uncover ancient shipwrecks that have remained untouched on the coast for years.
What makes Horsfall Beach a great summer destination?
- In the summer, Horsfall Beach is perfect for sunbathing, beachcombing, and swimming.
How can visitors access Horsfall Beach?
- Horsfall Beach is easily accessible from U.S. 101 North.

⮕ Lincoln City Beach

Fly colorful kites and explore shops on a weekend retreat.

Lincoln City Beach

What is Lincoln City?
- Lincoln City is a popular destination for adventure seekers and families, offering a mix of city attractions and outdoor activities.
What outdoor attractions does Lincoln City offer?
- The city features a pristine 685-acre beach, a protected bay, and plenty of areas for hiking, wildlife viewing, and outdoor sports.
What activities are popular at the beach?
- The beach is especially popular among surfers and crabbers.
Where can visitors enjoy birdwatching and boating?
- Devils Lake and Siletz Bay attract birdwatchers and boaters.
What sports and activities can visitors enjoy?
- Popular activities include golf, skating, kayaking, paddleboarding, and other water and land sports.
What nearby attractions can visitors explore?
- The Tillamook Cheese Factory, the Oregon Coast Aquarium, and several other attractions are just a short drive from Lincoln City.
Where can I watch a video about Lincoln City?
- You can watch a video about Lincoln City here.