Explore the Beach

• Manzanita Beach — Seven miles of sandy shoreline with views of Neahkahnie Mountain. Walk south for solitude, or north for a dramatic landscape. I highly recommend coming to the Oregon Coast in the off-season. The opportunity to have a 7-mile beach and the Pacific Ocean all to yourself can be surreal.

• Sunsets at Neahkahnie Viewpoint — Drive or hike up Highway 101 for iconic coastal sunsets. (Can get crowded)

• Hug Point State Recreation Site (my favorite). Make sure you go during low tide, so you can access the tide pools on the north end.

• Short Sands Beach (Oswald West State Park) — A flat-ish, forested ½ mile hike to the most popular surfing spot in the area.

• Nehalem Bay State Park — Ideal for beachcombing or kayaking along the bay. This destination does not get as much foot traffic as the other spots. If you are willing to put in some calories, you can find your own private beach area!

HIKES

• Neahkahnie Mountain Trail — Moderate 3-mile round-trip hike with panoramic coastal views. Good one for kids.

• Short Sands Beach (Oswald West State Park) — A flat-ish, forested ½ mile hike to the most popular surfing spot in the area.

• Cape Falcon Trail — A 5-mile out-and-back through rainforest ending at dramatic cliffs.

• Nehalem Bay State Park — Ideal for beach combing or kayaking along the bay. This destination does not get as much foot traffic as the other spots. If you are willing to put in some calories, you can find your own private beach area!

• Rockaway Big Tree Trailhead — A tranquil loop through ancient trees. Great for kids.

• Soapstone Lake Hike- Peaceful hike/walk through the woods, not a lot of pressure from tourists. Great for kids!

• Umbrella Falls & Fish Hatchery- Not really a hike, but a nice quick getaway. It is located at the North Nehalem Fish Hatchery, about 15 minutes away. It's about a ½ mile walk from the parking lot. I take the kids here to go fishing and to be outside. You will often see Coho in the river. Once at Umbrella Falls, head up the river, down downriver becomes private property. During large Coho returns it can get busy with anglers.