Copyright: Zander Higbie-Interactive Outdoors, Inc.
Ecola State Park, Indian Beach
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Description - Oregon's Coast offers miles of beach and dune which are all open to the public. Outstanding scenery, mild temperatures and numerous recreation opportunities make the coast one of the most popular regions in the state. The terrain varies from huge monoliths standing off the coast, to long, wide-open stretches of sand, trimmed by wind-carved spruce and fir trees. The spectacular North Coast is easily accessible from the Portland area.
Attractions
- State Parks, beaches and Waysides line the coast from north to south. A particularly scenic stretch of coastline with a cluster of State Parks and State Recreation Sites lies between Seaside and Nehalem Bay. Ecola State Park and Oswald West State Park are two of the larger parks along this stretch. Fort Stevens State Park, Nehalem Bay State Park, Oswald West State Park and Saddle Mountain State Natural Area all offer camping in this region. The Officer's Inn Bed and Breakfast is located right next to Fort Stevens State Park. The 8,000 square foot inn was built in 1905 and once housed the Army Officers of the Fort. Fort Clatsop National Memorial is located near the mouth of the Columbia River. This is the site where, having reached the Pacific Ocean, the Lewis and Clark Expedition camped during the winter of 1805-06.
Recreation - This beautiful area offers excellent outdoor recreation opportunities. Gray whales migrate along the shores of the Oregon coast from December through April, although there is often a pod that stays off shore year round. There are dozens of whale watching viewpoints off the Oregon Coast as well as whale watching tours by charter boat. World-class salmon, steelhead and sturgeon fishing may be found on the rivers flowing into the Pacific Ocean. Other popular recreation activities include hiking and walking on the beaches, hiking in the adjacent mountains, viewing the scenery and wildlife, bird-watching, camping, picnicking, swimming and surfing. Climate - The Oregon coast receives abundant rainfall, mostly between October and April. July and August bring the best chance for clear days. Summer temperatures are normally moderate and almost never hot. Winter temperatures are normally cool at the lower elevations and cold at the higher elevations. Although snow is possible in the lowest elevations, it is infrequent and does not stay on the ground for long. Location -
The North Coast stretches from the Washington border south to Tillamook Bay. It includes the towns of Warrenton, Seaside, Cannon Beach and numerous other smaller communities. The primary access is by U.S. Highway 101 which runs along the coast. U.S. Highway 26 provides the most direct access from the Portland area.
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