The central Oregon Coast was created for outdoor recreation. Walking on the public owned beaches may be one person’s outdoor recreation experience while someone else is surfing at many of our great surfing areas where the break can be outstanding. Hikers can go to the Pacific Coast trail or explore trails located at Cape Perpetua or the numerous maintained USFS and Oregon State Parks trails. Anglers have the options of surf, deep sea, freshwater lake and river fishing. Fresh water and sea kayaking is popular as well as biking. Beachcombing including exploring tide pools is a classic outdoor Pacific Coast activity. Whale watching is a serious outdoor pursuit almost any time of the year. Beside the exercise that comes with outdoor recreation, vitamin D intake, and views of masterpiece landscapes the effort provides activities that will be remembered long after the vacation is over.
Beachcombing
With miles and miles of open, public beaches, the Central Oregon Coast provides excellent beachcombing opportunities especially after our winter storms and during the seasons with the highest tides. Floats to agates, driftwood to shells, your souvenir collection will expand after every walk on the beach.
Biking
Bicycling The Central Oregon Coast has long been a destination for cyclists from all over the world, making their way up or down the coast along Highway 101. Trips from the cities in the Willamette Valley are also popular and may be done overnight. The Oregon Department of Transportation publishes…
Birding
The Central Oregon Coast is home to more than 300 species of birds, ranging from bald eagles and peregrin falcon to numerous songbirds to more than 13 species of seabirds that include tufted puffin, common murre,and rhinoceros auklet. Habitats include tidal estuaries, island, rivers and and streams, fields and pastures,…
Clamming on the Oregon Coast
ClammingClam diggings is one of Oregon’s most popular outdoor activities. It is a family activity that can be enjoyed by all ages. All you need are adequate boots and clothing, a bucket, a clam shovel or rake, a shellfish license, and a copy of the current Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations.…
Crabbing on the Coast
The Oregon coast provides many opportunities for sport crabbing. Crabbing is a year-round activity that can be enjoyed by all members of the family and almost always yields a successful trip.Crabbing requires minimal gear, which is often available for rent in most coastal towns. While crabbing from a boat increases…
Fishing
Comes in two sizes — Ocean and FreshwaterThe Central Oregon Coast is well known for the commercial and charter fishing fleets at Newport and Depoe Bay. Deep-sea salmon and halibut fishing have always been king on the coast, but conservation-restricted seasons have shifted the focus to bottom fishing (sea trout,…
Golfing
There are five golf courses in the county, offering sports challenges to all levels of play. Golfing is another year-round activity on the Central Oregon Coast, particularly for those who appreciate the winter rains. Golf courses are located in Lincoln City, Gleneden Beach, Waldport, Toledo and Newport.
Kite Flying
With its location halfway between the Equator and the North Pole, Lincoln County has ideal weather for flying kites. The wind here keeps kites flying until the owner brings them in for the day. Pick your spot and start flying your kite.Forgot to bring your favorite kite? There are several…
Oregon Coast Birding Trail
The Oregon Coast Birding Trail is a self-guided driving itinerary highlighting the premier locations for observing birds along the entire Oregon coast and into Northern California. Of the 173 birding hotspots detailed in the Birding Trail Guide, 46 are in Lincoln County. Guides are available at visitor centers, through COCA…
Surfing
The high winds along the coast make it a very good area for wind, wave surfers and body boarders. While the Columbia River Gorge is Oregon’s best-known windsurfing spot, the Central Oregon Coast is rising as an alternative destination, especially for the beginner and intermediate board enthusiast. Winter weather tends…
Tide Pools
Finally a planned trip to the Pacific coast arrives with the crashing waves, salty air, sandy beaches, spectacular rocky shorelines and warm sunshine. After settling into overnight accommodations and walking on the beach what else is there to do? There are always gift shops and even outlet stores. Tide pools…
Whale Watching and Ocean Excursions
Another popular coastal activity are year-round whale watching trips, catching a site of the hundreds of whales and other marine wildlife making their home here. March through October are the peak whale watching months and charter companies offer affordable rates. The “Whale-watching Spoken Here” program (March, December) provides volunteers at…
Wind, Waves and The Long, Winding Road of the Central Oregon Coast
Colorful kites and wind socks welcome you back to the ocean and the resort town of Lincoln City. With sprawling Devil’s Lake on the north side and Siletz Bay to the south, it’s virtually surrounded by water, wildlife and recreation.Farther south, Depoe Bay is the site of the world’s smallest…
