Nehalem Bay

Yes, Nehalem Bay State Park and its beaches are generally dog-friendly. Dogs must be kept on a leash no longer than six feet and under control at all times. Please remember to clean up after your pet to help keep the park enjoyable for everyone.

Parking is readily available within Nehalem Bay State Park. There is a day-use fee required for parking, which can typically be paid at a self-service station or through an Oregon State Parks pass. The main parking areas are located near the beach access points and the campground.

Nehalem Bay offers a wide range of family-friendly activities. Children and adults can enjoy beachcombing for agates and shells, flying kites, building sandcastles, and wildlife viewing (elk, deer, and various bird species are common). The calm bay waters are also ideal for kayaking, paddle-boarding, and crabbing, making it a great spot for water-based fun.

Nehalem Bay State Park can experience significant crowds, particularly during summer weekends and holidays. While the long beach and expansive park offer plenty of space, popular areas like parking lots and the Hiker/Biker campsite can fill up. Arriving earlier in the day is often recommended for a more relaxed experience.

The paved 1.8-mile bike path within Nehalem Bay State Park offers a relatively flat and smooth surface, making it suitable for wheelchairs and strollers, providing scenic views of the bay. While the beach terrain itself can be challenging due to soft sand, some access points may offer firmer sand closer to the water during low tide.

Nehalem Bay is steeped in history, most notably the legend of the Beeswax Wreck, a Spanish trading ship believed to have wrecked near the bay in 1693, with pieces of beeswax still occasionally found on the beach. There are also historical arguments suggesting that Sir Francis Drake may have sought refuge and repaired his ship, the Golden Hind, in Nehalem Bay in 1579.

Nehalem Bay is a haven for diverse wildlife. Visitors frequently spot Roosevelt elk, deer, and coyotes. The bay is also part of the Pacific Flyway, making it an excellent location for birdwatching, with numerous species of shorebirds and waterfowl. Seals can often be seen in the bay waters.

Yes, the charming coastal towns of Nehalem, Manzanita, and Wheeler are all located very close to Nehalem Bay State Park. These towns offer a variety of cafes, restaurants, pubs, and accommodation options, including hotels, vacation rentals, and bed & breakfasts, providing convenient amenities for visitors.

The terrain at Nehalem Bay offers variety. The beach provides expansive, generally flat sandy stretches for walking, though the sand can be soft in places. Within Nehalem Bay State Park, there's a paved 1.8-mile bike path that is smooth and ideal for cycling or easy walks, offering scenic views of the bay.

Cyclists will find excellent facilities at the Hiker/Biker Site within Nehalem Bay State Park. These include convenient USB charging lockers (a small padlock is recommended for securing devices overnight) and a Dero bike pump and tool set for minor repairs, making it a well-equipped stop for those touring the coast.

The sandspit at Nehalem Bay State Park features a very long beach. A full walk along the ocean-facing side of the sandspit could take several hours, depending on your pace and how far you choose to go. Many visitors opt for shorter, leisurely strolls, enjoying the scenery and beachcombing.