Ocean Shore State Recreation Area

Oregon's shoreline is a geologic mix of sandy beaches, rocky shores and towering capes rising from the sea. All of it — stretching from the Columbia River south to the Oregon/California border and between the vegetation line and extreme low tide — is waiting for you to take a stunning walk along the edge of the Pacific Ocean. See the History section below to learn why Oregon's beaches are open to everyone to explore.

Want a bigger adventure? Hike part or all of entire 362 miles of coastline on the Oregon Coast Trail. Many sections are excellent day hikes. Other sections are on beach and road shoulders. Adventurers looking to complete the trek should be prepared for a challenging scrambles, pre-planned supply drops, and an understanding of tidal influences and seasonal changes.

Whether you are on a through-hike or a casual beach walk, stop and explore the vibrant life in tidepools. Looking for a great tidepool area? Take a look at the map on our Oregon Tidepool website, which also includes a species guide and trip tips. Want to check out more photos of Oregon's ocean shoreline? Check out our Ocean Shore Scenery Flickr album. Some beaches are part of protected nesting grounds of the western snowy plover. Learn more about how Oregon is protecting their seasonal beach nesting areas.

Whether you're picnicking, soaking up the sun or watching a spectacular sunset, make sure your trip is a safe one. Visit our beach safety web page to learn about sneaker waves, rip tides and drift logs. Before any trip, be sure to check the tide times.