Things to Do in Astoria, Oregon

Public beach access means that protection is the responsibility of all of us. Give back and help keep the majestic beaches, forests and marine ecosystems clean on the People’s Coast by spending a few hours volunteering on your next vacation. Joining a beach cleanup or removing logs from old-growth hiking trails are two great ways to meet residents and make an impact that will be paid forward for generations. Here are even more fun and rewarding opportunities for you to make a difference on the Oregon Coast.

The Oregon Coast is a great place for the arts, not only because of its inspiring natural beauty, but also because of its many residents who are doing their part to infuse the region with creativity. Just ask fashion designer Becky Tonkin, cultural center director Niki Price and artist-curator Spencer Reynolds, three residents who are helping make the Coast a more culturally rich place.

Up and down the Oregon Coast, quiet lakes and slow-moving rivers open up a world of adventure to paddlers of all stripes. You never know when you might see Roosevelt Elk grazing on the shore near Tillamook, ospreys hunting for fish in Lincoln City or the occasional black bear trundling through old-growth forests along the Rogue River.

When it comes to your Oregon Coast getaway, fun and relaxation top the itinerary. So why not get both by booking a guided adventure on your next trip? It’s a great way to try something new while letting someone else handle logistics and safety, or learn more about your favorite activities with a knowledgeable expert enriching your experience. You’ll not only learn more during your excursion, you will also be able to seek out off-the-beaten-path recommendations for your destination. Here are some new and classic guided adventures for your next visit to the Coast.

Whatever your adventurous curiosities, there’s nothing like the promise of a new year to start turning aspirations into experiences. And what better place than the Oregon Coast to try an adventure that’s new to you. From mountain biking and disc golfing to guided fishing trips, fat-tire biking and paddling, the Oregon Coast is packed with adventure. Here are five to try.

Digging clams for dinner is a beloved tradition on the Oregon Coast. Whether they’re steamed, fried or the star of a hearty chowder, bivalves are a prized ingredient from the sea. Armed with a license and a few tools, you can explore an entire menu on Oregon’s coastal bays, which are home to five major clam species including the gaper, cockle, littleneck, butter and soft-shell. Or head to the North Coast, where you can find the succulent razor clam on ocean beaches. Here are some top places for clam digging and enjoying these briny treats on Oregon’s coast.