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/FAQ page to learn why Oregon's beaches are open to everyone to explore.

Turn your walk on the beach into a hike on the Oregon Coast Trail. The trail spans 382 miles, mostly on the beach and through state parks. 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 pages to learn about sneaker waves, rip tides and drift logs.