Smelt Sands provides beach access and opportunities for fishing, picnicking, viewing marine wildlife, bird watching, viewing interpretive signs, and beachcombing.

Walk the historic 804 Trail (.75 miles one-way with resting benches scattered along the way). The park is known for tidepooling, rock fishing and the yearly smelt run (smelt are small, silvery relatives of salmon).

Vital stats: There is no fee to use this park.

: The Oregon coast receives abundant rainfall, mostly between October and April. July and August bring the best chance for clear days. Summer temperatures are normally moderate and almost never hot. Winter temperatures are normally cool at the lower elevations and cold at the higher elevations. Although snow is possible in the lowest elevations, it is infrequent and does not stay on the ground for long.

Location: Smelt Sands is located along the Central Coast, south of Waldport. Turn west on Lemwick from US 101 in Yachats.

Contact Info: Oregon Parks & Recreation Department1115 Commercial Street NESalemOR97301-1002800-551-6949