You know about huge waves and dramatic storms on the Oregon Coast in the winter. But did you know that even in the rain or frequent sun breaks, the winter is an ideal time to take a walk amidst wild mushrooms and giant spruce trees, or ride a horse along rocky bluffs and windswept dunes?
The quieter, cooler months (November through February) are also when the wildlife is more active and accessible for viewing, and beaches, trails, restaurants and attractions are less crowded, so you can soak up all of that tranquility for yourself. Did we mention that winter also brings special rates and discounts at most lodging properties? Here’s our guide to seven magical winter adventures on the great Oregon Coast.
1. Take a Hike and Watch for Whales
Take the lush, pleasant stroll (5 miles round-trip) at Cape Falcon in iconic Oswald West State Park. Viewpoints at trail’s end often offer glimpses of migrating birds and gray whales, so bring binoculars. Otherwise, check out dozens of designated whale-watching viewing points along the Coast, including the Whale Watching Center near Depoe Bay, where friendly volunteers can help you spot these graceful mammals.
On the Central Oregon Coast, the cliff-top Cape Perpetua Visitor Center is an ideal stop any time of year. Park your car and wander along 26 miles of trails, like the Giant Spruce Trail, which will take you to a 500-year-old conifer.
Winding through a forested knuckle of green between two long stretches of sandy beach, the 1.5-mile Cape Sebastian Trail on the Southern Oregon Coast offers amazing vistas, a good workout, and potential for beachcombing (low tides only) as well as bird- and whale-watching. Mind the tide so you don’t get stranded.
2. Comb the Beaches and Look for Tidal Critters
At Haystack Rock in Cannon Beach, you’ll find all sorts of critters best visited during low tides, including gastropods, cephalopods and bivalves. Haystack is a protected Marine Garden, though, so look — don’t touch. To beat the crowds, visit Cannon Beach midweek (for better lodging deals, too).
Both sides of the picturesque promontory at Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area in Newport are home to a wealth of sea life; it’s not uncommon to see whales. Even if you’re farther up the shore, don’t turn your back on the ocean. Watch out for sneaker waves, which appear suddenly and unpredictably with deadly force.
Mosey among the interesting rock formations on Bandon’s waterfront at Coquille Point Marina Garden, easily accessed by a wooden staircase. The intertidal zone is chockablock with starfish, crabs and anemones.
3. Catch Your Own Dinner
There are several bays chock-full of delicious Dungeness crab along the Oregon Coast. Grab a shellfish license and head out to any one of them. Tillamook Bay, a catcher’s mitt for five rivers, hosts world-class winter crabbing opportunities, whether you harvest from the marina docks, from your own pots via boat or on guided tours.
Yaquina Bay in Newport is another favorite spot for catching crustaceans from a boat or the dock. Pick up an inexpensive crab ring at Sawyer’s Landing RV & Marina or a big-box store, or hire a charter, which will provide everything you need. Try Newport Marina Store & Yaquina Bay Charters in South Beach or the Embarcadero Resort Hotel & Marina on Yaquina Bay.
Coos Bay — Oregon’s biggest bay — and its estuarine footprint are home to some of the Northwest’s best crabbing, made easy by numerous crabbing docks, launch facilities and charter businesses there to help you harvest your limit.
4. Ride Horses on Windswept Beaches
In Manzanita Oregon Beach Rides offers one-hour or two-hour beach or dune trail rides at Nehalem Bay, a wildlife-viewing hot spot. At the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, C&M Stables, just north of Florence, has a suite of options to ride the water’s edge.
On a stretch of the South Coast appearing custom-made for epic horse rides, the crew at Bandon Beach Riding Stables offers several ride options on ranchlands, dune fields and scenic beaches.
5. Paddle the Rivers and Surf the Waves
Water sports aren’t just for summertime. Try a surf lesson at Cape Kiwanda beach, one of Oregon’s most popular spots for surfing. Visit Moment Surf Co. for information and lessons, where you’ll learn all about staying safe in the water.
On the Central Oregon Coast, it’s easy to kayak in Newport’s waterways, including Yaquina Bay and Beaver Creek State Natural Area in Brian Booth State Park. Year-round, visitors come here looking for solitude, wildlife viewing, scenery and outdoor winter recreation. Ossies Surf Shop offers expert-led guided tours.
On the rugged stretch of the Southern Oregon Coast, it’s possible to kayak in the winter, but call the pros at South Coast Tours for advice. The company also offers custom van tours for groups of three or more that help visitors explore local breweries, hiking, dining spots and other activities.
6. Enjoy Poetry, Fine Brews and Film Festivals
Winter festivals on the Coast highlight the uniqueness of each region. For tales of the sea at venues across town, Astoria hosts its annual FisherPoets Gathering. Sample the region’s best brews at the Pouring at the Coast Brewfest in Seaside, which features dozens of Oregon breweries, along with a home-brewers’ contest.
On the Central Coast, the annual Newport Seafood & Wine Festival offers plenty of treats from the sea as well as drinks, food and merriment. In Yachats the geology of the region is on display at the Yachats Agate Festival with displays and demonstrations of minerals, gems, crystals and fossils.
If you’re on the southern end of the Coast, check out Bandon’s Gorse Blossom Festival, showcasing films from the Oregon Coast Film Festival.
7. Taste the Coast’s Best Food & Brews
You can’t go wrong with freshly caught local seafood or fresh tacos — even ice cream year-round — as you make your way along the Coast. Hanging out at one of many brewpubs makes a rainy day nice and cozy, too. Looking for more inspiration? The Coast is home to three self-guided food trails: the North Coast Food Trail, Central Coast Food Trail and Wild Rivers Coast Food Trail.
If You Go:
Getting there: If you’d rather leave the car at home, you can opt to travel to the Coast by shuttle, train, ride share, public transit or another mode. Find car-free trip ideas to the North Coast, Central Coast and Southern Oregon Coast. If you are driving, load up a full tank of gas, grab some printed maps (available at Oregon’s Welcome Centers), and be sure to have extra water, snacks and supplies in case of a weather-related emergency. It’s rare for the Coast to see much snow, but routes to the Coast may be snowy, so be sure to check weather and road conditions before you go.
Be prepared: When visiting restaurants or attractions, it’s a good idea to call ahead to confirm seasonal hours. Know that even if a trail or road is technically open, it may not be maintained, so check with the U.S. Forest Service ranger district or look for alerts on the Oregon State Parks website if you’re not sure. When it comes to winter clothing on the Oregon Coast, it’s just like a good cake: lots of layers. Fleece, wool and Gore-Tex are your friends, and don’t forget your hats, gloves and weather-proof shoes. And know your limits when you head outdoors. Book a guided trip or tour for a fabulous all-inclusive experience without the fuss.
