6

Neskowin Beach State Recreation Site

Tillamook Rock Lighthouse

Cape Meares Lighthouse

ZIAK-GNAT CR RD



Mohler

Necanicum

Junction

Rockaway Beach

Manzanita

Warrenton

Seaside

Cannon

Beach

Gearhart

Clatsop Spit Columbia River

Tillamook Head

Neahkahnie Mountain elevation 1,661 feet

Nehalem River Nehalem Bay

Netarts Bay

Hebo

Neskowin

Lincoln City

Pacific City

Tillamook

Three

Capes

Scenic

Loop

Tillamook Bay

Cape Lookout

O r e g o n C o a s t R a n g e

Nestucca Bay

Nestucca River

Cascade Head

Siletz Bay

Hammond

Jewell

Saddle Mt.

Elsie

Garibaldi

Bay City

Astoria

S t a t e S c e n ic W a t e r wa y KNAPPA

DOCK RD

101 202

30

26

101

101 22

6

18

53

101

To Portland

To Portland

To Portland

26 25

42

40

37 38

36

35

32

34

33 30

31

29

28

27

24 23

18 17

16

15

14

21 22

20 19

13

12

11

10

7

9 8 6

5

4

2

3

1

To Salem

NORTH COAST

1. Gnat Creek Campground

From Astoria, take US 30/Lower Columbia River Hwy E 18 mi (near MP 

78), turn N at Gnat Creek sign, and 

proceed to campground. 

Campground offers mixed alder, 

second-growth Douglas-fir and Sitka 

Spruce forest with excellent opportunities to see Coast Range species, 

including Mountain Quail, American 

Dipper, and Hermit Warbler in the 

breeding season. Hiking trail to Gnat 

Ck. Fish Hatchery is 1.5-miles. 

ABCFG

Sponsor: National Forest 

Foundation

2. Gnat Creek Fish Hatchery

From Astoria, take US 30/Lower Columbia River Hwy E 18.2 mi, turn R 

on Gnat Hatchery Rd to hatchery.

This hatchery boasts a show pond 

and public fishfood station with large 

rainbow trout and sturgeon. Two nature trails lead to Gnat Creek Campground and Barrier Falls, and wind 

through second-growth forest in the 

Nicolai-Wickiup Watershed. Birds 

include Hermit Warbler, American 

Dipper, Steller’s Jay, Rufous Hummingbird, and Swainson’s and Varied 

Thrush.

ACFG

3. Ziak Wildlife Refuge

From Hwy. 30 in Knappa, turn N at 

flashing light then second R onto 

Knappa Dock Rd. Drive 1 mi, turn 

R on Ziak–Gnat Creek Ln. View birds 

from the road, the valley on both 

sides is part of the refuge.

Open floodplain and freshwater 

wetlands attract dabbling and diving ducks. Nesting birds are Purple 

Martin, Vaux’s Swift, and Killdeer, 

migrating shorebirds are Semipalmated Plover and Western and Least 

Sandpiper. The owners keep Trumpeter and Tundra Swans, Emperor 

Geese, and maintain Purple Martin 

and Wood Duck nestboxes.

FGK

The northern coast of Oregon stretches from the mouth of the historic 

Columbia River south to fog-shrouded Cascade Head, an area of broad tidal 

estuaries and rugged headlands that flank long stretches of sandy beach. This 

reach of coast includes the working port town of Astoria, the winter encampment 

of the Lewis and Clark Corps of Discovery at historical Fort Clatsop, the 

charming arts community of Cannon Beach, and the town of Tillamook, home 

of famous cheese. Forty-three outstanding birding opportunities await you in 

some of the most enchanting scenery on the coast. Whether you are looking for 

Rufous Hummingbird and Blue Grouse amidst endemic wildflowers at Saddle 

Mountain, or Tufted Puffin nesting on Haystack Rock, you can find them here. 

Be sure to venture out to Cape Meares State Scenic Viewpoint to see a Peregrine 

Falcon aerie in late spring and summer. In Oceanside, get a close look at Three 

Arch Rocks National Wildlife Refuge, the oldest Refuge west of the Mississippi 

River and habitat for thousands of nesting Common Murre. Explore the Coast 

Range mountain streams at the Nehalem Fish Hatchery and Henry Rierson 

Spruce Run Campground for bobbing American Dipper, and canopy dwellers 

Hermit Warbler and Golden-crowned Kinglet.

Western Grebes

PHOTO BY: Lois Miller

41

39

Blaine Rd
7

6. Coxcomb Hill/

Astoria Column

From Hwy 30 in Astoria, go S on 16th 

St, R on Jerome St then L on 15th St. 

Turn L on Coxcomb Dr and follow 

around to parking lot at the top.

The Astoria Column, erected in 1926 

atop Coxcomb Hill, denotes the location of the first permanent American 

settlement west of the Rockies. Parkland, shrub-scrub and coniferous 

forest attract large concentrations of 

spring and fall migrating songbirds; 

early morning visits can produce hundreds of birds including Townsend’s 

and Hermit Warbler, flycatchers, 

Western Tanager, and Black-headed 

and Evening Grosbeak. Hiking trails 

lead from Coxcomb Hill to downtown 

Astoria and the Irving Forest.

ACDEFG

Sponsor: City of Seaside

4. Twilight Creek Eagle 

Sanctuary

From Hwy 101 in Astoria, go E 7 mi . 

Turn N on Burnside Lp near MP 87, 

then 1 mi to observation deck.

View 35,000 acres of mudflats, tidal 

marshes, open water, and islands 

protected as the Lewis and Clark 

National Wildlife Refuge. The refuge harbors large concentrations of 

waterfowl in winter, including Tundra Swan and Canada goose. Bald 

Eagle, Great Egret, and Great Blue 

Heron are seen year-round.

EFGK

Sponsor: City of Seaside

including Northern Shoveler, scaup 

and Wood Duck throughout the fall 

and winter, and on rare occasions 

Eurasian Wigeon, Common Teal, and 

Tufted Duck. 

EFG

6

Jerome St 15th St

16th St

8th St

7th St

Coxcomb Dr

Irving St

I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I

ASTORIA

7

10

AIRPORT

Ft Clatsop Rd

Lewis and Clark River

Fort Clatsop

National

Memorial

ALT

8 13th

9

Fort Stevens Hwy

Main St

Harbor

HAMmond

NW Ridge Rd

Peter Iredale Rd

Fort 

Stevens

State 

Park

Columbia River

Warrenton

7. Astoria Mitigation 

Bank Wetlands

From Astoria, travel W on Hwy 101, 

turn S south on W Marine Dr (Hwy 

202), then L on Alt Hwy 101, and 

stay as it makes an R curve at Miles 

Crossing. After 1 mi, cross Lewis 

and Clark River bridge; park at pullout along the elk fence on R. Visitors 

must stay on diked trail system.

Freshwater and tidal wetlands attract many species of ducks in fall 

and winter and migrating shorebirds 

in spring and fall. Virginia Rail, Sora, 

and American Bittern are resident. In 

winter the area is good for Swamp, 

Lincoln’s, Golden-crowned, Savannah, and Fox Sparrow.

AEFGKL

51st

Birch St

53rd St

I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I

5

ASTORIA

Columbia River

Cedar St

45th

BIRDING TIP

Watch the tide. Consult a tide 

table before birding beaches 

and estuaries. Shorebirds are 

best viewed during an incoming 

or outgoing tide. Use caution 

as some beaches may not be 

accessible at high tide.

Harlequin Duck Sooty Shearwater Peregrine Falcon PHOTO BY: Wayne Hoffman PHOTO BY: KevinSmithnaturephotos.com

PHOTO BY: DAVID LEDIG/USF

WS

5. Astoria Sewage 

Ponds Overlook

From Hwy 30 in Astoria, N on 45th St 

turn R on Cedar St ,then L on 51st, 

turn R on Birch, then L on 53rd and 

follow 1⁄4 mi to pullout. Continue past 

gate on foot. 

Part of the lower Columbia River 

Ecosystem, these municipal sewage 

lagoons attract dowitchers, Dunlin and Spotted Sandpiper during 

migration and many duck species, 

8. Warrenton Linear Park

From Hwy 101 in Warrenton, turn W 

on Harbor St, which becomes Fort 

Stevens Hwy (N), then R on 13th St to 

parking along street at the end. Trail 

heads S along dike.

Gravel trail system 2.5 miles long 

passes estuary, mudflat, and mixed 

forest offering views of a nesting Bald 

Eagle plus Rufous Hummingbird, and 

Northern Flicker. In winter watch for 

Bufflehead and American Wigeon, 

and in migration Whimbrel, Marbled 

Godwit, Western and Least Sandpiper, and Black-bellied Plover. 

AEFG

Sponsor: Oregon Coast Visitors 

Association

9. Fort Stevens State Park

From Astoria take 101 S, turn E on 

Harbor St, which becomes Fort Stevens Hwy. Continue through the town 

of Hammond, then turn L on Lake Rd, 

turn R to enter park.

This popular park has beachcombing, 

lake swimming, trails, wildlife view7
8

ing, a historic shipwreck, and military 

fort. Explore 9 miles of hiking trails 

and view American Wigeon, Northern 

Pintail, Canvasback, Greater Scaup, 

Caspian Tern, and Northern Harrier. 

A viewing platform at Parking Lot C 

allows seawatching for Sooty Shearwater, Brown Pelican, and alcids. 

Spring and fall bring in thousands 

of shorebirds. During irruptions in 

winter Snowy Owl are seen hunting the Columbia River South Jetty. 

Land birds include Wrentit, Western 

Tanager, Orange-crowned Warbler, 

and Olive-sided Flycatch. Habitat 

restoration is occurring to encourage 

Western Snowy Plover to recolonize 

Clatsop Spit.

ABCDEFG

Sponsor: City of Seaside

10. Fort Clatsop Memorial

From Hwy 101 at Warrenton, turn S 

on Marlin Dr, go 2 mi to Ft Clatsop 

Rd. October-April, parking allowed 

at Fort. May–September parking restricted to the Netul Landing, 1 mi S 

of fort with bus service.

The memorial includes a replica of 

the buildings used during 1805-06 

winter encampment of the Lewis 

and Clark expedition. The Fort-toSea Trail, which replicates the route 

members of Lewis and Clark’s Corps 

of Discovery may have taken, begins 

here and ends at Sunset Beach 6.5- 

miles to the west. The trail takes visitors through a varied landscape from 

shallow wetlands, coastal woods, 

a freshwater lake, and shorepine 

covered dunes. Birds include Whitetailed Kite, Red-shouldered Hawk, 

sapsuckers and woodpeckers, and 

assorted Coast Range species. 

ACDEFG

Sponsor: Oregon Parks and 

Recreation Department

11. Sunset Beach State 

Recreation Site 

From Hwy 101 in Astoria drive S 10 

mi Just S of Camp Rilea National 

Guard Facility turn W on Sunset 

Beach Ln and drive to parking lot.

This 120-acre park marks the west 

trailhead of the historic Fort-to-Sea 

Trail. On the beach you will be treated to expansive views of Cape Disappointment and Ecola State Park. 

Watch for Brown Pelican, Western 

Gull, Common Murre, Surf Scoter, 

Pigeon Guillemot, Brandt’s and Pelagic Cormorant, Chestnut-backed 

Chickadee and Cedar Waxwing.

ACEFG

Sponsor: Oregon Parks and 

Recreation Department

12. Cullaby Lake Wetlands 

Interpretive Trail

From Hwy 101 S of Astoria between 

MP 13 and 14, turn E onto Cullaby Lake Ln, follow for 1⁄4 mi, R onto 

Hawkins Rd to parking lot.

Easy 1.5-mile loop trail through 

forested wetlands and lakefront. 

Osprey, Bald Eagle, Killdeer, Redwinged Blackbird, Violet-green and 

Tree Swallow, and Chestnut-backed 

Chickadee. Other activities are 

swimming, boating, picnicking, and 

volleyball. 

ACDEFG

Sponsor: Oregon Coast Visitors 

Association

13. Necanicum Estuary

From Hwy 101 at Gearhart, turn W at 

light on Pacific Way, then L onto Cottage Way. Turn R on F St, then L on 

Wellington to parking lot at end.

Tidal estuary and active sand dunes 

make this one of the best sites on the 

north coast to watch shorebirds during migration in April and September, 

including Western Sandpiper, Whimbrel, yellowlegs, Semipalmated Plover, Dunlin, and Long-billed Curlew. 

Large flocks of Western Gull and 

American Crow use the open flats all 

year. Lapland Longspur and Snow 

Bunting use the dunes in fall.

EFGH

Sponsor: U.S. Fish and 

Wildlife Service

14. Saddle Mountain 

State Park

From Hwy 101 in Seaside, go S to 

Hwy 26 E for 10 mi, turn L on Saddle 

Mtn Rd and drive 7 mi to parking.

The last ice age created open meadows with endemic wildflowers at 

Saddle Mountain, one of the highest 

peaks in the Coast Range. A rigorous 3-mile hike to the top can bring 

views of Vaux’s Swift, Calliope and 

Rufous Hummingbird, Hermit Warbler, Hammond’s Flycatcher, Blue 

Grouse, and Varied Thrush in spring 

and summer and occasionally Graycrowned Rosy Finch. 

ABCF

Sponsor: National Forest 

Foundation

15. Jewell Meadows Wildlife 

Management Area

From Astoria, drive 28 mi SE on Hwy 

202 to refuge. From Hwy 26, go N on 

Hwy 103, 9 mi to Jewell, W on Hwy 

202 1.5 mi to refuge.

Jewell Meadows is managed to provide winter habitat for Roosevelt elk. 

Open pastures along the highway offer elk viewing in winter and spring. 

Good viewing of Rufous Hummingbird, Band-tailed Pigeon, Red-breasted Sapsucker, and California Quail. 

Western Bluebird use nest boxes at 

headquarters and House Wren and 

Calliope Hummingbird are seen here 

irregularly.

ACK

Sponsor: City of Seaside

16. Lee Wooden/

Fishhawk Falls

From Hwy 101 S of Seaside, take 

Hwy 26 E. Take R exit for 103/Fisher 

Falls Hwy and follow 9 mi to Jewell. 

Take 202 W to park entrance near 

MP 25.

Meandering trail through 47-acre 

county park goes through second-growth Douglas-fir and riparian 

forest and offers excellent opportunities to see Hermit Warbler and American dipper. 

A

Sponsor: National Forest 

Foundation

17. Henry Rierson Spruce 

Run Campground

From Hwy 101 S of Seaside, take 

Hwy 26 E for 20 mi, turn S on Lower 

Nehalem Rd; proceed 5 mi to campground (open June–September).

Beautiful views of the Nehalem River 

and second-growth Douglas-fir forest 

make this an easy place to look for 

breeding Hermit Warbler, American 

Dipper, and Common Merganser. 

You can also expect Wilson’s and 

Orange-crowned Warbler in summer 

and Gray Jay, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Chestnut-Backed Chickadee, and 

Steller’s Jay year-round. 

ABCEFG

Pacific Way

13S Cottage Ave

Wellington Ave.

F St

G St

GEARHART

SEASIDE

Necanicum

Estuary

Necanicum River

Neawanna Creek

American Dipper

BY: KevinSmithnaturephotos.com

Surf Scoter

PHOTO BY: Lois Miller
9

18. Nehalem Falls 

Campground

From Hwy 101 in Nehalem, go S 1.5 

mi to Hwy 53, turn E and go 1.3 mi 

to Miami Foley Rd, turn S, then turn E 

(L) on Foss Rd, and go 7 mi to campground on L.

Trails within the campground provide access to Nehalem Falls and 

old-growth Douglas fir, western redcedar, western hemlock, and sitka 

spruce forests where you might see 

American Dipper, Hermit Warbler, and 

other expected coast range species. 

Camping available May to October. 

ABCDEFGL

Sponsor: Spindrift Inn

Murre, Pigeon Guillemot, and Pelagic 

Cormorant. Winter storms occasionally blow in Northern Fulmar and Red 

Phalarope. Whales, harbor porpoise, 

and harbor seal are present.

CDEFG

Sponsor: Friends of 

Haystack Rock

20. Tillamook Head Trail

From Hwy 101 in Seaside, turn W on 

U Ave then L on Edgewood Dr, past 

Seaside Cove and Seltzer Park to 

the parking lot at the end of Sunset 

Blvd.

A winding 4-mile trail through sitka 

spruce and western hemlock forest, which leads to Indian Beach in 

Ecola State Park. In the forest are 

nesting Wilson’s and Hermit Warbler, 

and residents are Varied Thrush and 

Spotted Towhee. And keep your eyes 

open for Brown Creeper, Swainson’s 

Thrush and Northern Saw-whet Owl. 

Also good for watching whales and 

harbor seals.

ACEFG

Sponsor: Oregon Parks & 

Recreation Department

21. Ecola State Park

From Hwy 101 in Cannon Beach, go 

N 2 mi to Ecola State Park, follow 

signs to park entrance, proceed to 

Indian Beach parking lot. Hike short 

trail W to viewing deck. 

Visited by Lewis and Clark in 1806, 

this park reveals the pristine beauty 

of Pacific Northwest rainforest and 

offers panoramic views of the Pacific 

Ocean, Chapman Point, and Cannon 

Beach. The coastal scenery provides 

a dramatic backdrop to see 50,000 

nesting Common Murre along with 

Pelagic and Brandt’s Cormorant, 

Black Oystercatcher, Pigeon Guillemot, and in winter Harlequin Duck 

and Surf Scoter. Watch the ocean for 

Marbled Murrelet.

ACDEFGH

Sponsor: Friends of 

Haystack Rock

22. Clatsop Loop Trail, 

Ecola State Park

From Hwy 101 in Cannon Beach, go 

N 2 mi to Ecola State Park, follow 

signs to park entrance, proceed to 

Indian Beach parking lot. Walk north 

to trailhead. 

This route was blazed by American 

Indians and followed by the Corps 

of Discovery in 1806 to seek out a 

beached whale near Cannon Beach. 

The trail goes north to the Feldenheimer Forest and Seaside through 

lush riparian and sitka spruce forest. 

A short, 2-mile loop trail winds back 

to the parking area. Connects to the 

Tillamook Head Trail (21) that leads 

to Seaside. Bald Eagle, Peregrine 

Falcon, Wrentit, and Varied Thrush 

are resident; Violet-Green Swallow 

and Wilson’s and Orange-crowned 

Warbler breed here in summer.

ACDEFGH

Sponsor: Friends of 

Haystack Rock

19

20

Avenue U

Sunset Blvd

Edgewood Dr SEASIDE

Pacific

Ocean

Ecola State Park

Beach Dr

Hutton's Vireo

PHOTO BY: KevinSmithnaturephotos.com

356 species of birds

have been recorded in Clatsop County, 

located on the North Oregon Coast, 

making for a birdwatcher’s delight year-round. 

On any day you might see...

Brown Pelicans or 

a Bald Eagle 

fishing on 

Youngs Bay.

A flock of sandpipers or a 

raft of scoters resting and 

feeding at the waterfront.

For more information contact 

the Chamber of Commerce,

800-875-6807 or 

www.oldoregon.com

Sapsuckers, wrentits 

and warblers 

building their homes 

along our many trails 

Photos © Don Baccus and bikeways.

19. Seaside Cove

From Hwy 101 in Seaside, turn W on 

Ave U, then turn L on Edgewood Dr, 

and proceed to public parking at the 

rocky beach.

A popular spot with surfers, Seaside 

Cove has a mix of sandy and rocky 

beach. Watch the ocean in winter 

for Harlequin Duck, Common Loon, 

Western Grebe, and Surf and Black 

Scoter. Year-round are Common 

Red-necked Grebe

PHOTO BY: Wayne Hoffman
10

23. Cannon Beach 

Settling Ponds

From Hwy 101 in Seaside, go S and 

take the first Cannon Beach exit. Go 

straight at the stop sign and continue 

as it makes two R-angle turns. At 

next stop sign go straight on Spruce 

St, then turn L onto 2nd St, continue 

to viewing platform on R and parking 

lot.

Rich in bird life, the Cannon Beach 

settling ponds and the adjacent Little 

Pompey wetlands attract Bald Eagle, 

Great Blue Heron, Wood Duck, Northern Shoveler, Northern Pintail, American Wigeon, Green-winged Teal, 

Black-capped Chickadee, Wilson’s 

Snipe, Marsh Wren, Violet-green 

Swallow, and Rufous Hummingbirds. 

CEFG

Sponsor: Friends of 

Haystack Rock

24. Haystack Rock 

at Cannon Beach

From Hwy 101 in Seaside go S, and 

take 2nd St exit, follow to Hemlock 

St, turn S (L) and use public parking 

lot on corner of Hemlock and Gower 

St. Public walkway across from the 

parking leads to the beach and Haystack Rock.

Best accessed at low tide, Haystack 

Rock is part of Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge. The base of 

this 235-foot monolith is full of rocky 

intertidal-zone. Invertebrates are interpreted in spring and summer by 

the Haystack Rock Awareness Program. The best place on the coast to 

see Tufted Puffin from April to August, 

the rock also hosts breeding Western Gull, Pelagic Cormorant, Pigeon 

Guillemot, and Black Oystercatcher. 

Harlequin Duck, Brown Pelican, and 

Peregrine Falcon seen in summer 

and Greater Scaup and Surf Scoter 

in winter.

EFG

Sponsor: Friends of Haystack 

Rock

25. Alder Creek Farm

From Hwy 101 in Manzanita drive S, 

turn W (R) on Underhill Ln, proceed 

until road ends, park in front of barn.

A former dairy farm restored to fresh 

and salt water marsh with vegetated 

uplands is home to a wide variety of 

species including Bald Eagle, American Kestrel, Purple Martin, and Tree 

Swallow. Flocks of shorebirds can 

be seen during migration including 

Red Phalarope throughout the winter. 

Hike the primitive trail that runs along 

Alder Creek to Nehalem Bay. 

ACEFG

Sponsor: Manzanita Merchants 

Association

26. Nehalem Bay Sewage 

Ponds

From Hwy 101 S in Nehalem, turn 

W(R) onto Tidelands Rd; proceed 0.5 

mi to gate and park. 

Scan ponds in winter for Mallard, 

Northern Pintail, Gadwall, Greenwinged Teal, and American Wigeon. 

Migrating Dunlin, Wilson’s Snipe, 

and Western and Least Sandpiper 

are seen in April and again in early 

fall. White-tailed Kite, and Red-tailed 

Hawk are here year-round. 

EFG

27. Nehalem Fish Hatchery

From Hwy 26, take Hwy 53 to MP 7 

or from Hwy 101 take Hwy 53 for 11 

mi to hatchery.

Access to the Nehalem River, popular with anglers and bordered by red 

alder and second-growth Douglas-fir 

forest. Area inhabited by breeding 

Hooded Merganser, Hermit Warbler, 

Hairy Woodpecker, and American 

Dipper. Excellent access for people 

with disabilities.

ACDEFG

Sponsor: Nehalem Point 

28. Barview Jetty Park

From Hwy 101 S in Barview (2 mi 

N of Garibaldi), turn R (W) on Cedar 

Ave, which becomes Barview Jetty 

Park Rd, turn L on Jetty Rd to parking lot.

The rocky jetty and open ocean 

attract both bay and ocean birds. 

Search the jetty rocks for Wandering Tattler, Black Turnstone, Ruddy 

Turnstone, and Rock Sandpiper from 

fall through early spring. The bay 

will have Western Gull, Pelagic, Double-crested and Brandt’s Cormorant, 

Common Murre, and Pigeon Guillemot year-round and Common Loon 

and Western Grebe in winter. Watch 

for gray whales and orca.

BCEFG

Sponsor: Rockaway Beach 

Chamber of Commerce

29. Garibaldi Boat Basin

From Hwy 101 in Garibaldi, turn W 

onto 7th St, and follow to Commercial 

St and parking lot for boat basin.

Watch for birds at the public pier, also 

good for crabbing, or walk the path 

that leads North along the edge of 

the bay overlooking beach and tidal 

flats. Great Blue Heron are common, 

Bald Eagle are occasional, while Bufflehead, Common Merganser, and 

American Wigeon use the area in 

winter. Purple Martin, Pigeon Guillemot, and Brown Pelican are common 

in summer.

CEFG

Sponsor: Tillamook County

N Elm St

E 2nd St

23

24

S Spruce St

Sunset Blvd Hemlock St

CANNON

BEACH

Three Quaint Villages Providing:

Dining, kayaking, windsurfing, fishing, hiking, art galleries, 

antiques, shopping, beach combing, and so much more!

The real treasure of the 

Oregon Coast

Nehalem bay chamber of commerce

(877)368-5100 nehalem@nehalemtel.net

www.nehalembaychamber.com

Manzanita 

on the beach

Nehalem 

on the River

Wheeler 

on the Bay
11

30. Pacific Oyster/Bay City

From Hwy 101 in Bay City, turn W 

onto Oyster Dr, and park.

A quick stop along this spit that juts 

into Tillamook Bay is very productive 

for shorebirds including Black and 

Ruddy Turnstone, and Spotted Sandpiper. Purple Martin, Caspian Tern, 

and Osprey are common in spring. 

Western Gull and Bald Eagle are seen 

year round.

CEFG

Sponsor: Tillamook County

31. Bay City to Tillamook 

Drive Hwy 101 S from Bay City to 

Tillamook, and stop at pullouts along 

the highway.

This stretch of the Pacific Coast 

Scenic Byway winds through flooded pasture and river frontage and 

is adjacent to estuaries. In winter, 

watch for Blue-winged Teal, Northern Pintail, American Wigeon, Canada Geese, White-tailed Kite, and 

Red-shouldered Hawk. Killdeer and 

Whimbrel are seen during migration.

EFGK

Sponsor: Tillamook County

32. Tillamook Forest Center

From Hwy 101 in Tillamook, take 

Hwy 6 E to MP 21, follow signs to 

the Center (L).

To see birds of the Coast Range, 

consider a trip inland to the Tillamook Forest Center. Nestled in a 

lush green landscape, it showcases 

the historic Tillamook Burn and the 

public spirit behind a monumental 

reforestation effort that helped shape 

sustainable forest management. 

Spend the day hiking the extensive 

trail system in summer and look 

for Northern Pygmy-Owl, Pileated 

Woodpecker, Brown Creeper, Winter 

Wren, Varied Thrush, Pine Siskin, and 

Orange-crowned, Yellow, Wilson’s, 

and MacGillivray’s Warbler.

AC

Sponsor: TLC Federal Credit Union

33. Bayocean Spit/

Tillamook Bay

From Hwy 101 S in Tillamook, turn 

W (R) on 3rd St/Three Capes Scenic 

Loop, and go 3 mi to Bayocean spit 

(sign). Turn R and follow gravel road 

1.5 mi to parking lot.

On the way to Bayocean Spit, watch 

the flooded pastures and wetlands 

for Aleutian Cackling Goose, Killdeer, 

and White-tailed Kite. The spit is surrounded by scenic Tillamook Bay and 

is most productive in spring and fall 

when migrating shorebirds use it as a 

stopover. Hike the gravel dike to see 

Tundra Swan, Red Phalarope, Brant, 

Snowy Egret, and Horned Grebe from 

fall through early spring and Great 

Blue and Green Heron, Bald Eagle, 

and Peregrine Falcon year-round. 

AEFGH

Sponsor: Friends of Cape 

Meares Lighthouse and 

Wildlife Refuge

34. Cape Meares State 

Scenic Viewpoint

From Hwy 101 S in Tillamook, turn R 

on 3rd St/Netarts Hwy and follow to 

Bayocean Rd NW, turn R, then L onto 

Cape Meares Loop Rd (not the town 

of Cape Meares), and follow signs to 

parking.

Panoramic views of the Pacific 

Ocean and Three Arch Rocks, Oregon’s shortest lighthouse, the giant 

Octopus tree, and trails through oldgrowth forest delight visitors. Peregrine Falcon nest on adjacent Cape 

Meares National Wildlife Refuge 

each spring, and tens of thousands 

of Common Murre nest on offshore 

islands. Gray Jay, Varied Thrush, 

Dark-eyed Junco, Bald Eagle, Cedar 

Waxwing, Black Oystercatcher, Pelagic Cormorant, Pigeon Guillemot, 

and White-crowned Sparrow are 

common year-round. 

ACEFG

Sponsor: Friends of Cape Meares 

Lighthouse and Wildlife Refuge

Tillamook Estuaries Partnership

A National Estuary Project

Dedicated to the conservation and restoration of

Tillamook County’s estuaries and watersheds in their entirety.

613 Commercial St.

PO Box 493

Garibaldi, OR 97118

503-322-2222

www.tbnep.org

DISCOVER TILLAMOOK COUNTY WATER TRAIL’S

WILDLIFE AND NATURAL WONDERS

Wrentit

PHOTO BY: Lois Miller
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35. Oceanside Beach/ 

Three Arch Rocks National 

Wildlife Refuge

From Cape Meares State Scenic 

Viewpoint, continue S on Cape 

Meares Scenic Loop Rd, Turn R on 

Pacific Ave to parking lot. From Hwy 

101 S in Tillamook, turn R on 3rd St/

Netarts Hwy W. Follow 8.7 mi, turn L 

on Pacific Ave to parking lot.

At the heart of Oceanside, this small 

park provides beach access, close 

views of Three Arch Rocks National Wildlife Refuge, and great agate 

hunting in winter. In summer watch 

for large flocks of Western Gull, 

Brown Pelican, and cormorants feeding near shore. Surf Scoter, Common 

Loon and Western and Red-necked 

Grebe are seen in fall and winter. 

With a spotting scope it’s possible 

to view Steller’s sea lion using the 

refuge.

CEFGH

Sponsor: TLC Federal Credit 

Union

out allows sweeping ocean views 

and beach access. Over 8-miles of 

hiking trails wind through dense oldgrowth forest. Along them you can 

see Hairy Woodpecker, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Brown Creeper, Golden-crowned and White-crowned 

Sparrow, Gray Jay, Wilson’s Warbler, 

Cedar waxing, and Red Crossbill.

ABCDEFG

Sponsor: Oregon Parks and 

Recreation Department

38. Munson Creek State 

Natural Site

From Hwy 101 in Tillamook, drive S 

6 mi to Munson Creek Rd, turn E (L), 

and go 2 mi to parking lot.

Home to ancient western redcedar 

and sitka spruce, this park is a relic 

of the Pacific Northwest rainforest. 

Hike a trail to see Munson Creek Falls 

tumbling 319-feet into a pool that 

feeds salmon spawning grounds. 

Watch and listen year-round for 

American Dipper, Varied Thrush, 

and Winter Wren and in summer for 

Swainson’s Thrush, Wilson’s Warbler, 

Western Tanager, Golden-crowned 

Kinglet, Chestnut-backed Chickadee, 

and Hairy Woodpecker. 

AEFG

Sponsor: Oregon Parks and 

Recreation Department

39. Upper Nestucca/Moon 

Creek Area

From Hwy 101 S in Tillamook go E(L) 

on Blaine Rd at the town of Beaver. 

Drive 6.6 mi to the town of Blaine 

and go N (L) on Moon Creek Rd. Go 1 

mi, turn R on dirt road 3-8-20 which 

enters the coast range. Explore the 

roads on foot or via car. 

Mixed conifers, clear cuts and riparian areas offer Ruffed Grouse, Common Nighthawk, Mountain Quail, 

Western Bluebird, Varied Thrush, 

Spotted and Northern Saw-whet Owl, 

and Northern Pygmy-Owl. 

K

40. Whalen Island/Clay 

Meyers Natural Area

From Hwy 101 S of Tillamook, turn R 

on Sandlake Rd, turn R to continue 

on Sandlake Rd, then R on Whalen 

Island Rd. 

This coastal estuarine ecosystem 

bounded by the Sand Creek estuary 

provides habitat for adult salmon 

and steelhead trout. The area is an 

ecological potpourri, including mixed 

woodlands, grasslands, fresh and 

saltwater wetlands, and a rare native dune sedgeland. Hike the short 

loop trail during April and September 

to see migrating Western and Least 

Sandpiper, Semipalmated Plover, and 

Sanderling. Bald Eagle, black-tailed 

deer, river otter, and black bear are 

here year-round. 

ABCDEFG

Sponsor: Oregon Parks and 

Recreation Department

41. Nestucca Bay National 

Wildlife Refuge

From Hwy 101 N in Lincoln City, drive 

20 mi N to Christensen Rd and turn 

L. Proceed 1 mi to lower parking lot.

Thousands of Aleutian Cackling and 

Dusky Canada Geese and other waterfowl use the refuge from October 

through April. The coastal prairie, 

forest and wetlands harbor over 200 

different species of birds, mammals, 

reptiles, amphibians, and insects. to 

maximize birding, walk the graveled 

Christensen Rd/Trail uphill to the 

Pacific View Trail or drive to the upper parking lot. Spring and summer 

bring Barn Owl, Northern Pygmy-Owl, 

Western Tanager, Rufous Hummingbird, Violet-green Swallow, Wilson’s 

and Hermit Warbler, Red Crossbill, 

Swainson’s Thrush, Pacific-slop Flycatcher, and Ruffed Grouse. Fall and 

winter birds include a variety of sparrows, Hutton’s Vireo, Varied Thrush, 

and Western Bluebirds.

AC

42. Cascade Head 

Nature Preserve

From Hwy 101 in Lincoln City, drive 

2.4 mi N of the Salmon River almost 

to the summit of Cascade Head. Turn 

L on Cascade Head Road (USFS Road 

1861) and continue 4 mi (L at fork) to 

trailhead; or go 1 mi to Hart’s Cove 

trailhead. Road closed January 1 to 

July 15.

Moderately difficult hiking trails wind 

through spectacular, sitka spruce/

western hemlock forest ending with 

views of the Salmon River estuary, 

the Pacific Ocean, and Cape Foulweather. Roosevelt elk graze the 

open grasslands where The Nature 

Conservancy manages habitat for endangered Oregon Silverspot Butterfly. 

Birds include Varied Thrush, Wrentit, 

Chestnut-backed Chickadee, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Wilson’s Warbler, and Great Horned and Northern 

Pygmy Owl. 

AEFGL

Sponsor: National Forest 

Foundation

Sanderlings

PHOTO BY: Richard Cronberg

Black Turnstone

PHOTO BY: Lois Miller

36. Netarts Bay

From Hwy 101 S in Tillamook, turn 

R on 3rd St/Netarts Hwy W, follow 6 

mi to Bay. Use pullouts along Bay for 

viewing wildlife. 

The 2,700-acre tidal estuary is a 

haulout site for harbor seals and 

provides excellent roadside birding 

year-round. In fall and winter, look 

for Common, Red-throated, Pacific 

and (rarely) Yellow-billed Loon, Eared, 

Horned, and Western Grebe, Pelagic 

and Double-crested Cormorant, and 

Bufflehead, Common Goldeneye, and 

Surf Scoter. Great Blue Heron are 

seen in abundance year-round along 

with Great Egret. Brown Pelican and 

Osprey arrive in spring.

CEFGHK

Sponsor: US Fish and Wildlife 

Service

37. Cape Lookout State Park

From Hwy 101 in Tillamook, go W (R) 

on 3rd St, and stay straight to Netarts 

Hwy E. Follow 6 mi to Whiskey Creek 

Rd, turn R into park.

A popular recreational park located 

on a sand spit between Netarts Bay 

and the Pacific Ocean, Cape Look-
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BEST NEST! GOOD GRUBS...

Located at the hub of North Coast Oregon birding sites, 

Seaside has 1400 rooms, 65 restaurants, the famous 

Promenade along the ocean, the aquarium, shopping and a 

wide choice of other activities and amusements to enhance 

your trip. Visit our web site for information and reservations.

SEASIDE VISITORS BUREAU

888.306.2326 - 503.738.3097

Seaside, Oregon 97138

MORE THAN JUST A DAY AT THE BEACH!

www.seasideor.com

Jewell Medows

Coxcomb Hill

Eagle Sanctuary 

Necanicum Estuary

South Jetty

BEST NEST! GOOD GRUBS...

Located at the hub of North Coast Oregon birding sites, 

Seaside has 1400 rooms, 65 restaurants, the famous 

Promenade along the ocean, the aquarium, shopping and a 

wide choice of other activities and amusements to enhance 

your trip. Visit our web site for information and reservations.

SEASIDE VISITORS BUREAU

888.306.2326 - 503.738.3097

Seaside, Oregon 97138

MORE THAN JUST A DAY AT THE BEACH!

www.seasideor.com

Jewell Medows

Coxcomb Hill

Eagle Sanctuary 

Necanicum Estuary

South Jetty