Mile by Mile Map of the Oregon Coast Trail from the Astoria-Megler Bridge to Oswald West State Park on Hwy 101 and Hwy 30 East
The Mile by Mile Recreational Guide to the Oregon Coast follows the Oregon Coast Trail from mile 0.0 at the border of Washington and Oregon to its end the Winchuck Beach at mile 362.2 just above the California border.
The Mile by Mile Recreational Guide to the Oregon Coast Based on the Oregon Coast Trail in conjunction with the mile by mile signs posted on Hwy 101 with the exception of the Cape Arago Highway and Seven Devils Road between Charleston and the intersection of the Seven Devils Road and Hwy 101 above Bandon in addition the Three Capes Scenic Loop from Pacific City to Tillamook and the Ridge Road associated with the Fort Stevens State Park.
The Mile by Mile Recreational Guide for the Oregon Coast is divided into the 10 regional maps of the Oregon Coast Trail.
The first map section of the Oregon Coast Trail from Astoria-Megler Bridge to Oswald West State Park is the only section that contains the links of recreational interest common to all regions of Oregon and the Oregon Coast. Click on any of the maps to view the recreational activites for that section of the Oregon Coast.
Click On the link to view the Internet Links that support the activities common to the Oregon Coast Trail or view the Introduction to Ecological values of the Tidal Zone. When it comes to taking Oregon's wildlife, stand on solid ground by checking the ODFW website for the latest regulations governing taking Oregon's wildlife.
The Astoria-Melger Bridge is nearly 100 miles from Portland via Hwy 30, (From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia) which is about 2 hours and 10 minute drive. The trip from Portland to the Astoria Megler Bridge on Hwy 26 is nearly a 2 hour drive. The time to drive either route is debatable. Let your travel agenda be your guide.
Scroll down the webpage to view the recreational opportunities associated with the Lower Columbia River Estuary on the Oregon side of the Columbia River or click HERE to proceed with the Mile by Mile continuation at the razor clam beaches associated with Clatsop Spit.
"Paddling the Lower Columbia River Water Trail" by Danika Sandoz, OPB: Embrace the 'Adventure' called 'Oregon' through the adventures presented each week by Oregon Filed Guide.
"Naturalist Andrew Emlen paddled a few strokes in his 17-foot kayak, grabbed the binoculars hanging from his neck and looked at a line of fishermen in the distance.
Then he looked behind him at a barge moving up the shipping channel.
“Yeah, we may need to stay on this side for a little bit, huh?” he said to his kayak companions, Kyleen Austin and Chris Hathaway. “Because the worst offense a kayaker can make is run into a hog line of fishermen.”
The group was navigating the Lower Columbia River. With a flow greater than any other in the West, the Columbia River is the river everyone seems to know about but doesn’t really “know.” The Lower Columbia Estuary Partnership would like to change that — with a water trail you can paddle.
It’s called, "The Lower Columbia River Water Trail", and it follows the free-flowing, tidally influenced waters of the Columbia River for 146 miles, from the Bonneville Dam to the Pacific Ocean. It’s an intimate way to experience a river that holds the region’s history in its mighty path." Contact: Lower Columbia Estuary Partnership 811 SW Naito Parkway Suite 410 Portland, OR 97204 At 503-226-1565 info@estuarypartnership.org.
Our quest for adventure descovering the recreational opportunities throughout Oregon begins with our Auto Tours to the East on Hwy 30 and to the South milebymile on Hwy 101 from the Historic City of Astoria.
The lower Columbia River is rich with American History. Robert Grey named the Columbia River after sailing his ship the Columbia Rediviva into the river in 1792.
The Lewis and Clark Expedition followed Robert Grey’s visit to the Columbia River establishing our nation’s claim to Pacific Northwest.
Astoria is the oldest permanent American settlement west of the Mississippi River and was founded by the Pacific Fur Trading Company in 1810. The company sent two parties to establish a trading post at the mouth of the Columbia River. One party sailed around Cape Horn to establish Astoria (From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia) and another party was sent overland establishing the Oregon Trail. John Jacob Astor was the leader of the expedition that established the trading post Astoria.
The City of Astoria Department of Parks and Recreation resources of interest to recreational enthusiast.
1.5 E Columbia River Maritime Museum: Enter Oregon from Washington on US-101. Travel across the Astoria/Megler Bridge for 3.8 miles to US-30 / W Marine Dr. in Astoria. Turn (east) left onto US-30 / W Marine Dr. for 1.0 miles. Turn left to stay on Marine Dr for 0.5 of a mile. Turn left at the intersection of 17th St to the entrance to the Columbia River Maritime Museum at 1792 Marine Dr. Astoria.
1.0 E The Oregon Film Museum celebrating the Art and Legacy of Films and Film-Making in the State of Oregon. View map for the trip to the Oregon Film Museum.
2.8 E The Garden of Surging Waves is a city park designed to honor and celebrate the Chinese heritage of Astoria and the Lower Columbia River Basin. The park occupies a portion of a city block that is bordered by 11th Street to the west, Duane Street to the north, 12th Street to the east, and Exchange Street to the South, in the core of Astoria's historic downtown district. It is situated directly across from Astoria's City Hall.
4.8 E the Astoria Column: Enter Oregon from Washington on US-101. Travel across the Astoria/Megler Bridge for 3.8 miles to US-30 / W Marine Dr. in Astoria. Turn (east) left onto US-30 / W Marine Dr for 1.0 miles. Keep straight onto 8th St for .0.3 of a mile. Turn left onto Irving Ave for 0.3 of a mile. Turn right onto 14th St. for 0.1 of a mile. Turn left onto Lexington Ave. for 348 feet then right onto 15th St. for 358 feet. Turn left onto Coxcomb Dr. for 0.7 of a mile. Arrive at the roundabout on Coxcomb Dr. and find a place to park and walk to The Astoria Column.
4.3 W Follow the coastal route Hwy 101. Once crossing the Astoria/Megler Bridge exit west onto Hwy 101 and proceed to the traffic circle Exit the traffic circle to follow the recreational opportunities along the Oregon coast; or turn east on Alternate Hwy 101 to the Astoria Skate Park located at Tapiola Park at 900 W. Marine Drive, or to the Lewis & Clark Golf Course located off of Alternate Hwy 101 over Young's Bay which is located 3.6 miles from the Astoria Circle east from the Circle along W. Marine Drive to Alternate Hwy 101. South on Alternate 101 to the Lewis and Clark Rd and the golf course. Access the Young's River Waterfall is via the Youngs River Road. The elevation of the Youngs River Waterfall (From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia) cascades 58 feet. Coordinates: 46.06667, -123.79028 USGS Map: Olney 7 1/2"
In Astoria, at the roundabout where US 101 and Highway 202 (W/Marine Dr.) intersect at the east end of the Youngs Bay Bridge, head south along Highway 202 / Business 101 for a mile and a half, then continue on Business 101 where Highway 202 branches off left (straight). In another mile and a half, turn left onto Youngs River Road (101 bears sharply right before you can turn left, so stay straight at the Y intersection, then turn left at the 4-way stop immediately after). On Youngs River Road, continue another 7 1/2 miles and turn right where a sign points to Youngs River Falls, immediately before crossing a bridge over the Youngs River. The parking area is encountered shortly after, and a view of the falls is afforded almost immediately, th a short trail leading down to the rocky beach at the base of the falls. Source N/W Waterfalls.
Shively Park --1530 Shively Park Road A spacious, wooded park holding a community hall, trails, a grass area, a small play structure, and and picnic shelters.
Columbia River crabbing is one of Oregon’s premier crabbing locations from late summer through fall depending on declining snowmelt and the arrival of seasonal rains. Crabbing from Social Security Beach or the south jetty at the tip of Clatsop Spit in the area marked in red using a pring loaded folding crab trap to take crabs from the sandy shore or a crab snare for taking crabs from the jetty rocks inside the jetty channel.
We do not recommend fishing or crabbing from the rocky structure of Oregon's jetties or rocky shore exposed to the dynamics of dangerous ocean conditions caused by unexpected sneaker waves. If you have to pause and consider if it is safe to fish or crab from rocky structure then don't do it.
Turn west into the day use entrance of Fort Stevens State Park to access the off beach parking areas associated with the beaches of Clatsop Spit. The access roads to the parking areas adjacent to the ocean beach at Clatsop Spit and to the south jetty at Clatsop Spit are open twenty four hours daily. Clatsop Spit beach and the south jetty at Clatsop Spit are divided into geographical areas A, B, C and D. There are signs located at the entrances of the access roads that identify each area. Areas A and B are the access roads to the parking area adjacent to Clatsop Spit Beach. Area C is the access road to the parking area adjacent to Clatsop Spit Beach and the south jetty. Area D is the access road to the parking area adjacent to the beach on the southern shore of the Columbia River. Crabbing from a Boat is very productive following the red buoy line R20 to R22 and G21 to G25. Stay clear of the shipping channel. Crab in 20 to 30 feet of water during the incoming tide but pick up the gear before low tide to avoid losing gear to the strong current of the outgoing tide.
Crabbing for Dungeness crabs in the lower Columbia River Estuary depends on the amount of freshwater entering the watershed from rainfall or snowmelt. Crabbing usually gets going in late July or early August.
How to humanely kill Dungeness and red rock crabs is the question my wife wants me to answer. She can't stand to see anything suffer. Striking the Thoracic ganglion with a crab mallet kills the crab immediately. The crab does not suffer as it would if submerged in boiling water and neither does my wife. Killing and backing the crabs prior to cooking them shortens the total time it takes to cook and clean large numbers of crabs.
Clean crabs in seconds not minutes. Zach's method was developed at the Big Spruce R/V Park at Netarts Bay.
Zach's method is fast and efficient and cuts the drudgery out of cleaning crabs. The Zach's method is showcased on our blog for Netarts Bay.
Click onthe following video clip to view a professional crab shaker Picking Dungeness crabs. Using this method cuts the time to pick a crab in half.
Additional Information for Crabbing From Coastal Waters:
Click on the following links for additional information for taking crabs in the waters of the Pacific Northwest. ODFW's website crab page or Washington State information on recreational crabbing, California's information on recreational crabbing. Click on Alaska's comments on Dungeness Crabs and permits and regulations for SE Alaska, or click on Dungeness Crabs at Netarts Bay. Click on Species Profile for Dungeness Crabs PDF file. Click on Species Profile for Red Rock Crabs to view PDF file. Click on Dungeness and Red Rock Crabs to view information on taking crabs from Oregon's Bays and ocean water.
The most productive crabbing usually occurs in the lower portion of the saltwater dominated bays, Coos Bay and Netarts Bay. Crabbers in Oregon’s Bays have to deal with the high river flows common during the rainy season usually from November through April. Crabbing in the smaller estuaries is over until next spring or early summer unless there is an extended period of dry weather. The river levels of coastal rivers increase dramatically with the arrival of the large seasonal storms. The increased river flows are enough to move the crabs out of the smaller bays like the Chetco Cove, Rogue River Estuary, Necanicum River Estuary and Nestucca Bay but not out of the larger bays of the Northwest and Southwest Zones.
6.6 W Fort Stevens, City of Warrington Boat Launch and the Hammond Marina Boat Lauch access is gained by turning west from Hwy 101 onto E Harbor Drive. Drive west 1.1 miles toward the City of Warrington boat launch. Turn left onto Ensign. The 2 lane Warrington boat launch is on the left.
Fort Stevens State Park is the most popular of Oregon's State Parks. Fort Stevens is located through the City of Warrington and the community of Hammond. Turn west from Hwy 101 onto E Harbor Drive. Drive west for 1.3 miles. Bear right onto OR-104, N Main Ave. N Main Ave becomes NW Warrington Dr. Keep right to stay on OR-104 when NW Warrington Dr. becomes Pacific Dr. Turn left onto Lake Dr. Lake Drive becomes NW Ridge Rd the access road to Fort Stevens State Park. Turn to the right onto Jetty Rd to access the recreational resources and attractions associated with the South Jetty of the Columbia River Estuary or proceed to the main entrance of Fort Stevens by turning right onto the Peter Iredale Rd.
Oregon Rivers of the Lower Columbia River Estuary
Skipanon River -- Fish habitat assessment in the Oregn Department of Forestry Astoria North Study Area. --
Project Description - A collaborative project between the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) was initiated to synthesize aquatic habitat and fisheries information for the Lower Columbia River drainages to assist in the development of operational management plans, stream habitat restoration projects, habitat conservation planning, and watershed analysis. The project summarizes the condition of stream habitat, the distribution and abundance of salmonid fishes, and the potential for restoration. The ODFW Aquatic Inventories Project has conducted stream habitat surveys as part of its basin survey project and habitat assessment project under the Oregon Plan for Salmon and Watersheds. The goal of these surveys was to document the status and trends of stream conditions in coastal drainages. These surveys in conjunction with fish distribution, fish presence, potential barriers to passage, and past restoration activities form the basis of the analyses.
History of the Skipanon River Watershed Council: for many years the citizens of Warrenton and the Clatsop Plains voiced their concerns about the declines in water quality, salmon runs and recreational opportunities caused by flood control structures on the Skipanon River.
The Skipanon River Watershed is located in the extreme northwest corner of Clatsop County in Oregon. The Skipanon River is approximately 6 miles long with the headwaters above and draining into Cullaby Lake. The River enters the Columbia River at river mile 10.7. The watershed includes the city of Warrenton (4,040 population) as well as a mixture of rural residential, pasture / agricultural, marine industry and forest lands. The watershed is approximately 18,000 acres.
7.0 W The Lewis and Clark National Park. is a multi functional National Park centered around the daily lifes of Lewis and Clark at Fort Clatsop. Contact 503-861-2471 for additional information.
Fort Clatsop provides visitors with a look into the historic past. Each summer the National Park Service offers programs that depict the daily activities of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. The memorial is a complete replica of the site where Lewis and Clark spent the winter of 1805–06. The winter was particularly hard on our nations most celebrated explorers. To access the Fort Clatsop Memorial, turn southeast onto Old Highway 101 and then south on Fort Clatsop Road.
To ease road congestion, Fort Clatsop encourages visitors to take the Explorer Shuttle during the summer. It stops at most area hotels and campgrounds and ties into the local bus system, and the train from Portland via the Astoria trolley. For more info visit the Explorer Shuttle
Leave plenty of time to make any transfers. From the bus depot, walk a few hundred yards along the river to the actual boat launch.
Lewis and Clark River Paddle Tours Hop in a two person watercraft and paddle along the lush riverbanks of the Lewis and Clark River. See bald eagles soar while you calmly float through history and hear a unique perspective of Lewis and Clark National Historical Park. The themes of these three hour ranger-led paddles will vary and include natural and cultural topics geared for all interests.
Directions: From Hwy 101 in Warrenton, OR, follow signs to Fort Clatsop Visitor Parking. This is also the Netul Landing. Facilities: restrooms
Netul Landing on the Lewis and Clark River is a use fee launch facility for non-motorized boats managed by the Lewis and Clark National Park Contact 503-861-2471 for additional infomation.
To ease road congestion, Fort Clatsop encourages visitors to take the Explorer Shuttle during the summer. It stops at most area hotels and campgrounds and ties into the local bus system, and the train from Portland via the Astoria trolley. For more info visit the Explorer Shuttle
Lewis and Clark River boat launch, on Lewis and Clark Road near Logan Road, south of Astoria. Lewis and Clark National and State Historical Parks 92343 Fort Clatsop Rd, Astoria, OR 97103 Depart Fort Clatsop Rd toward the bridge over the Lewis and Clark River for 3.3 mi. Continue past the intersection of Lewis and Clark Rd and Fort Clatsop Rd. to the boat ramp located between the Lewis and Clark Rd and the Lewis and Clark River. The Lewis and Clark River Boat ramp is primitave and steep only suitable for small cartop boats.
Fort Clatsop is the eastern entry point to The Fort to Sea Trail from Fort Clatsop to the western entry point at Sunset Beach State Park. Those of you who make the exciting adventure hiking the Fort to Sea Trail must have a ride to either entry point or park your vehicle at either entry point and make the return hike or have a vehicle at both entry points. Any way you cut it - satisfaction is your reward for making the hike.
The Lewis and Clark River, Young’s River, and the South Fork Klaskanine River also are open to steelhead fishing. While anglers will encounter some stray hatchery fish, these streams offer mostly catch-and-release fishing for wild steelhead.
Hatchery steelhead smolts are released in Gnat Creek (40,000), Big Creek (60,000) and the North Fork Klaskanine River (40,000). Fishing for steelhead is restricted to the lower portions of the streams below the hatcheries. Hatchery fish are primarily available during late November, December and January, with numbers of fish tapering off quickly after that.
Klaskanine Hatchery was first operated in 1911 by the state of Oregon. In 1959 the hatchery was enlarged and renovated under the Columbia River Fisheries Development Program (Mitchell Act)—a program to enhance declining fish runs in the Columbia River Basin. The hatchery is now closely tied to the Select Area Fisheries Enhancement (SAFE) program and works closely with Clatsop County Fisheries (CCF). The facility is currently used primarily for rearing coho for SAFE commercial fisheries, as well as for adult collection and spawning of fall Chinook and as a rearing facility for fall Chinook and winter steelhead. Public fishing access is available at the fish hatchery. These streams are small and are primarily fished from the banks. Fishing access is available at the hatcheries for Spring Chinook in April and May, Fall Chinook returning in August and September before declining in October and Steelhead as described in this and ODFW publications.
7.5 Ridge Road/Columbia Beach Road is the access road to Columbia Beach, Fort Stevens State Park, Fort Stevens Historic Museum, Clatsop Spit and the South Jetty at Clatsop Spit. Turn west onto Ridge Road/Columbia Beach Road from Highway 101. Vehicular access to the Historic Fort Stevens is restricted to the hours the park is open, from 10:00 am to 6:00 p.m. seven days a week. Turn onto Pacific Drive from Ridge Road/Columbia Beach Road and follow the sign to the jetty at the Historic Fort Stevens Museum.
Historic Fort Stevens was a major defense installation from the Civil War through World War Two. Today the remains of the Fort, the museum, the guard house, the barracks site and the battlements in conjunction with the beauty of the surrounding area fulfill the expectations of the visitor. The park is well known for reenactment of Civil War Battles over the Labor Day Weekend.
Fort Stevens From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia was once the primary military defense installation in the three-fort, Harbor Defense System at the mouth of the Columbia River (along with Forts Canby and Columbia in Washington). The fort saw service for 84 years, from the Civil War to World War II. Today, Fort Stevens has grown into a 4,300 acre park offering exploration of history, nature, and many recreational opportunities.
Camping, beach-combing, freshwater lake swimming, trails, wildlife viewing, a historic shipwreck, and a historic military fort make Fort Stevens a uniquely diverse park. The park also has a network of nine miles of paved bicycle trails and six miles of hiking trails that allow for exploring a variety of habitats including spruce and hemlock forests, wetlands, dunes, and shore pine areas. Coffenbury Lake has two swimming areas, a picnic area, restrooms, and a boat ramp. Two smaller neighboring lakes are great for fishing and canoeing.
Throughout the year, you can enjoy displays ranging from the Civil War to World War II at the military museum and information center, visit the only Civil War era earthen fort on the west coast, or explore the many turn-of-the-century, concrete coast artillery gun batteries.
During the summer, take a tour underground through a rare gun battery that also served as a World War II command center, ride in the back of a period military transport truck and see the fortifications from a whole new perspective, or get a feel for what the inside of a military jail was like as you walk through one of the last brick constructed guard houses in the country. For more information regarding these tours, please contact the Friends Of Old Fort Stevens at 503-861-2000.
The park continues to have the longest running partnership with a friends group in the state of Oregon. The Friends Of Old Fort Stevens is a 501(C3), nonprofit group dedicated to preserving, restoring, and interpreting historic Fort Stevens. Funds earned by the Friends Of Old Fort Stevens are utilized to further enhance the historic areas of Fort Stevens State Park for future generations.
The Peter Iredale Road is the main entrance to Fort Stevens State Park and the beach access to the wreck of the rusted hulk remains of the Peter Iredale on Columbia Beach ar Clatsop spit. The fishery at Coffenbury Lake is manage by ODFW with rainbow trout stocked on a regular basis in addition to the stocking of surplus winter run steelhead. The lake supports the following species of warm water fish: Largemouth bass, yellow perch, bluegill, crappie and bullhead catfish are likely catches here and in other lakes common to the area. View the Bing sponsored Images of Coffenbury Lake. Boats powered by oars or electric motors are allowed. The Peter Iredale Road is the only road that allows access to the ocean beach by motor vehicles. Motor vehicles are allowed on the ocean beaches all year except the beach northward from the wreck of the Peter Iredale is closed to vehicular access from May 1st to September 15th from 12:01 P.M. to Midnight. Fort Stevens State Park is a full service State Park. There is ample parking at all of the Fort Stevens recreational areas. Coffenbury Lake is stocked with rainbow trout throughout the summer. Columbia Beach is the site of the grounded British bark Peter Iredale. The rusting skeleton of the ship has been the dominant feature on the beach since running aground on October 25, 1906.
Razor clams of the Peter Iredale
Click on the ODFW Weekly Recreational Marine Report for information digging razor clams on Clatsop Spit.'
Information Report 2000-06. Link, T. 2000. History and status of Oregon's Pacific razor clam resource.
7.5 Columbia Beach and the ocean beach at Clatsop Spit offer the clam digger some of the best razor clam digging on the Oregon Coast. The fishing for redtail surfperch ranges from poor to excellent from late spring through the summer as the perch migrate along Oregon’s beaches. The pregnant females enter Oregon's Bays to give live birth to their young while the males feed in the surf along the beaches outside of the bays. Picking edible mushrooms is popular recreational activity at Fort Stevens State Park, but be sure the mushrooms picked are 100 percent editable. No guessing allowed! Beachcombing after a storm Serching for Agates is another recreational activity very popular with beachgoers.
Turn west into the Day Use Entrance of Fort Stevens State Park to access the ocean beach at Clatsop Spit, the south jetty at Clatsop Spit and the beach at the Jetty Sands on the southern shore of the Columbia River. Vehicle access is allowed to the beach at the Jetty Sands.
The access roads to the parking areas adjacent to the ocean beach at Clatsop Spit and to the south jetty at Clatsop Spit are open twenty–four hours daily. Clatsop Spit and the south jetty at Clatsop Spit are divided into geographical areas A, B, C and D. There are signs located at the entrances of the access roads that identify each area. Areas A and B are the access roads to the parking area adjacent to Clatsop Spit Beach. Digging for razor clams, surf fishing for redtail surfperch and beach combing are the attractions here. Area C is the access road to the parking area adjacent to Clatsop Spit Beach and the south jetty at Clatsop Spit. There is a viewing platform at the beginning of the jetty that offers an exceptional view of the mouth of the Columbia River, Ctsop Beach and Clatsop Spit. Digging for razor clams, surf fishing for redtail surfperch, fishing from the south jetty and beach combing are the attractions here. Area D is the access road to the parking area adjacent to the southern shore of the Columbia River located at the tip of Clatsop Spit. The beach on the southern shore is referred to as the Jetty Sands or Social Security Beach by local anglers. Parking is allowed on the beach at Jetty Sands. Excellent fishing for sturgeon, redtail perch, crabbing and wildlife viewing are the attractions here.
Turn onto Pacific Drive from Ridge Road/Columbia Beach Road and follow the sign to the jetty at the Historic Fort Stevens Museum. Vehicular access to the Historic Fort Stevens is restricted to the hours the park is open, from 10:00 am to 6:00 p.m. seven days a week. Historic Fort Stevens was a major defense installation from the Civil War through World War Two. Today the remains of the Fort, the museum, the guard house, the barracks site and the battlements in conjunction with the beauty of the surrounding area fulfill the expectations of the visitor. The park is well known for reenactment of Civil War Battles over the Labor Day Weekend.
Horses Riding Requirments at Fort Stevens. In the interest of horsemen, we inquired via an email request to the representives of Fort Stevens. We received the following response: Thanks for your e-mail. There are horse trails at Fort Stevens. Here are the details:
1. Load/unload horses at Parking Lot A or Delaura Beach
2. Access beach at Parking Lot A or Delaura Beach
3. Allowed to ride on the trail between Parking Lot A and Delaura Beach and on the beach itself
4. Not allowed to ride anywhere else other than that one trail and the beach. Horses are not allowed on the trails or other parking lots within the park.
5. No facilities for overnight camping with horses.
If you have any questions please call the park at 503-861-1671.
Waterfowl hunting is permitted at Fort Stevens State Park adjacent to Trestle Bay as posted during authorized seasons excluding the Sept. Canada goose season.
The Lower Columbia River Estuary
The Lower Columbia River Estuary. The Navigational Charts in this publication are out of date and are intended for informational use only.
Boating in the Lower Columbia River Estuary
Known as the Graveyard of the Pacific the Columbia River Bar is the most dangerous bar to cross on Oregon's Coastal Waters. Only venture onto the Columbia River Estuary in boats greater than the arbitrary length of 20 feet that are fully equipped to handle ocean conditions. The Army Corp of Engineer's policy on Navigation contains navigational information on Oregon Ports of Entry.
Safe boating is always your first priority. The U. S. Coast Guard Auxiliary offers a number of classes that skippers of small boats, their families and boat mates should take before considering boating in Oregon’s coastal waters. We recommend learning by doing. The Astoria Yacht Club offers boating activities that enhance and challenge your boat skills. Learn by doing! Click on the above link to view their website.
The safety and comfort of everyone onboard is your responsibility once your family and guests board your boat. Before getting underway go over your procedural check list each and every time making sure all hatch covers are secure, the engine compartment vented, check the engine oil levels, test carbon monoxide alarms, do a radio check and secure all loose gear etc. Make it a practice to fill the fuel tanks before leaving the marina or boat launch. Never consume more than half of the fuel onboard before the boat is back at the dock.
Each person onboard should be required to wear a life jacket for the duration of the trip. Always wear a life jacket when crossing the bar. In an emergency you will not have the time to put on a life jacket. A life jacket stored away in an inconspicuous location or laying just inches away from your grasp will cost you or your loved ones your lives should the boat sink or roll over.
It is strongly recommended that you include the purchase of survival suits when you finance the purchase of your boat. It is foolish to cross the bar into the open ocean without survival suits on hand for all those onboard. Practice putting them on and do not hesitate wear them if you believe you may need them. If your boat sinks or you have to abandon it because of fire the Coast Guard may not be able to find you and pull you from the water before your core body temperature has fallen lower than your ability to survive like my friend, Randy Bacon, in the water 45 minutes, RIP.
The dynamics of fishing in the ocean, bays and the tidal reach of river channels underscore the importance of marine electronics to anglers. A GPS for pinpoint navigation is necessary for safe boating; a fathometer fish/finder to monitor water depth when boating in shallow water and radar to facilitate safe boating in the fog or entry into a harbor. To assure a safe boating trip the boat should also be equipped with a marine radio tuned to monitor channel 16, a CB radio, cell phone, a compass, navigational charts and a skipper knowledgeable in their use.
Always check the tide and extended marine forecast when planning to go boating in the open ocean or in the jetty channel of Oregon’s Bays. Resist the desire to cross the bar when small craft advisories or warning are posted and the ocean is calm. Ocean conditions can change faster than your ability to return to the harbor or before the Coast Guard restricts the length of vessels allowed to cross the bar or closes the bar altogether.
The decision to cross the bar begins before launching the boat or departing the marina by accessing current ocean conditions at the bar and the extended marine forecast off shore by calling permanently manned Coast Guard stations at Cape Disappointment 360-642-3565, 503-322-3234 for Tillamook Bay at Garibaldi, 541-765-2122 for Depoe Bay, 541-265-5511 for Yaquina Bay, 541-902-7792 for the Siuslaw River Estuary, 541-271-8417 for the Umpqua River, 541-888-3102 for Coos Bay and 541-469-4571 for the Chetco River Estuary.
Radio Stations KVAS 103.9 FM (1230 kHz) and KAST 99.7 FM (1370 kHz) gives bar condition reports for the Columbia River Bar 15 minutes before and after the hour. The current marine weather forecast is broadcast on VHF Weather channel 3 or 4. If you are on the water heading outbound or inbound monitor VHF-FM channel 68 or 69 and CB channel 13 for a report on conditions at the Columbia River Bar or contact the Coast Guard Station via VHF-FM Channel 16 and ask for a report of ocean conditions at the bar. The USCG are heavy users of the Marine VHF Channels; Channel 16 is reserved for distress, safety and calling, while channel 22A is utilized for special warnings, Marine Safety and other announcements.
A report of current ocean conditions and the extended marine forecast at Pacific NW Coastal Marine Data is available over the internet. Select National Weather Service - NWS Portland to display the area discussion for Portland's weather ; then under Current Forecasts select S Washington/N Oregon for the COASTAL WATERS FORECAST of the northern Oregon coast or S Oregon for the COASTAL WATERS FORECAST for the southern Oregon Coast. After reading the status report for current ocean condition and the extended marine forecast, select Quick look Marine Forecast to display the information for ocean conditions generated by following buoys: Buoy 29 Buoy 50 Near Buoy 89 Near Mouth of Columbia Near Tillamook Bar.
To access the information generated by the buoys associated with navigating the Columbia River Bar Click on menu topic, “Buoys and Coastal Winds” and select the nearshore Buoy Station for the bar you plan to cross. Select Buoy Station 46029 – Columbia River Bar to display current ocean conditions at buoy station 46029.
NOAA's National Data Buoy Center for the Columbia River Bar.
Recreational boaters in possession of cell phones can call Dial-A-Buoy at (888-701-8992) for the status of current ocean conditions at the nearshore and offshore buoys located nearshore at: DMNO3 (Desdemona Sands), 46029 (Columbia River), 46243 ( Clatsop Spit Buoy) 46248 (Astoria Canyon) MLTO3 (Marsh Island), 46089 (Tillamook), 46050 (Yaquina Bay), NWPO3 (Newport Bay), 46015 (Port Orford), CARO3 (Cape Arago), 46027 (Pt St George) and Offshore Buoy Station 46002 - OREGON - 275NM West of Coos Bay. Listen and follow the menu instructions exactly to hear the status report for the buoy station you requested. After listening to the Buoy Status Report of ocean conditions at the buoy station requested, follow the menu prompts to listen to the recorded message providing offshore Coastal Forecasts for S Washington/N Oregon or S Oregon for the region of the buoy station requested.
What is Dial-A-Buoy? NDBC, a part of the National Weather Service (NWS), created Dial-A-Buoy to give mariners an easy way to obtain the reports via a cell phone. Dial-A-Buoy provides wind and wave measurements taken within the last hour at the NDBC buoy and Coastal-Marine Automated Network (C-MAN) stations. The stations operated by the National Data Buoy Center are located in the Atlantic, Pacific, Gulf of Mexico, and the Great Lakes. Buoy reports include wind direction, speed, gust, significant wave height, swell and wind-wave heights and periods, air temperature, water temperature, and sea level pressure. Some buoys report wave directions. All C-MAN stations report the winds, air temperature, and pressure; some also report wave information, water temperature, visibility, and dew point.
Recreational boaters use the observations, in combination with forecasts, to make decisions on whether it is safe to venture out. Some even claim that the reports have saved lives. Surfers use the reports to see if wave conditions are, or will soon be, promising. Many of these boaters and surfers live well inland, and knowing the conditions has saved them many wasted trips to the coast. Consult everyone onboard for their opinion before making the decision to cross the bar. If anyone doubts that is safe to go, Don’t Go.
Know your harbor. The location of the boat launches located in the tidal reach of Oregon’s bays is available on the internet at the Oregon State Marine Board. Refer to the column Safety and Educations then click on Water Levels/Navigation Charts. The links to the Coastal Bar Chartlettes are posted in the box on the right side of the webpage. Click on the link to display your bay of interest. Familiarize yourself with the conditions at the bar. Learn what to expect before crossing the bar. Visiting skippers should inquire about the local bar conditions from the U. S. Coast Guard Service before crossing the bar. A visit to a Coast Guard Station only takes a few minutes and can only enhance the success of the trip.
Bar Closures: click the NOAA Bar Observations website for updated bar closures and restrictions.
BAR CROSSING: Click on the current navigational hazards for crossing the Columbia River Bar or scroll down the page to view the historical hazards associated with crossing the Columbia River bar.
Bar Advisory Signs: The Coast Guard has installed and maintains Bar Advisory Signs in most of the bays that have a Coast Guard Station. Currently there are no Bar Advisory Signs located in Nehalem Bay, Nestucca Bay and Alsea Bay.
Bar Advisory (Warning) Signs in the lower Columbia River Estuary are located at the boat ramp areas at the Port of Hammond, Warrenton, Chinook, Ilwaco and Fort Canby. These signs are blue in color and have amber flashing lights that read: Warning When Flashing, Bar Restrictions in Effect, Tune to 1610 AM. When the amber lights are flashing on any of the warning signs, hazardous conditions are present and a bar restriction is in place. Mariners should tune in and listen to the restriction information.
The signs have two flashing lights that are activated when the seas exceed 4 feet in height. If the ocean conditions are not favorable for pleasurable boating do not cross the bar. Good judgment is your best advisor. Do not attempt to cross the bar if there is any doubt that it safe to do so. Bar restrictions and closures not only apply to boats leaving the harbor but also to boats entering the harbor.
The following underlined areas describe some of the dangerous tidal conditions that affect boating safety in the Lower Columbia River Estuary and crossing the bar.
Chinook spur, upper, lower and middle Sand Island spurs are built on two rows of staggered pilings. Currents flowing through these pilings attain a velocity of up to 5 knots. A boat which becomes disabled or is maneuvered in such a way as to come in contact with any of these spurs is almost sure to suffer damage or become trapped against them and turn over. Even large boats have been capsized in these areas. Give these spurs a wide berth and never get close to them on the up-current side.
Jetty A which is southeast of Cape Disappointment, presents a particular danger when the current is ebbing. Water flowing out of the river, is deflected by the jetty and frequently the currents reach 8 knots, often causing waves up to 8 feet high. Boats proceeding into Baker Bay West Channel make very little speed against the swift current and are exposed to the rough water or surf for long periods of time. The shallow sandy area should be avoided by small craft when heavy seas are present because of the surf which breaks on the beach.
Clatsop Spit is the most unpredictable area on the river entrance. During flood currents and slack water it may be calm with only a gentle swell breaking far in on the spit. Yet 5 or 10 minutes later, when the current has started to ebb, it can become extremely hazardous with breakers extending far out toward the channel. You should remain north of the red buoys in this area, particularly just before or during the ebb. The South Jetty has a section broken away on the outer end. The broken section is under water close to the surface. Boats should use extra caution in the area from the visible tip of the Jetty out to Buoy "2SJ". Peacock and Clatsop Spits are called The Graveyard of the Pacific for good reason.
Peacock Spit: Breakers are heavy in all types of current. Sports craft leaving the river should never be on the north side of the green buoys. When rounding Peacock Spit, give the breakers at least a half-mile clearance. Many times unusually large swells coming in from the sea suddenly begin breaking up to 1/2 miles outside the usual break on the end of the North Jetty.
Middle Ground: This is a shallow triangle area between the Jetty A and the North Jetty and main Ship Channel that is subject to breaking seas when swells as small as 4 feet are present. Conditions here can change in minutes with tidal current changes.
There are five components effecting ocean conditions that recreational boaters need to consider before crossing the bar into the open ocean or boating in the Lower Columbia River Estuary: the height of the long ocean swells, the interval between long ocean swells in seconds, the height and direction of wind waves, the velocity and direction of the wind and the phase of the daily tidal cycle. If the forecasted height of the tallest wind wave added to the height of the long ocean swells equals or exceeds the interval in seconds between the long ocean swells do not cross the bar. The interval in seconds between the long ocean swells can be the difference between a pleasurable boating experiences or one that makes you wish you had never left the dock. If the interval between the long ocean swells indicates rough boating conditions do not cross the bar. Typically, it is fairly calm until mid-morning when the wind begins to blow. Depending on the velocity and direction, the wind can make operating a small boat difficult. When ocean conditions deteriorate the Coast Guard can restrict the size of the boat allowed to cross the bar or close the bar to altogether. Do not attempt to cross the bar at any of Oregon’s bays during the outgoing phase of the major tidal exchange of a spring tide. Our explanation of the daily tidal exchange of the tidal cycle follows:
Recreational boaters need to consider the phase of the daily tidal cycle before crossing the bar of Oregon’s bays or boating in the Lower Columbia River Estuary. The tidal cycle consists of series of spring tides or neap tides which occur during the phases of the lunar cycle. There normally two high tides and low tides in the daily tidal cycle. They consist of a major tidal exchange followed by a minor tidal exchange. The highest and lowest tide occurs during the major tidal exchange followed by a lower high tide and higher low tide of the minor tidal exchange. Spring tides and Neap tides are governed by the position of the sun in relation to the earth and the moon.
Spring tides occur during the new moon or full moon when the sun, moon and earth are aligned. During the alignment the gravitational pull causes tidal fluctuations that are larger than usual resulting with the highest high tides and the lowest low tides. The fact that water appears to spring away from the earth is the reason the tides are referred to as spring tides.
Neap tides occur during the 1st and 3rd quarter phase of the moon when the sun and the moon are at right angles to one another in conjunction to their relative position of the earth. The effect of their gravitational pulls is partially cancelled causing tidal fluctuations that are smaller than usual resulting with lower high tides and higher low tides. The outgoing tide always causes unstable tidal conditions at the Bar. The bar at Tillamook Bay is dangerous to cross during any outgoing phase of the tidal cycle, but it is the grandeur of the tidal exchange at the Columbia River Bar that compels respect for the tidal condition encountered at all of Oregon’s bars. Do not attempt to cross the bar for any of Oregon’s bays during the outgoing phase of the major tidal exchange of a spring tide.
Recreational boaters should not attempt to cross the Columbia River Bar during the outgoing phase of the major and minor tidal exchange of a spring tide or during the outgoing phase of the major tidal exchange of a neap tide. The small boater should cross the Columbia River bar from low slack tide and during the first hour of the incoming tide when the ocean is flat and calm with the long ocean swell less the 3 feet and intervals greater than 10 seconds with wind waves less than 1 foot. Stay within the red and green buoys when crossing the bar. Follow the red buoy line out entering the waypoints of the channel markers and buoy locations in the GPS and record the compass bearing on the chart of the Lower Columbia River Estuary for each buoy as you are outward bound. When departing from the Washington side of the Columbia River head to Buoy G11 and enter the waypoint in the GPS and compass bearing on the chart. From there, head southwesterly to Buoy R10 and enter the waypoint in the GPS and compass bearing on the chart. Departing from the Oregon side, follow the red buoy line to Buoy R10 entering the waypoints and compass bearings for each of the R Buoys. From Buoy R10 follow the red buoy line out to Buoys R8, R6 past R2SJ Bell Buoy (marking the end of the submerged portion of the South Jetty) and to Buoy R4. Rough water with breakers is common occurrence from buoy R8 seaward to buoy R6 during the incoming phase of the major tidal exchange of the incoming tide.
Once clearing the Columbia River Control Zone at Buoy R4 troll for coho and Chinook salmon southwest to Buoy CR and for Chinook salmon on the return trip to Buoy R4. The lighted whistle buoy CR is located 5.8 nautical miles (6.6) miles SW of the Columbia River Bar. Plan the return of your boating trip to clear of the mouth of the Columbia River Bar at Buoy R10 before next low tide begins to ebb.
The swells generated by the outgoing tide in the Lower Columbia River Estuary often exceed 20 feet in height and can extend for more than 1½ miles in the jetty channel and up to 1/2 mile offshore from the end of the entrance of the bar. The swells generated by the outgoing tide in combination with a wind chop can cause confused seas that can sink a boat in seconds. If you are caught on a rough bar while coming in keep the boat square before the seas and ride the back side of the swell staying ahead the following swell, but to you will most likely have to quarter the following swells to cross the bar successfully. The ability to cross a rough bar demands seamanship based on experience. If you are going boating in the Lower Columbia River Estuary join the Coast Guard Auxiliary. Their members are willing to help you gain the experience and confidence to cross the bar. Discuss all safety issues with family members and guests before leaving the dock.
The emphasis in the lower Columbia River is on the world class sturgeon and salmon fishery. The fishing conditions described in this publication differs from today's fishing conditions. Refer to ODFW fishing regulations for current information on gear restrictions, seasons and catch limits.
The sturgeon population has declined and the fishery in the Lower Columbia has been reduced to catch and release. At one time sand sole and redtail perch entered the mouth of the Columbia River in fishable numbers during late spring. The fish species usually associated with jetties are present along the jetties at the entrance to the lower Columbia River in fishable numbers; but because of the dangerous tidal conditions during the outgoing tide anglers should fish for those species elsewhere. The fishing for rockfish and flatfish in Washington State coastal waters to Leadbetter Point is excellent. Anglers from OR and WA are allowed to fish from a boat in ocean waters from Cape Falcon OR to Leadbetter Point WA. The Columbia River Zone is divided into regional zones. All the regional zones are governed by general regulations common to all zones and by special regulations governing individual zones. The Marine Zones common to all zones and by special regulations governing individual zones. The Marine Zone extends from Buoy 10 seaward. Oregon and Washington anglers are allowed to fish from a boat in the ocean from Cape Falcon OR to Leadbetter Point WA.
Special Regulations: Salmon fishing is closed within the Columbia Control Zone (CZ). The Columbia Control Zone extends seaward from Buoy 10 to a line drawn between Buoy 4 at 46 13’ 35’N/124 06’ 50’W and Buoy 7 at 46 15’ 48’N/124 5’ 18’W and in a straight line from the end of the north jetty at 46 15’ 45’N/124 05’ 20’w to Buoy 7 and in a straight line from the south jetty at 46 14’ 03’N/124 04’ 05’W to Buoy 4. The eastern boundary of the CZ extends from a bearing 357 degrees true north from 46 14’ 00’N/124 03’ 07’W. Fishing for salmon in the CZ is prohibited. Regional zone 1 extends from Buoy 10 upriver to a line extending from buoy R44 to Rocky Point WA. Regional zone 2 extends upriver from the R44/ Rocky Point line to the I–5 Bridge. The information in this publication encompasses all of regional zone 1 and identifies specific locations in the Marine Zone and regional zone 2. Refer to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Sport Fishing Regulations for area closures and the regulations governing fishing for sturgeon, salmon and other fish species.
Fishery management by the ODFW and WDFW is dependent of accurate fisheries forecasting. The ODFW Columbia River fisheries forecast presents information useful for anglers to plan fishing adventures on the Columbia River and tributaries.
White Sturgeon information report 2014-7 Status and Biology of Columbia River White Sturgeon (aka What We Know About Columbia River White Sturgeon and How We Know It.) The lack of any attempt to produce factual information by the ODFW and WDFW is nothing more than an attempt to censor and limit the Publics right to know just how contaminated White Sturgeon in the Columbia and Snake river basins are!
Warning do consume any amount of the fish harvested from sturgeon. The flesh from white sturgeon is highly contaminated too contaminated to be consumed by anyone. Our opinion is supported by the study Published:1 December 2005https://doi.org/10.1289/ehp.8072Cited by:40.
In addition we do not recommend the consumption of any species of fish resident to either the Columbia River, Willamette River or Snake River basins.
White sturgeon are year–round residents of the Columbia River with a permanent population exceeding one million fish. Fishing is open but restricted to catch and release only in most of Oregon's State Waters. Check with ODFW for current information on restrictions.
The following narrative applies to the sturgeon fishery of the lower Columbia River when retention of sturgeon was allowed.
The most productive fishing for sturgeon for the entire Columbia River occurs from the mouth of the Columbia River to an imaginary line between Tongue Point, Oregon and Gray’s Point, Washington during the months of June, July and August.
Sturgeon fishing heyday in the Lower Columbia from a charter vessel.
Typically the sturgeon fishing in the lower Columbia River from the mouth of the river through Cathlamet Bay and Gray’s Bay is slow from September through December. The sturgeon fishing improves in January upriver from an imaginary line between Tongue Point, Oregon and Gray’s Point, shington when the eulachon (Thaleichthys pacificus) commonly referred to as smelt enter the lower river to spawn but the fishing from the imaginary line to the mouth of the river remains slow. Fish from Gray’s Point to Altoona Washington and in the channels and sloughs around Rice Island, Miller Sands and in Cathlamet Bay. The fishing continues to improve upriver from the imaginary line to through Cathlamet Bay and Gray’s Bay as the smelt run peaks in February and March but remains slow from the imaginary line seaward. During this period, smelt are the first choice for bait followed by mud and/or sand shrimp. The fishing upriver from the imaginary line continues to improve during April but remains slow from the imaginary line seaward.
The sturgeon fishing improves during May from the mouth of the Columbia River to the imaginary line through Cathlamet Bay and Gray’s Bay as shad enter the rivers associated with the lower Columbia River Estuary to spawn. During this period, shad or smelt is the most productive bait followed by mud and/or sand shrimp. The fishing is productive on the south side of the Columbia River from Clatsop Spit to Tongue Point and in the channels and sloughs associated with Cathlamet Bay. The area from Clatsop Spit to Youngs Bay and the sandy shoals of Desdemona Sands or Taylor Sands are most productive locations to fish for sturgeon. Desdemona Sands is located in front of Astoria and extend from a point north of Hammond upriver past the Astoria–Melger Bridge. Taylor Sands is located halfway across the river opposite of Tongue Point. Fishing is productive on the north side of the river from Sand Island upriver to Gray’s Point in the area between Grey’s Point and buoy 12.
The Sturgeon fishing improves dramatically during June, July and August as the catch rate soars from the mouth of the Columbia River to imaginary line at Tongue Point. During this period anchovies enter the lower Columbia River and are the most productive bait followed by mud and/or sand shrimp. The fishing declines during September and the catch rate falls.
To fish for sturgeon anchor the boat on the up current side of the deeper holes and shallow depressions in the channels and toughs adjacent to the tidal flats in water that is 10 to 40 feet deep. Use the current lines that appear between the tidal flats and the deeper water of the river channels as a guide to the shallow depressions and deep holes. The channels in the lower Columbia River are continually shifting. If you are going to do any boating on the lower river, invest in a compass, the latest navigational charts available and a GPS Chartplotter; otherwise, you chance spending hours stuck on the tidal flats.
As stated prevoulsy, Area D is the access road to the parking area adjacent to the southern shore of the Columbia River located at the tip of Clatsop Spit. The beach on the southern shore is referred to as the Jetty Sands or Social Security Beach by local anglers fishing from shore for Sturgeon, salmon or Dungeness crabs. Parking is allowed on the beach at Jetty Sands. Excellent fishing for sturgeon, salmon, crabbing and wildlife viewing arethe attractions here.
When Sturgeon was King of the Columbia River at Fort Stevens.
The angler has to consider the velocity of the tidal current when developing fishing strategy. The velocity of the outgoing tidal current lower Columbia River varies from 3.5 to 5 knots and can attain a velocity of over 5 knots at the entrance with velocities attaining 8 knots on the north side of the bar. The incoming tide in the Columbia River seldom attains velocities of over 4 knots, but as the tide changes from outgoing to incoming the heavier saltwater flows under the outgoing lighter brackish water. For a brief time the water in the lower estuary flows in both directions at the same time. A riptide usually accompanies the tidal surge of the incoming tide followed by schools of Chinook and coho salmon. Remember to troll faster than the speed of the tidal current when trolling with the tidal current to maintain the herring in the Chinook’s strike zone. Click on Hatchery Genetic Management Plans (HGMP) for additional information about managing salmonids returning to Oregon State Waters. Photo below by Jerry Lynch.
Jerry Don't Worry-Be Happy took this Springer on the lower Columbia
According to the Recreational Sport Catch Statistics Salmon, Steelhead and Sturgeon for spring Chinook Salmon returning to the Columbia River Basin some Spring chinook salmon enter the Columbia River in January and February. The numbers of returning salmon increase dramatically in March. Most of those Chinook salmon are returning to tributaries in the Lower Columbia River below Bonneville Dam. The number of spring run Chinook salmon increase in April. Most of those fish entering the Columbia River in April are returning to tributaries in the Columbia River Basin above Bonneville Dam. The most productive fishing for spring Chinook salmon in the lower Columbia River occurs in regional zone 2 upriver from the channels associated with Rice Island and Miller Sands.
Fall Chinook Taken From The Lower Columbia River
Click on the Recreational Sport Catch Statistics for Salmon, Steelhead and Sturgeon returning to the Columbia River.
Click on the Fall Chinook salmon to view Chinook Salmon Population in Oregon's Coastal River Basins. Each year tens of thousand of anglers take to the river to fish for returning salmonids and sturegon.The Oregon State Marine Board sponsors development of the boat launches anglers use to intercept runs of salmonids returning to local waters.
Fall Chinook returning to the Columbia River Basin enter the north side of the Columbia River in June increasing in numbers during July. The number of fish increase dramatically in August with the majority of the fish entering the river during this month before declining sharply in September and October.
The run is comprised of Tule run Chinook and returning Upriver Brights. Because the Tule run Chinook are sexually mature and ready spawn when they enter the river they are reluctant to bite and the table quality of their flesh has begun to decline. Upriver Brights are sexually immature when they enter the Columbia River and the table quality of their flesh is at its very best. When salmon season opens in the lower Columbia River the Pacific high has been parked over the Pacific Northwest and it has not rained for several months. The mean water temperature the river is higher than the temperature preferred by Chinook salmon when the salmon enter the river with the incoming tide. The temperature of the lower river varies between 56 to 65 degrees depending on phase of the tide. The Chinook salmon swim upriver at the depth where they are most comfortable.
Tule run Chinook salmon swim upriver along the north shore in water up to 40 feet deep. Returning Upriver Brights swim in the deepwater lane that runs parallel to and just above Desdemona Sands upriver past the Astoria/Melger Bridge. If the mean temperature of the water is too high some of the Chinook salmon will return to the ocean with the outgoing tide while others with continue their upriver migration. Tule run Chinook salmon returning to Deep River or Gray’s River will continue up the north side of the river while other Tule run and Upriver Brights begin crossing the river to the Oregon side where the spires rise on the Astoria–Melger Bridge following the scent of the river of their origin.
The Astoria–Melger Bridge and the Oregon Washington State Line are geographical references used to direct anglers where to fish for Chinook salmon. The state line is located at the point on the bridge where the spans begin to rise as you near the Washington side of the river.
Upriver Bights: The most productive fishing for Upriver Bights occurs trolling a plug cut herring with the incoming tide along the Oregon–Washington state line from Chinook, Washington to a point opposite of Melger Washington. Troll a plug cut herring next to the bottom behind a diver or a wire spreader with a 6 foot length of 35 pound test fluorocarbon leader. Returning Chinook salmon usually migrate along the bottom of the estuary, but at times migrate higher in the water column. When fishing with multiple rods stagger the depth of the bait by four pulls from a depth of 25 feet to the bottom. Adding a herring dodger or 8 inch flasher behind the wire spreader or diver is a productive option the angler should consider. Rig the wire spreader with a 36 inch sinker dropper utilizing 6 to 12 ounce sinkers to present the bait to the salmon. As high slack tide approaches troll cross current in a zig–zag pattern back to Chinook, Washington.
When the tide begins to ebb the most productive fishing occurs from the Astoria–Melger Bridge to Chinook Washington back bouncing mini mooching with a whole or plug cut herring. As the velocity of the tidal current increases either back troll with a plug cut herring or troll a plug cut herring with the ebbing tide. Fish at a depth from 20 and 45 feet as the current moves the boat in a northwesterly direction through the Church Hole all the way to Chinook Point. Fishing is also productive on the Oregon side of the river at the Astoria/Melger Bridge or in the area between Taylor Sands and the shipping channel upriver to Tongue Point.
Launching at Deep River is one option consider to fish for Chinook salmon below the Astoria/Melger Bridge but the limited launching facilities are a negative factor. But, if the decision is made to do so, follow the piling markers to navigate the channel to the fishing locations downriver along the Washington side of the river. Stay on the right hand side of the channel going out. The boater has to be aware of Deadheads which are mired in the bottom substrate and float on the other end rising and falling with the tide. The depth of the water in the channel will vary between 6 and 14 feet deep at low tide. Follow marker R16, R14 and R12 before turning toward the right to R10. Navigate to the right of R12, R10 and R8 to avoid shallow water to the left. From there follow the shore pilings down to Rocky Point. Avoid the piling marker at Rocky Point because it sits on a rock outcropping. Clear Rocky Point and head southwest for about 400 yards staying within 100 yards of the shoreline. Head South keeping the shore on your right but heading toward and staying West of piling marker #14A to Portuguese Point then continue around the corner to piling marker 13 located next to the shore at Grays Point. From Gays Point, you can see the Astoria/Melger Bridge in the distance. Continue along the Washington shore to the Chinook salmon fishery from the Astoria/Melger Bridge to the Church Hole.
Fishing in the channels above Tongue Point is productive as Chinook salmon disperses across the width of the Columbia River searching for the scent of their home river. Chinook salmon migrate upriver at the depth where they are most comfortable. During August and September the water temperature in the channels above Tongue Point is often higher than the temperature preferred by Chinook salmon. Usually the most productive fishing is from a depth of 25 to 30 feet deep; however, during warmer periods they may migrate at a greater depth.
Coho salmon return to the lower Columbia River Estuary in August with the opening of the Buoy 10 fishery on August 1st, but only fin clipped coho salmon may be retained. According to the annual Recreational Coho Catch Statistics every year thousands of hatchery coho salmon return to the Columbia River. According to the monthly Coho catch statistics for 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018.
Anglers start fishing for coho salmon as early as the season opener on the first of August and fish through September into October before the number of returning Coho decline in November. The most productive fishing occurs from the deadline at Buoy 10 in the area between the green and red buoy lines extending eastward to an imaginary line extending northeasterly from a point midway between buoy 12 and 14 to the lower end of Sand Island. Fish the riptide that usually accompanies the tidal surge of the incoming tide. Schools a coho follow the tidal surge of the incoming tide along the north shore of the river in water that is between 20 and 40 feet deep to an area near the north end of the Astoria/Megler Bridge. Coho salmon returning to the net pens in Young’s Bay migrate from Buoy 10 past Buoys 12 and 14, around Clatsop Spit into Young’s Bay. Troll from Buoy10 around Buoy 12 past Buoy 14 trolling a plug cut herring between 3 and 5 knots with the incoming tide 4 ½ feet behind a diver in the upper half of the water column is the most productive method followed by trolling hoochies, spinners or streamer flies behind a size 0 dodger. Fish for salmonids returning to the small creeks and streams of the Lower Columbia use spinners, flies and bait where permissible.
Historic catch statistics represent a window of opportunity for catching the salmonids returning to the tributaries of the lower Columbia. Click on Sport Catch Statistics - Salmon, Steelhead and Sturgeon to view the catch statistics for the salmonid species of interest. The reports on this page represent harvest statistics gathered from sports harvest angler tags (punch cards) es; or from errors in data entry caused by difficult-to-read harvest cards.
Lower Columbia Steelhead. Several tributaries near the mouth of the lower Columbia offer winter fishing for both wild and hatchery steelhead.
Fishing from shore of the tributaries that flow into the Lower Coulmbia River is an underutilized opportunity that many anglers are not aware of. Big Creek Fish Hatchery began operation in 1941. Big Creek Fish Hatchery was refurbished in 1957 under the Mitchell Act as part of the Columbia River Fisheries Development Program—a program to enhance declining fish runs in the Columbia River Basin. The facility is used for adult collection, egg incubation and rearing of winter steelhead, fall chinook and coho.
Clatsop Counties Big Creek County Park is located downstream from the fish hatchery. Google map access to Big Creek County Park. Public Fishing access to Big Creek begins at the intersection of Hwy 30 and Big Creek County Park Road. There is more public access at the Gnat Creek Fish Hatchery located on the North Fork of the Klaskanine River. Anglers may call 503-458-6529 for recorded Big Creek fishing information.
Gnat Creek Hatchery was constructed in 1960 as part of the Columbia River Fisheries Development Program (Mitchell Act)—a program to enhance declining fish runs in the Columbia River Basin. The facility is used for egg incubation and rearing of spring chinook and winter steelhead. Most of the production is release off-station.
Steelhead are available to the angler from December through February and for the fisherman seeking spring Chinook in April and May as the number of returning fish increase to June and July is the best time at Gnat Creek as the number of returning spring Chinook decline. A small number of Fall Chinook return to the hatchery from August through October. The hatchery provides 2-1/2 miles of easy fishing access for spring Chinook and winter steelhead.
The Hatchery is an easy drive toward Oregon’s coast on Highway 30 and a visitor-friendly place for the entire family. With lots to do, located on beautiful Gnat Creek and tucked away amid the rainforest, the Gnat Creek Trail is a worthwhile stop on the way to the coast.
Three nature trails wind through a Coast Range forest and the Nicolai-Wickiup Watershed, providing visitors with miles of recreational opportunities. The trails begin at Gnat Creek Hatchery where visitors can learn about the salmon lifecycle and how hatcheries play a role in revitalizing listed and endangered native fish populations. One trail leads to the campground, while the others weave through Clatsop State Forest; Along the trails are a variety of vegetation and habitats, many with marked plants, flowers and trees. A great place to hike year-round to see the seasonal changes of this coastal rainforest. Gnat Creek flows over an ancient basalt lava delta (Columbia River Basalt flows) that has been lifted by pressure to form the coast range.
Gnat Creek Falls nearly 2,000 feet over several water falls in just four short miles where it flows into the lower Columbia.
To access Gnat Creek Falls from US-30 W depart Gnat Creek Campground and head southwest toward US-30 W for 449 ft.
Turn left at the 1st cross street onto US-30 E 2.5 mi
Turn right onto Shingle Mill Rd 3.3 mi
Turn right to stay on Shingle Mill Rd 0.5 mi
Continue straight to stay on Shingle Mill Rd 0.5 mi to Gnat Creek Falls
Gnat Creek Year-round Wildlife Viewing
The beautiful rainforest trails at Gnat Creek Hatchery and adjacent Clatsop State Forest sets the stage for optimal wildlife viewing and recreation including a variety of vegetation, both new and old as well as diverse wildlife opportunities including salmon and steelhead runs, American bald eagles, salamanders, deer and elk and a multitude of migrating birds. Year-round expect to see great blue heron, kingfisher, American dippers and migrating songbirds.
In spring and summer, look for migrating salmon and steelhead, osprey and the occasional bald eagle. Warm weather also brings the sound of Pacific tree frogs adding to the mid-summer night’s dream ambiance.
During fall and winter the Gnat Creek Trail in the Clatsop State Forest offer opportunities to view black-tail deer and Roosevelt elk on the upper Gnat Creek trail. Bald eagles and a pileated woodpecker can be seen. Take the time to make the hike.
The Lower Columbia River estuary offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. The Jewell Meadows Wildlife Area is located 17 miles east from the Klaskanine Fish Hatchery on Hwy 202. The Jewell Meadows Wildlife Area offers families the opportunity to view Roosevelt elk. The elk show best around 9:00 am to noon and usually have returned to the woods by 4:00 pm. A visit to the Youngs River Waterfall is an event worthy of consideration while visiting the Jewell Meadows Wildlife Area.
List of waterfalls in Oregon (From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia)
Smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu) The Columbia River has developed a nationwide reputation for excellent smallmouth bass fishing. Professional bass tournaments have been held in the upper river, and amateurs can enjoy the same quality fishing from a boat, or along the rocky shorelines.
Walleye (Sander vitreus, synonym Stizostedion vitreum), You can fish for walleye almost year-round on the Columbia, though many anglers choose not to brave the frigid temperatures and gorge winds during the worst winter months. Some of the most popular fisheries are in the gorge, where the best fishing begins in May. The bite can slow during the warm summer months but pick up again come October.
We begin our boating journey on the Columbia River with a brief narration of the boat launches on the Washington side of the lower Columbia River Estuary located on the north shore of the Columbia River west of the Astoria-Melger Bridge to Cape Disappointment. The photographs of the boating facilities are posted below the description of the facility or imbedded in the commentary of the facility.
Washington State's Cape Disappointment State Park Take Hwy 101 North over Astoria-Megler Bridge (crossing the Columbia River into Washington).Turn left at end of bridge, follow this road along the river through Chinook and into Ilwaco. Straight through traffic light (grocery store on right). Take first left, wind around Baker Bay, left at T, left 4-way intersection. This brings you to the boat launch.
Turning right at the 4-way intersection would take you to the Cape Disappointment campground and Waikiki Beach, where the rest rooms are open all year.
Going straight at the 4-way intersection would take you to the Lewis & Clark Visitor Center, which is worth a visit.
Facilities--restrooms open summer at boat launch. Parking $5.
Ilwaco Washington (From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia) Boat Lanch: depart the Astoria/Melger Bridge north onto US-101 N by the city of Chinook Wa. to Ilwaco and the Ilwaco boat launch. for 10.7 miles. Turn left onto Elizabeth Ave SE for 0.1 miles. Elizabeth Ave becomes Outer Harbor Way SE for 0.4 miles. Outer Harbor Way SE. Ilwaco, WA 98624 to the boat launch at the end of Outer Harbor Way SE.
Chinook Wa. (From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia) the Port of Chinook, 1 Portland St., Chinook, Wa 98614. Call 360-777-8797 for additional information. Launch fee is $5.00. To access the boat ramp at Chinook Wa. From the Astoria/Megler Bridge. Exit the bridge north on Hwy 101 toward Chinook Wa. Travel on Hwy 101 for 4.1 miles to Portland St. W in Chinook Wa. Turn south onto Portland St. W for 456 feet to the boat launch on Water Street.
Washington State Boat Launches located on the north shore of the Columbia River east of the Astoria-Melger Bridge eastward into Washington State.
Knappton is a primitive boat launch without facilities locate 4.0 miles from the Melger Bridge, or by starting at the intersection of Hwy 4 and Hwy 401 (Naselle-Grays River Valley School) go south on Hwy 401 8.1 mi. site on left. Google Maps. Other information: Underwater hazards may exist. Very limited onsite parking. Things are not always what they seem but the launch looks challenging to me.
Deep River boat launch: from the Melger Bridge turn right onto WA-401 for 11.2 miles. Turn right onto S Valley Rd for 0.7 miles. Turn to the right to stay on S Valley Rd for 1.2 Miles. Turn right onto WA-4 for 4.5 miles. Turn right onto Oneida Rd. an unpaved road for 2.2 Miles and arrive at the boat launch on the left.
Skamokawa Landing from the originator of the Lower Columbia River Water Trail: from Portland, I-5 north, Longview exit 36 Follow this 4-lane into town, drop speed to 35, pass several traffic lights, get in left lane to go straight through the last one (by AM/PM). Continue past Lake Sacajawea. Bear left at Y (NW Nichols Rd), turn left at the T onto Hwy 4, Pacific Coast Hwy.…
From Seattle, I-5 south, Longview exit 39 Follow signs for Hwy 4, Pacific Coast Hwy ...Continue about 40 miles into Skamokawa. In Skamokawa, drop speed to 35. Take the first left past the Duck Inn onto Steamboat Slough Rd. In about 300 yards the road bends to the left, and right in front of you at this bend is the Skamokawa Landing building. Pull into the parking lot; our office is on the east facing side of the building, with a sign on the door.
Skamokawa Landing is located 12.1 miles from the Astoria/Megler Bridge to Naselle and 24.0 from Naselle to Skamokawa via Hwy 4 east from Naselle. Enter Skamokawa, drop speed to 35, pass Vista Park, cross bridge, first right onto Steamboat Slough Rd. In about 300 yards the road bends to the left, and right in front of you at this bend is the Skamokawa Landing building. Pull into the parking lot; our office is on the east facing side of the building, with a sign on the door.
Facilities: Rest room, paddle center and lodging. General store and post office 300 yards away at the highway.
Cathlamet Boat Launch: Directions, I-5 North or southbound, take Longview/Long Beach exit 36 (Hwy 432-West). Continue on Hwy 432 to Hwy 4-West (Ocean Beach Hwy). Turn left and continue approximately 20 miles to Cathlamet. Take the second left at Cathlamet (Chester St.), then turn right onto 3rd St., and continue to marina. Launch/park fee is $5.00.
ATTENTION Pike Minnow ANGLERS: The Northern Pikeminnow program is scheduled to begin on May 1s
Vista Park | Wahkiakum Port District #2
Coal Creek Boat Launch: 2 acre Boat Launch with concrete single lane ramp on Coal Creek Slough leading to the Columbia River, parking and undeveloped areas.
Coal Creek Boat Launch directions: take exit 39 from I-5. Go west on Allen St. Kelso, WA-4 for 0.9 miles. Continue onto W Main St for 0.1 miles. Continue straight onto Catlin St. for 0.3 miles. Continue onto WA-4 W for 5.8 miles to the Coal Creek Boat Launch at 6105 Ocean Beach Hwy, Longview, WA 98632
Willow Grove Park Boat Launch at Longview Washington: In late 2013, Cowlitz County commissioners offered Willow Grove Park to the Port of Longview. On October 28, 2014, Port Commissioners unanimously voted to take over the 75-acre park on the Columbia River.
Significant upgrades to the Park are currently underway, with more planned in the coming months. Acquiring Willow Grove Park fulfills the Port's mission to enhance opportunities for waterfront access.
Willow Grove Boat Launch GPS directions: take exit 39 from I-5. Go west on Allen St. Kelso, WA-4 for 0.5 miles to 6th Ave N. Use the left 2 lanes to turn left onto WA-411 S/1st Ave. Continue to follow WA-411 S for 1.8 miles and continue onto 3rd Ave. for 0.4 miles. Continue onto WA-432 W/Industrial Way. Continue to follow WA-432 W for 6.3 miles. Turn left onto Willow Grove Rd for 3.0 miles to the W
Willow Grove Boat Launch.Cathlamet
Kalama Boat Launch, Washington
Beacon Rock Boat Launchd is located 7.6 miles west of the Bridge of the Gods.
Hamilton Island Boat Ramp is located 4.7 miles west of the Bridge of the Gods via Hwy 14.
Cascade Locks Boat Launch is located approximately 2.9 miles east of the Bridge of the Gods.
Wind River Boat Launch from Cascade Locks. The Bridge of the Gods over the Columbia River is a Toll Road. The Wind River Boat Launch is located 8.5 miles east from the Bridge of the Gods via Hwy 14.
Cook's Landing from Cascade Locks. The Bridge of the Gods over the Columbia River is a Toll Road. The Cook's Landing Boat Launch is located 15.4 miles east from the Bridge of the Gods via Hwy 14.
Drano Lake Boat Launch from Cascade locks. The Bridge of the Gods over the Columbia River is a Toll Road.The Cook's Landing Boat Launch is located 16.3 miles east from the Bridge of the Gods via Hwy 14.
White Salmon on the Columbia River: from Hood River. The Hood River Bridge over the Columbia River is a Toll Road. The White Salmon boat launch is located 3 miles west on Hwy 14 from the Hood River Bridge.
White Salmon Boat Launch at Hood Vista Dr: from Hood River. The Hood River Bridge over the Columbia River is a Toll Road. Travel North from the Hood River Bridge over the Columbia River. Turn left onto WA-14 W For 0.2 miles. Turn left onto S Dock Grade Rd for 331 ft. Turn right to stay on S Dock Grade Rd for 138 ft. Slight left onto Hood Vista D at the boat launch.
White Salmon at Marine Park. Travel North from the Hood River Bridge over the Columbia River. Turn right onto WA-14 W For 1.4 miles. Turn right onto Maple St. for 0.1 miles. Turn left onto Marina Way for 0.5 miles. Turn right at boat launch for 246 feet.
Railroad Island Park: located behind the John Day Dam.
Roosevelt Park Recreation Area Boat Launch. Located accross the river from Arlington, Or.
Pine Creek Tready Fishing Area Columbia RiverInter-Tribal Fish CommissionYAKAMAUMATILLAWARM SPRINGSNEZ PERCE
If you use any of these sites, please remove your personal and titled property to help speed the work and prevent any unexpected losses. While a site is closed for the maintenance, all other access sites, including the five in-lieu sites, will remain open for use and will be maintained on a normal weekly schedule. If you have any questions, please contact Michael Broncheau at (503) 238-0667.
Columbia River In-lieu/Treaty Fishing Access Sites and Amenities
Crown Butte State Park Boat Ramp:
Paterson primitive Boat Launches Located upriver and accross the river from the Oregon State Park from Boardman, Or.
Pine Creek Treaty Fishing Area
Alderdale Treaty Fishing Site is located on Hwy 14 just west of Alder Creek.
Plymouth Boat Launch: Depart I-84 to I-82W. Take I-82 W Take exit 131 west from I-82 W to Plymouth. Continue on WA-14 W to your destination 2.5 mi at the Plymouth Boat Launch.
Directions to Washington Boat Ramp at Lake Wallula - Directions to Washington Boat Ramp - Lake Wallula from I-84 via I-82 W. Depart I-84 onto I-82 W. Travel north and cross the Columbia River 14.1 miles to exit 131. Turn right onto Plymouth for 1.9 miles to the boat ramp.
Two Rivers Park Boat Launch: Cross the Ed Hendler Bridge over the Columbia River from Pasco Wa. to Kennewick Wa Head south on N Gum St for 0.6 miles on WA-397 S/E Chemical Dr for 1.7 miles. Turn left onto E Finley Rd for 2.2 miles. Turn left onto 220998-220836 E Finley Rd to the boat launch. at Two Rivers Park.
Clover Island Viewpoint or Boat Launch at the Clover Island Boating Facility. Depart the Ed Hendler Bridge at Kennewick, WA 99336. Head south on WA-397/N Gum St to E. Columbia Dr. Turn right onto E Columbia Dr for 0.5 miles. Turn right onto N Clover Island Dr. The Viewpoint will be on the left and the boat ramp will be on the right.
Columbia Park: To access the recreational opportunities: the Boat Launch, Soccer and baseball fields , Skateboard Park or the Tri Cities Water Follies associated with the Tri-cities Columbia Park via US-395 Bridge over Lake Wallula of the Columbia River. Travel south on US-395 S. Take WA-240 W to Columbia Park Trail in Kennewick. Take the exit toward Columbia Park from WA-240 W. Continue on Columbia Park Trail to your destination at the East Columbia Park Dock located at 5111 Columbia Park Trail, Kennewick, WA 99336
Directions to the Columbia Park Boat Launch from the Ed Hendler Bridge, Depart the Ed Hendler Bridge at Kennewick, WA 99336. Head south on WA-397/N Gum St to E. Columbia Dr. Turn right onto E Columbia Dr for 1.1 miles. Turn right onto N Fruitland St for 335 ft. N Fruitland St turns left and becomes Columbia Park Trail. Turn right into the parking lot. The Boat Launch will be to the right.
Direction to the Columbia Park Soccer and Baseball fields from the Ed Hendler Birdge. Depart the Ed Hendler Bridge at Kennewick, WA 99336. Head south on WA-397/N Gum St to E. Columbia Dr. Turn right onto E Columbia Dr for 3.0 miles. Turn right onto Columbia Park Trail. Turn right into the parking lot and park.
Tri Cities Water Follies Hydroplane Racing: Ventage Hydroplanes, and HAPO “Over the River” Airshow
Click on Ventage Hydroplanes, and HAPO “Over the River” Airshow to view a preview of comming events featurning the Aircraft Erikson Collection.
Directions to Columbia Park Tri Cities Water Follies from the Ed Hendler Bidge: Depart the Ed Hendler Bridge at Kennewick, WA 99336. Head south on WA-397/N Gum St to E. Columbia Dr. Turn right onto E Columbia Dr for 3.0 miles. Turn right onto Columbia Park Trail. Turn right into the parking lot and park. At the traffic circle, take the 1st exit onto the WA-240 W ramp to WA-240W for 0.5 mi. Merge onto WA-240 W for 0.2 mi. Take the exit toward Columbia Park for 0.1 mi. Continue onto Columbia Park Trail for 453 ft. At the traffic circle, take the 2nd exit, park and walk to the viewing area for the Tri Cities Water Follies Map. Expect traffic conjestion and plan for it by leaving early for events. use public transportation if available.
Columbia Park Golf Tri-Plex offers Golf for everyone: Golf-strike it, Golf-kick it, Disc Golf-throw it.
Directions to Columbia Park Golf Triplex from the Ed Hendler Birdge: Depart the Ed Hendler Bridge at Kennewick, WA 99336. Head south on WA-397/N Gum St to E. Columbia Dr. Turn right onto E Columbia Dr for 1.6 miles. Turn right onto Columbia Park Trail. Turn right into the parking lot and park. At the traffic circle, take the 1st exit onto the WA-240 W ramp to WA-240W for 0.5 mi. Merge onto WA-240 W for 0.2 mi. Take the exit toward Columbia Park for 0.1 mi. Continue onto Columbia Park Trail for 453 ft. At the traffic circle, take the 2nd exit and stay on Columbia Park Trail for 0.3 mi To 2701 Columbia Park Trail.
W Columbia Park Boat Launch at Kennewick: located at 1106 W Columbia Dr Kennewick, WA 99336. Head southwest on WA-240 W for 2.5 mi. Take the Edison St exit for 0.3 mi. Turn right onto N Edison St for0.1 mi. Turn left onto Columbia Park Trail for 223 ft. Turn right to the destination on the right.
Columbia Park Marina (Columbia Park West Richland from Pasco Hwy 182) Depart Pasco Washington 99301. Get on US-395 S for 3.3 mi. Take WA-240 W to N Columbia Center Blvd in Richland. Take the Columbia Center Boulevard exit from WA-240 W for 5.7 mi. Continue on N Columbia Center Blvd. Drive to Columbia Park Trail 0.5 mi.to the Columbia Park Marina.
Boat Launch at 1604 Columbia Park Trail. Depart Columbia Park Marina 1776 Columbia Park Trail, Richland, WA 99352. Head west on Columbia Park Trail toward N Columbia Center Blvd for 0.4 mi. Turn right the boat launch will be 253 feet on the right.
Columbia Point Marina Park Depart from US-12 W, Pasco, WA 99301 to the boat launch at 550 Columbia Point Dr, Richland, WA 99352.
Depart southwest on I-182 W / US-12 W for a short distance. At exit 5B, take ramp right and follow signs for Geo. Washington Way. For 0.6 mi. Keep straight onto WA-240 BR / George Washington Way for 0.2 mi. Turn right onto Columbia Point Dr for 1.0 mi. Turn left for 0.1 mi. Turn left for 161 ft to the boat launch at the Columbia Point Marina Park, or to the Columbia Point Golf Course. See the clubhouse on the map on the way to the boat launch.
Howard Amon Park From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Events: Beyond daily and seasonal recreational use, Howard Amon Park is a venue for several events throughout the year. Among the facilities for events is a bandshell, locally known as the Fingernail, which was in the park in 1982. The 60-ton structure was inspired by boats on Lake Washington adjacent to Seattle and was formerly an office building for a construction company where Interstate 182 currently runs. It was originally built in 1963.[8][9]</>
The Allied Arts Association, which owns an art gallery adjacent to the park, hosts the Art in the Park festival the same weekend that the Columbia Cup hydroplane races are held in Columbia Park. The festival, which began in 1950, features art exhibits and music from artists from around the United States.[10][11] In 2016, the festival hosted over 220 artists.[12]
The Tumbleweed Music Festival, which began in 1997, is held every Labor Day weekend at Howard Amon Park. This mostly-free event features several music varieties, including bluegrass, Celtic and folk at five different stages.[13][14] Renaissance fairs have also been hosted at the park, bringing in over 6,000 visitors.[15]
A paddlewheel river cruise ship, American Empress, periodically docks at the Lee Boulevard dock at Howard Amon Park while en route from Vancouver to Clarkston.[16]
Recreational features: Howard Amon Park has numerous recreational features, including river access, a playground and a facility for concerts. A paved bike path, the Riverfront Trail, runs the entire length of the park. The trail continues north of the park toward WSU Tri-Cities as well as south toward Columbia Point ending at the Sacagawea Heritage Trail. This connection with the Sacagawea Heritage Trail provides access to Kennewick and Pasco.[5] The trail is popular, especially during the warmer months.
The playground in the park was built before 1970 and continues to be a popular destination for young families.[6] An elephant slide within the playground is an iconic piece of Richland history. It was removed and put in storage in 2003 after it was deemed it no longer met safety requirements. After extensive discussion on social media in 2009, the slide was restored. It returned to the park in 2010.[7] Other features at the playground include a short zip line and a rock climbing area.
Sports equipment at the park includes four tennis courts and a half basketball court. It is also a popular destination for water-related recreational activities. There is a small wading pool in the southern portion of the park. Beyond this, the park's riverfront location makes it an easy accesspoint to the Columbia. There are three docks, one at the end of Lee Boulevard, as well as two to the north. The northernmost dock is located alongside a boat launch, while the center one at the end of Lee is for Kayaks and paddle boards.
Amon Park Boat launch at 1000 George Washington Way: Depart from the boat launch at the Columbia Point Marina Park to the two boat launches and nonamortized Kayak and Paddle board launch associated with Amon Park via George Washington Way to the furthest most destination at the Snyder St. boat launch.
Huntzinger Boat Launch: Exit I-90 at Vantage, WA 98950. Head east on I-90 E offframp? for 0.3 miles. Take exit 136 toward Vantage/Huntzinger Rd for 0.2 miles. Turn right onto Wanapum Rd for 213 ft. Contiue to The Boat Launch onto Wanapum Dam Rd to the boat launch at the end of the parking lot.
Huntzinger Fishing Dock is located in the corner of the dam pool opposite corner from the parking lot boat launch.
Vantage Boat Launch Wa: Depart Ellensburg, WA 9926 west on I-90 W for 30.3 miles to the Vantage Bridge Boat Launch located west of I-90. An improved multilane concrete boat launch with paved parking areas.
Directions to the Vantage Bridge Boat Launch located on the east side of I-90. A improved single lane concrete boat launch with compacted gravel ght miles. To the Sunland Boat Launch at 1544 S Section Pl, Quincy, WA 98848.
Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Parku is located just west of the Vantage Bridge Boat Launch.
Did you know that petrified wood in Washington's official state gem? Considered one of the most diverse fossil forests in North America, Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park is famous for its rare specimens of petrified Ginkgo tree discovered there in 1932.
Grant PUD RECREATION wants everyone to enjoy a safe time along the river by following these safety guidelines:
Wenatchee Boat Ramp at Pybus Market and Confluence State Park
"The World’s Best Farmer’s Market is in Wenatchee." OK, maybe we’re a bit over-the-top, but we have the world’s best fruits and vegetables, and the world’s best local producers, in the world’s coolest and most gorgeous setting, so that easily gets us to the conclusion we have the world’s best farmer’s market. Any other farmer’s market want to offer a counter-claim? From May through October, the Wenatchee Valley Farmers Market is in our west parking lot every Saturday from 8am to 1pm. Live music is a bonus. Come join the fun.
Wenatchee Confluence State Park From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia is a 197-acre year-round camping park at the confluence of the Wenatchee and Columbia rivers. Situated at the edge of town, the park has two personalities. The North Confluence is urban and recreational, while the South Confluence is a wetland natural area.
Wenatchee Unimproved Boat Launch off of Hwy 97 located 4.0 mile from Hwy 2.
Rainbow's End Boat Launch, Private: It is approximately 6.3 miles to the Rainbow’s End Private Boat Launch via US-97 ALT N from Hwy 2 Access to the Rainbow’s End Boat Launch is restricted usage or has private roads. At the traffic circle, continue straight to stay on US-97 ALT N for the last 5.5 miles to Rainbows End Blvd. Turn right onto Rainbows End Blvd a restricted usage road for 39 ft. Turn left onto Pot O Gold Ln. The Boat Launch will be on the right.
Silicosaska Park Entiat, WA 98822 It is approximately 15.2 miles to the Silicosaska Park Boat Launch via US-97 ALT N from Hwy 2. At the traffic circle, continue straight to stay on US-97 ALT N for the last 14.3 miles to Shearson St at Silicosaska Park. Turn right onto Shearson St for 0.3 miles. Slight left to stay on Shearson St for 59 ft to the Boat Launch.
Chelan Falls Park Boat Launch: Click on the Chelan Falls Park map to view the location of the Boat Launch.
Wells Dam Boat Launch: The Wells Dam Boat Launch is located 13.9 miles from the middle of the Beebe Bridge over the Columbia River at Chelan Wa.
Columbia River Boat Launches and Recreational Facilities from the Hammond Marina and Warrington Boat Launch Eastward to the Confluence of the Snake River on the Oregon side of the Columbia River and both sides of the Columbia River in Washington State:
Fort Stevens, City of Warrington Boat Launch and the Hammond Marina Boat Lauch access is gained by turning west from Hwy 101 onto E Harbor Drive. Drive west 1.1 miles toward the City of Warrington boat launch. Turn left onto Ensign. The 2 lane Warrington boat launch is on the left.
Hammond Marina Managed by: City of Warrenton
Contact: 503-861-3822
Waterbody: Columbia River
Use Fee: Yes
The Hammond Marina boat launch is located in the community of Hammond. Turn west from Hwy 101 onto E Harbor Drive. Drive west for 1.3 miles. Bear right onto OR-104, N Main Ave. N Main Ave becomes NW Warrington Dr. Keep right to stay on OR-104 when NW Warrington Dr. becomes Pacific Dr. Turn right onto Iredale St. and proceed to the 3 lane Hammond boat launch located on the right.
Warrenton Marina Managed by: City of Warrenton
Contact: 503-831-3822
Waterbody: Skipanon River
Use Fee: Yes
Second Street Park or Skipanon River Park Kayak launch is managed by the City of Warrenton. Contact 503-831-3822 for additional information. Scroll down the PDF page to view the section for Skipanon River Park.
The Skipanon River Park & SE 2nd Street Kayak Dock is located near downtown along the Skipanon River. A linear park with a paved trail and grassy dyke links a paved parking lot at 3rd Street to the 2nd Street Kayak Dock. The paved parking lot area is the head of the Warrenton Waterfront Trail, linking to miles of connecting trails in the city system.
The free to launch kayak dock has room for just a couple of additional vehicles to park in an unpaved area off of an unimproved access road on 2nd Street. The parking area is connected to the trail and dock by a meandering pedestrian ramp. The park gets heavy use during the months of May through September and is attractive to tourism visitors.
Lewis and Clark River Paddle Tours Hop in a two person watercraft and paddle along the lush riverbanks of the Lewis and Clark River. See bald eagles soar while you calmly float through history and hear a unique perspective of Lewis and Clark National Historical Park. The themes of these three hour ranger-led paddles will vary and include natural and cultural topics geared for all interests.
Directions: From Hwy 101 in Warrenton, OR, follow signs to Fort Clatsop Visitor Parking. This is also the Netul Landing. Facilities: restrooms
Netul Landing on the Lewis and Clark River is a use fee launch facility for non-motorized boats managed by the Lewis and Clark National Park Contact 503-861-2471 for additional infomation.
To ease road congestion, Fort Clatsop encourages visitors to take the Explorer Shuttle during the summer. It stops at most area hotels and campgrounds and ties into the local bus system, and the train from Portland via the Astoria trolley. For more info visit the Explorer Shuttle
Lewis and Clark River boat launch, on Lewis and Clark Road near Logan Road, south of Astoria. Lewis and Clark National and State Historical Parks 92343 Fort Clatsop Rd, Astoria, OR 97103 Depart Fort Clatsop Rd toward the bridge over the Lewis and Clark River for 3.3 mi. Continue past the intersection of Lewis and Clark Rd and Fort Clatsop Rd. to the boat ramp located between the Lewis and Clark Rd and the Lewis and Clark River. The Lewis and Clark River Boat ramp is primitave and steep only suitable for small cartop boats.
Fort Clatsop is the eastern entry point to The Fort to Sea Trail from Fort Clatsop to the western entry point at Sunset Beach State Park. Those of you who make the exciting adventure hiking the Fort to Sea Trail must have a ride to either entry point or park your vehicle at either entry point and make the return hike or have a vehicle at both entry points. Any way you cut it - satisfaction is your reward for making the hike.
Water Trail Trip Recommendations for the lower Columbia River. The islands and sloughs associated with Lower Columbia is a favorite destination with kayakers. We recommend the Kayakers website for directions to some of the favorite locations to Kayak on the Lower Columbia River.
Young's Bay Yacht Club is a free to lauch facility managed by the City of Astoria. Contact 503-325-8279 for additional information.
Access to Young’s Bay Yacht Club from Olney Ave & 5th St (BUS 101) Astoria, OR 97103. Head south on 5th St for 272 ft. Turn left and follow to the boat launch. GPS: 46.1709096, -123.8367706
West Mooring Basin is managed as a moorage facility by the Port of Astoria. Contact 503-325-8279 for additional information. The boat launch is located at the East Basin boat ramp facility.
17th Street Dock a boating facility located on Columbia River is managed by
City of Astoria 503-325-5821
East Basin Boat Ramp is a no use fee to launch facility operated by the Port of Astoria. Contact 503-325-8279. From Hwy 30 west into Astoria. It's on the right about a mile past the Crest Hotel, opposite a baseball field, and just before the Comfort Suites and Safeway. There are no signs, just a parking lot, brick 2-story restroom, and boats in the harbor.
Or from the west, Hwy 30 east out of Astoria, on left just past Safeway and Comfort Suites.Facilities: Rest room
Pier 39 is a Private Marina located at 100 39th St Astoria, Oregon m.me/pier39astoria Call (971) 230-8121 for additionsl information.
The John Day River of the Lower Columbia River is located approximately 6 mile east of Astoria via Hwy 30. The John Day River features John Day County Park and boat launch.
Lewis and Clark National Wildlife Refuge. Click on the following link to view the boundary and islands of The Lewis and Clark National Wildlife Refuge. From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia . Launch your boat at the Clatsop County Park Boat Launch at the John Day River and embark on your adventure viewing the wildlife, fishing or hunting waterfowl on the Lewis and Clark National Refuge.`
Twilight Eagle Sanctuary the Twilight Eagle Sanctuary is located within Cathlamet Bay, 2.5 miles east of Astoria.
Knappa Docks are only sutiable for launching small cart top boats from shore. Known as Knappa Docks because of the old barge that still exists. Launching from the dock is not advised. Use the small beach upstream of the dock, which can b difficult to launch from at high tide because most of the beach is under water. The site provides excllent access to the Lewis and Clark Wildlife Refuge. No facilities on site. The site is managed by Clatsop County. Call 503-325-9306 for addtiohal information.
Blind Slough Swamp Preserve Well-known for birding, canoeing and kayaking, Blind Slough Swamp is the best example of a Sitka spruce swamp remaining in Oregon. Boating on the Columbia River Sloughs depends on the tides. Entrance tides by Willy Weather.
Aldrich Point is a no use fee to launch facility. Hwy 30 east out of Astoria. Left on Ziak-Gnat Creek Rd (a couple miles past flashing light at Knappa). Take first right (a 4-way intersection, and you're turning to cross a small bridge. Go to end of road, just past RR tracks. That's it, Aldrich Point. Facilities: sometimes porta-pottie, boat ramp
Aldrich Boat Ramp is managed by Clatsop County. Contact 503-325-9306 for additional information.
Westport Ramp is a no use fee to launch facility located on Westport Slough in the community of Westport located on Hwy 30 east of Astoria.
Turn north onto Westport Ferry Rd. Travel to and turn right onto Old Mill Town Rd for one block then left onto the boat ramp access road and you have arrived.
Kerry West Marina is a no fee to launch private marina located on Westport Slough. Contact 10474 Highway 30 Clatskanie OR 97016 503-728-3266.
Jones Beach is managed by Clatsop County. Jones Beach is located on the Columbia River. Contact 503-325-9306 for additional information.
For bank anglers, Jones Beach just upriver of. Westport provides excellent access to the river for lower Columbia Steelhead . Dibblee Beach, downriver of Rainier, Oregon.
Jones Beach Kiteboarding Guide.
Clatskanie River (From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia) Cutthroat are the primary species of fish of interest in the Clatskanie River basin.
Beaver Landing is a use fee based facility managed by: Columbia County. Contact: 503-397-2353 for additional information.
Waterbody: Clatskanie River
Use Fee: Yes
Clatskanie City Park is located at 300 NE Park Street, Clatskanie, Oregon 97016
Managed by: City of Clatskanie is a no use fee to launch facility. Contact: 503-728-2038.
Mayger Beach Managed by: Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife
Contact: 800-720-6339
Waterbody: Columbia River
Use Fee: No
Dibblee Point Beach Landing is a use fee boat launch facility managed by Columbia County. Contact 503-556-2128 for additional infomation.
Tide King tidal projections for the Lower Columbia Estuary.
Summer Steelhead Fishing Map for the Columbia River.
Columbia River Water Trail Trip Recommendations for the Lower Columbia Estuary.
Contact Address: Riverfront Park On A St, Rainier, OR 97048 Phone: (503) 556-0457 for additional information.
Rainier City Marina The marina is located at the east end of town and does not have a boat ramp. The Boat Launch is located at the west end of town.
City of Rainier has Marina Slip openings. Inquire at Rainier City Hall, 106 W 'B' Street or call City Hall. Marina slips are $80 a month. Maximum length boat space is 26'. (Adopted ORS #1057 (Marina and Boat Launch Ordinance) Managed by the City of Rainier Contact 503-556-7301 for additional infomation.
Prescott Beach is a fee use facility managed by the Columbia County Contact 503 556 2128 for additional information.
Prescott Beach is a beautiful beach located off Hwy 30 between Rainier and Goble. Located 14 miles north of St. Helens, and five miles south of Rainier. Turn off U.S. 30 onto Graham Road. 1.75 miles to park entrance.
This is a great park to relax, walk along the beach and just enjoy the view of the beautiful Columbia River. Play in the water and enjoy the volleyball courts and picnic area on a summer day. Or, if you’re into windsurfing or boating, this is a great beach for you. Don’t forget about the fishing and swimming that are accessible from this beach too! Maybe you want to host a wedding or some other big event? This is still the perfect park for you because you get access to all those horseshoe pits, play equipment, picnic area and volleyball courts. Beyond that there is a beautiful gazebo to create the perfect event. Basic amenities include restrooms, parking and drinking water for your convenience.
Google maps directions to Trojan Park a delightful day-use park with facilities for picnicking, hiking, biking, fishing, paddling and even disc golf. The 75-acre park includes a stocked lake, multi-use trails and a large sports playing field.
The park, near the site of the former Trojan Nuclear Power Plant, has individual picnic tables as well as facilities for groups: two shelter complexes, each with two reservable sections. Electric stoves, sinks, water and electrical outlets are provided. The park has barrier-free restrooms and picnic sites.
Trojan Park is open from May 23 until Sept. 7, 2020. It is open Friday, Saturday and Sunday only through Sept. 27, 2020. The park is free and open to the public.
If you want to reserve a picnic shelter or part of the park for a private group, there is a small day-use fee.
Please make a reservation using the Day Use Area Permit Application. Be sure to take a look at our Parks & Recreation Rules.
Trojan Park: 503-556-7076
Phone reservations and email requests for the 2020 season will be accepted beginning March 2, at 8 a.m.
Follow Highway 30 west from Portland for 42 miles. Follow signs for Trojan Park located at 71760 Columbia River Highway
Rainier, OR 97048
Columbia River Water Trail trip recommendations
Scipio's Goble Landing at 70360 Columbia River HwyRainier, OR 97048 Phone: 503-556-6510 Email: scipiosgoblelanding@yahoo.comP is a fee based private facility.
Pixie Park Managed by: A small private park open to the public located in Columbia City. The site is a popular location for wind surfing and wind sailing activities.
Contact: 503-366-0454
Waterbody: Columbia River
Use Fee: No
Sand Island Marine Park North Oregon campsites on Sand Island are now on every bucket list for outdoor enthusiasts.
Sand Island St. Helens Campground is located just 25 minutes from Portland, Oregon and Longview, Washington. This 31.7 acre offshore overnight camping experience offers docks, nature trails, beaches, picnic tables, campsites, restrooms, kayak connections, water adventure rides and more. This brand new camping facility is fun for the entire family and sure to become a frequent camping destination.
Upon arrival for overnight stays first check in at the St. Helens Marina. Our courtesy shuttle will unload your gear and take you to the parking lot for your vehicle and bring you back to the marina.
St. Helens Marina for the Columbia View Park.
Managed by: Port of St. Helens
Contact: 503-397-2888
Bayport RV Park & Campground is located adjacent to the Scappoose Bay Marine Park and offers a variety of activities. Go boating, fishing or kayaking – Scappoose Bay is just steps away!
Also onsite is the Scappoose Bay Paddling Center, where you can rent kayaks and stand-up paddle boards, take a class, or go on a tour of the local wetlands.
Be sure to also check out the paved nature trails or sit back and relax and enjoy the sunset over the bay.
Directons: From Hwy 30 turn east on Millard Rd toward McNulty Way for 285 feet. Turn right to stay on Millard Rd for 0.3 miles Turn right onto Old Portland Rd for 0.5 miles. Turn left onto Bayport Marina Ln to the boat launch.
Multnomah Channel from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Portland—20 mi., 42 min. to the condluence with the Columbia River. The Multnomah Channel contains the following fish species: Salmon, steelhead, shad, sturgeon, smallmouth bass, walleye, catfish, perch
A channel of the Willamette River that forms the western side of Sauvie Island and flows into the Columbia at St. Helens. Fish from the bank on Sauvie Island or fish the channel from a boat. A parking permit is required on Sauvie Island. There are several boat launches on Hwy. 30 between Portland and St. Helens. Lower Willamette River fish advisory. The State of Oregon refuses to perform routine test on the fish speices taken from the Columbia River, Willamette River and Snake River Basins. We recommend against consuming the flesh of any fish speies or invertebrates taken for these waters including Sturegon.
Nob Hill Nature Park From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, Directions: overlooking the confluence of the multnomah channel and the Columbia River.
A Beginner's Guide to Waterfowl Hunting on Sauvie Island
Part 1: A Beginner's Guide to Waterfowl Hunting on Sauvie Island - An Introduction (you are here)
Part 2: Hunting Sauvie Island’s East Side Unit
Part 3: Hunting Sauvie Island’s West Side Unit
Part 4: Hunting Sauvie Island’s North Side Unit
Part 5: Goose Hunting on Sauvie Island
Hunting — Fishing | sauvieisland.org
For updated information follow link to the ODFW Bird Hunting Northwest Area webpage. The updated site includes photos of game bird species, licensing information, seasons, workshops and events.
Hunting Sauvie Island’s East Side Unit. Getting there: the Eastside is comprised of 14 individual hunting subunits. Access to all Eastside subunits is permitted only after obtaining a SIWA hunting permit at ODFW’s Eastside check station, which is located approximately 11 miles from the Sauvie Island Bridge, at the intersection of Reeder and Rentenaar roads. To get to the check station, from Hwy. 30, cross the Sauvie Island Bridge and stay straight on Sauvie Island Road. Follow Sauvie Island Road for 2 miles until it forks. At the fork, bear right and stay on Reeder Road for 9 miles. The check station is a small, light gray building on the left.
Gilbert River Ramp a boating facility located on Multnomah Channel
is managed by Columbia County 503-397-2353
The Gilbert River Drains from Sturgeon Lake and opens on the Sauvie Island shore 6 miles upstream from the mouth of the channel. An overnight mooring float (without shore access) is located a quarter mile up the Gilbert River. Canoes and shallow draft boats are able to go up the Gilbert to Sturgeon Lake. Warning: A power line with a clearance of 53 feet crosses the Gilbert a quarter mile from the lake’s outlet. is a scenic little spot located within the famous Sauvie Island Wildlife Area 25 miles and 53 minutes from Portland. Fish fo catfish, sturgeon, bass and walleye.
This facility provides easy access to the Multnomah Channel for a variety of boating activities including fishing and kayaking. Although this park is located on the end on the end of Sauvie Island it is only two miles downstream of JJ Collins Marine Park on Coon Island. Another convenient amenity of this little park is there is access to transient moorage, along public restrooms, picnic areas and a beautiful view of the Multnomah Channel. The Gilbert River boat ramp provides access to the river, Sturgeon Lake and Multnomah Channel. Good bank fishing spots at many sites along the river. Park in designated areas. A parking permit is required. Get one at an ODFW license vendors or online. Take Hwy. 30 to the Sauvie Island Bridge. Cross bridge. Stay on NW Sauvie Island Road for about two miles. Stay right at the Y intersection onto Reeder Road. Turn left off Reeder Road to ramp. Be aware that the Lower Willamette River fish advisory is in effect for the fish taken here. Take the Sauvie Island bridge off U.S. 30 to Reeder Road. Turn left on Gilbert River Boat Ramp Road, approximately one mile to the ramp on the Multnomah Channel. Located two miles downstream from the J.J. Collins Marine Park.
Little McNary Lake a boating facility located on McNaryLake is managed by Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife 800-720-6339. The boat ramp for McNary Lake is located on McNary Lake just east of the Gilbert River boat launch.
Collin's Beach (clothing optional)
Wildwood Golf Course. Located, Green Fees.
Sauvie Island: Wapato Access Greenway, Directions: the Multnomah Channel has been identified as a priority habitat for restoration of ESA listed salmonid species (Chinook, coho salmon and steelhead). Multnomah Channel is also an important site for public recreation including fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing. Crane Slough borders the east side of the site and is also important habitat for salmon and steelhead as well as numerous species of birds such as bald eagle, great blue heron, great egret and osprey.
Sauvie Island Westside Unit Getting There The Westside is comprised of six individual hunting units. Access to all Westside subunits is hrough written SIWA hunting permits issued on hunt days at ODFW’s Westside check station, which is located 9 miles from the Sauvie Island Bridge.
Images of Sauvie Island Westside Unit
Gilbert River Transient Tie-Up a boating facility located on Gilbert River upstream from the Gilbert River Boat Launch and is managed by Columbia County 503-397-2353
J.J. Collins West a boating facility ocated on Multnomah Channel
is managed by Columbia County 503-397-2353
This serene 23-acre island offers outstanding bird-watching, a 1.5-mile nature trail and a restful lunch spot for boaters, complete with picnic tables and campsites.
Located two miles upstream from the Gilbert River Boat Ramp, and seven miles from the confluence of the Columbia River and the Multnomah Channel on Coon Island
J.J. Collins East a boating facility located on Multnomah Channel is managed by Columbia County 503-397-2353
Coon Island Marina - Multnomah Channel: SNW Google Map Coon Island Marina
Lower Columbia Estuary Partnership: 811 SW Naito Parkway Suite 410 Portland, OR 97204. At 503-226-1565 info@estuarypartnership.org
Sturgeon Lake West Hand Launch GPS a boating facility located on the south western side of Sturgeon Lake From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia is managed by Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife 800-720-6339
Sturgeon Lake Access a is a primitive boating facility located off of Oak Island Road on Sturgeon Lake From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. The launch site is managed by Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife 800-720-6339. To access the Sturgeon Lake primitive boat lauch continue past Haldmen Pond primitive boat launch for 1/4 of a mile to the primitive boat launch at Sturgeon Lake. Google Maps GPS refused to lock on the GPS location for the boat launch for Sturgeon Lake.
Webster Pond Hand Launch GPS a boating facility located on Webster Pond is managed by Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife 800-720-6339
Haldman Pond Hand Launch GPS is located on Sauvie Island – 17 mi., 36 min from Portland. Managed by ODFW at 800--720-6339. Haldman Pond contains Trout, crappie, bass, catfish stocked, 2-acre pond offers good bank access. Ideal for kids. Not ADA accessible. A parking permit is required when on the Sauvie Island Wildlife Area. Get one at an ODFW license vendors or online. Take Hwy 30 west. Cross the Sauvie Island Bridge, stay on Sauvie Island Road, go about 2 miles and turn right on Reeder Road. Turn left on Oak Island Road and go about 4 miles to the access road at the 7.1 mile mark. Turn east on the access road to the primitive boat launch located at Haldman Pond or continue east for a short distance on the access road to the primitive boat launch for Sturgeon Lake.
Sauvie Island Bird Watching Over 250 bird species can be sighted on the island. Sauvie Island is the place where the variety of bird species exceed expectations.
Sauvie Island Wildlife Area a boating facility located on Multnomah Channel is managed by Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife 800-720-6339.
Wapato Access Greenway, 18846 NW Sauvie Island Rd, Portland, OR 97231. The Wapato Access State Greenway is About three miles down Sauvie Island Road from the bridge, on the left. Open year round, with a two-mile loop trail. Habitats include Virginia Lake (waterfowl), marshy areas, oak-covered uplands and forested land along the Multnomah Channel.
Images of Wapato Access Greenway State Park, Sauvie Island
Virginia Lake is Located in the Wapato State Greenway. A 1.5 mile walking path encircles it . Two birding viewpoints are located on the path around this small lake; one with a blind with slots at all heights which is great for looking and listening for songbirds and early waterfowl. This small lake can be found completely dried by end of summer. No hunting allowed here.
To reach Wapato State Greenway parking lot travel from bridge onto the island, continue north on Sauvie Island Road, past the intersection with Reeder Rd, past Ferry Road boat ramp turnoff, until the marked parking lot on the left.
Sauvie Island Boat Ramp is a boating facility located on Multnomah Channel and is managed by Metro 503-797-1700
Sauvie Island Boat Ramp Google Maps.
McCuddy's Landing a boating facility located on Multnomah Channel s managed by Private 503-543-3836.
Pirate's Cove a boating facility located on Multnomah Channel is managed by Private 503-543-5153
McCuddy's Landing a boating facility located on Multnoma Channel is managed by Private 503-543-3836. McCuddy's Landing Big Oak Marina is located approx. 12 miles west of the St. John's Bridge off Highway 30, in the Multnomah Channel. The 15 minute drive from downtown Portland takes you away from the city into a beautiful, peaceful, park-like setting, surrounded by a view of three mountain peaks, and the Sauvie Island Wildlife Preserve.
Rocky Pointe Marina a boating facility located on Multnomah Channel is managed by Private 503-543-7003
Rainbow Lake No boat access, but is rummored to contain Largemouth bass, Bluegill, bullhead catfish and rainbow trout? Directions
Happy Rock Moorage Inc. a boating facility located on Multnomah Channel is managed by Private 503-543-7464
Hadley's Landing is a boating facility located on Multnomah Channel 3.7 miles below the confluence with the Willamette River, and is managed by Oregon Parks and Recreation Department 800-551-6949?
Larson's Moorage/Marina a boating facility located on Multnomah Channel is managed by Private 503-286-1233
Marina Way Moorage a boating facility located on Multnomah Channel is managed by Private 503-286-2157
Multnomah Yacht Harbor Sales a boating facility located on Multnomah Channel is managed by Private
Fred's Marina a boating facility located on Multnomah Channel is managed by Private
Linnton Neighborhood Association Linnton Willamette View The small community of Linnton is located in Northwest Portland along a stretch of the Willamette River. Future waterfront development is a big issue for this community with a strong sense of identity and community pride. I want to… Go
Cathedral Park is operated by the City of Portland — 8 mi., 17 min contain the following fish species: Salmon, crappie, bass, bluegill, sunfish, catfish, sturgeon, walleye on the Willamette River. Bank access, boat dock, ADA restroom. Take Hwy. 30 to St. Helen’s, turn right onto St. John’s Bridge. Park is under the bridge. City park. Lower Willamette River fish advisory
The Oregon State Marine Board publication, Boating Guide to the Lower Columbia and Lower Willamette Rivers is another great source of information for boating on the Columbia and Williamette Rivers. Or Click on the LINK to view the boat launches and recreational opportunities available on the Williamette River
Kelly Point Park is located at the confluence of Willamette and Columbia rivers. Bank fishing. ADA accessible restrooms. N. Marine Drive and Lombard. Take Exit 307 off I-5 N for Marine Dr. Portland park.
Kelly Point Park, Portland—12 mi., 23 min contains Steelhead, salmon, sturgeon. Lower Willamette River fish advisory
NOTE: The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) issued a fish advisory and consumption guidelines for the Columbia Slough due to the levels of contaminants measured in fish tissue. The advisory includes the entire Columbia Slough and adjacent waters, including Kelly Point Park. To learn more about the advisory and consumption guidelines, visit the OHA Fish Advisory website or the City of Portland Bureau of Environmental Services Columbia Slough Fish Advisory website.
Forest Park at 5,200 acres, Portland’s Forest Park is one of the largest urban forests in the United States. With more than 80 miles of trails, fire lanes and forest roads, Forest Park stretches for more than seven miles along the eastern slope of the Tualatin Mountains, overlooking Northwest Portland and the convergence of the Columbia and WillametteRivers.
Recreational Resource Link Associated with Hwy 26.
Jantzen Beach Fuel Dock a boating fuel facility located on North Portland Harbor is managed by Private 971-255-8054
Red Lion Jantzen Beach a boat docking facility without a boat launch located on Columbia River is managed by Private 503-283-4466
Sundance Marina a private boating facility without a boat launch located on North Portland Harbor. Call 503-283-3216 for additional infomation
Tomahawk Bay Moorage a boating facility without a boat launch located at Columbia Crossings on the Columbia River at Hayend Portland is managed by Private 503-283-2444.
M. James Gleason Ramp a boat launch facility located on Columbia River is managed by Metro 503-665-4995
Commodore's Cove a boating facility located on Government Island in the Columbia River is managed by Oregon Parks and Recreation Department 800-551-6949
Sandy Beach a boating facility located on Government Island in the Columbia River and is managed by Oregon Parks and Recreation Department 800-551-6949
Lower Government Island a boating facility located on Columbia River
is managed by Oregon Parks and Recreation Department 800-551-6949.
Government Island (in the Columbia River northeast of Portland) is a series of islands accessible by boat only. There are two docks and a floating tie-up on the north side of the main island. Although restrooms are located throughout, rules signs and restrooms also are located at West Lemon Island, SE Lemon, Commodore (near I-205 north), Government Island Landing (west dock), Bartlett Landing (east dock), SE McGuire, and about two miles east of south I-205 (South Beach) Indicates that some, but not all, facilities are accessible.
With 15 miles of shoreline, the park is popular with anglers. Camping is permitted below the vegetation line around the perimeter and in a few upland areas where picnic tables and a shelter have been installed.
There are trails along the north side of Lemon and Government Islands. The interior is accessible by permit only. Please secure your valuable when enjoying parks. Thank you!
Bartlett Landing a boating facility located on Columbia River is managed by Oregon Parks and Recreation Department 800-551-6949
Will-Jan Marina a boating facility located on Columbia River is managed by Private 503-667-5187
Ducks Moorage a boating facility located on Columbia River is managed by Private 503-665-8348
Chinook Landing a boating facility located on Columbia River is managed by Metro 503-665-4995
Blue Lake Park Ramp a boating facility located on Blue Lake is managed by Metro 503-797-1700. Fairview—14 mi., 24 min.
Trout, largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, catfish, sunfish
Stocked, 62-acre lake in Blue Lake Park. Bank fishing. ADA accessible dock. Boat rentals in summer. Size-limited private boats allowed only in winter. From I-84, take Exit 13, left at NE 181st, right at NE Sandy, left at NE 185th, right at NE Marine Dr. Metro park.
NOTE: The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) issued a fish advisory and consumption guidelines for the Columbia Slough due to the levels of contaminants measured in fish tissue. The advisory includes the entire Columbia Slough and adjacent waters, including Blue Lake. To learn more about the advisory and consumption guidelines, visit the OHA Fish Advisory website or the City of Portland Bureau of Environmental Services Columbia Slough Fish Advisory website.
Fairview Lakel - at the City of Fairview list very little information about the recreational opportunities available at the lake. We recommend choosing to vacation at other facilities that commit to providing visitors with quality recreational experiences. A public park was recently built by the City of Fairview with public boat access limited to canoes and kayaks.
Lewis and Clark State Recreation Site.
Lewis and Clark State Park is a boating facility located on Sandy River.
Lewis and Clark State Park is managed by Oregon Parks and Recreation Department 800-551-6949
Dabney State Park, Oxbow Regional Park and Dodge Park are the boat launch facilities on the Sandy River:
Dabney State Park a boating facility located on Sandy River is managed by Oregon Parks and Recreation Department 800-551-6949
Oxbow Regional Park boating facility located on Sandy River is managed by Metro 503-797-1700
Dodge Park a boating facility located on Sandy River is managed by Portland Water Bureau 503-823-7404. Click on the link to view a moment in history....
Sandy River Water Trail is the engine that powers the canoes and Kayaks down the Sandy River Trail.
Sandy River Delta vault toilets at the Sandy River Delta Trailhead are wheelchair accessible.
Sandy River Delta - USDA Forest Serviceo www.fs.usda.gov › Internet › stelprdb5317583 PDF
The trail system at the Delta has been designed in collaboration with the Forest Service to accommodate both legacy users of the area and new users visiting the Confluence Project installation. The Friends of the Sandy River Delta successfully negotiated changes to the trail system to better manage conflict between the many dog and equestrian users, and to give Confluence trail users direct access to the Bird Blind structure. The current trail system consists of a network of off-leash accessible trails for dog walkers, and a separate trail leading directly to the Bird Blind with the intent of providing separation, and the minimization of user conflicts.
Sandy River Delta Horse Trails are sponsored by the Mount Hood Chapter of Oregon equestrian trails.
Images of the Sandy River Delta Boundary Trail
Images of the Sandy River Delta Meadow Trail
Images of the Sandy River Delta Meadow Road
Images of the Sandy River Delta Ranch Dike Trail
Images of the Sandy River Delta Confluence Trail
Images of Sandy River Delta Equestrian Use
Hunting at the Sandy River Delta – A Seasonal Reminder to waterfowl hunters.
Gary Island Park, Flagg Island Park and Chatham Island Oregon are located on Sandy River Delta at the confluence of the Columbia River. There are no camping facilities on Gary Island. Boat travel is the only way to access the island.
Glen Otto Community Park This 6.38 acre park is the most heavily used park in the Troutdale park system. Access to the site is off East Columbia River Highway. It is bordered by the Sandy River on the east, Beaver Creek on the west, and a few residential properties on the south.
Troutdale parks Click to view your park of choice.
Menucha Retreat and Conference Center In the more than half century since First Presbyterian purchased this site, we have been providing an excellent facility in a setting of nearly incomparable beauty for meetings of and ministry to members of churches and other nonprofit organizations whose purposes are compatible with a Judeo-Christian view of the world.
Portland Women's Forum State Scenic Viewpoint. Portland Women's Forum - 39210 E Historic Columbia River Highway - Corbett OR 97019. Purpose: The preservation and beautification of the Columbia River Gorge shall be the principal and permanent project of the Portland Women’s Forum. The Forum shall also disseminate information concerning civic, state, national and international affairs. The Forum shall be non-political, non-partisan, and non-profit.
Vista House Welcome to Vista House A beloved Oregon attraction since 1918.
Mirror Lake (MIRROR POND—24 mi., 28 min from ODFW. Warmwater pond across from Rooster Rock State Park, south of I-84 approx. 8 miles east of Troutdale. Crappie, bluegill, largemouth bass, bullhead, perch
Rooster Rock State Park a boating facility located on Columbia River is managed by Oregon Parks and Recreation Department 800-551-6949
Guy W. Talbot State Park--Guy Webster Talbot and his family used this property as a summer estate until 1929 when they donated it to the state. Today, it's a beautiful picnic park. A modern picnic shelter is available for rent (and is reservable).
George W. Joseph State Natural Area.
Shepperd's Dell State Natural Area.
Bridal Veil Falls, Bridal Veil Directions
Dalton Point a boating facility located on Columbia River is managed by Oregon Parks and Recreation Department 800-551-6949. We were unable to find any referance to Dalton Point State Recreation Site in the Oregon Parks Website. Google Map location for Dalton Point Boat Launch 45.5728743, -122.1593415
Columbia River Gorge Visitor's GuideHARTMAN POND—29 mi., 33 min.
Trout, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, catfish, bluegill, crappie, perch
Stocked pond is a year-round warmwater and springtime trout fishing pond in the Columbia River Gorge. Excellent for non-boating anglers. From I-84, take the Benson Lake exit. The pond is adjacent to the Columbia River adjoining Benson State Park. I-84 E to Exit 30.
BENSON LAKE at the Benson State Recreation Ares is located in the Columbia River Gorge some 30 milis and 34 minutes from Portland. Benson Lake is stocked with Trout and contains largemouth bass, crappie, sunfish, bullhead. Benson Lake State Park has good bank access but no boat ramp. Float tubes, rafts. Open year-round for fishing, park closes after Labor Day. Take I-84 E to Exit 30 just before Multnomah Falls.
BENSON LAKE at Benson Lake State Park contains trout, largemouth bass, crappie, sunfish, bullhead catfish. The lake is stocked with trout. lake in Benson Lake State Park. Good bank access, no boat ramp. Float tubes, rafts. Open year-round for fishing the park closes after Labor Day. Take I-84 E to Exit 30 just before Multnomah Falls State park.
USFS Video of Multnomah Falls
USFS website of Multnomah Falls the most visited recreation site in the Pacific Northwest in addition to being the most photographed recreation site in the Pacific Northwest with more than 2 million stopping by each year to take in the views of Multnomah Falls! The Lighthouse at Heceta Head is the second most photographed recreational site in Oregon.
Multnomah Falls is the highest falls in Oregon and the second highest in US. Multnomah Falls is fed by underground springs from Larch Mountain. The flow over the falls varies but is usually highest during winter and spring. This is also one of the best places in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area to study geology exposed by floods.
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Welcome to Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area
Fishery Inc. Boat Launch: The phone does not work which makes me think the privite boat launch is not in business or is open in season.
Depart Troutdale, OR 97060 east on I-84 E / US-30 E for 16.6 miles. At exit 35, take ramp right and follow signs for 35 for 0.1 miles. Turn right onto E Historic Columbia River Hwy for 0.2 miles. Turn right onto NE Frontage Rd for 0.3 miles Turn left onto NE Tumalt Rd for 0.3 miles. Turn left onto NE Enquist Pl to the Private boat launch at Fishery Boat Launch. Call 541-374-8577 for additional information.
John B. Yeon State Scenic Corridor
Port of Cascade Locks Marina a boating facility located on Columbia River is managed by Port of Cascade Locks
Call 541-374-2404 for additional information.Marnia GPS. Marina on Google Maps. Campground: Marine Park:
Port of Hood River Marina Park: a boating facility located on Columbia River is managed by Port of Hood River 541-386-1645
Rock Beach Recreation Site: Is located between West Lake and East Lake 18.3 miles east of the Dalles at Mosier.
Mayer State Park at Mosier is a boating facility located on Columbia River is managed by Oregon Parks and Recreation Department 800-551-6949
Maryhill Washington State Park access from Bigg's Junction via Hwy 84 Oregon offers 2 boat launches.
Click on John Day River ato view the recreational opportunity available in the John Day River basin. Click on LePage Park to view information about the park located at the confluence of the John Day and Columbia Rivers 9.9 miles from Rufus, Oregon, and the John Day Dam. Popular activities include river fishing, swimming, water skiing and boating. The campground offers 22 sites with electric hookups and 20 primitive walk-to tent sites. Amenities include flush and pit toilets, showers, drinking water, a dump station and boat ramp.
Giles French Park day use area is located 1.5 miles east of the John Day Dam Road.
Blalock Canyon Primitive Boat Ramp
Hwy 84 View Point: is located 6.9 miles from Bialock Canyon.
Port of Arlington, Or is located approximately 8.5 miles from Blalock Canyon.
Arlington Wind/Kitesurfing Access, trailer boat launch and paddle board launch is a boating facility located on the Columbia River and is managed by the Port of Arlington at 541-454-2868.
Directions to Arlington from the Viewpoint on Hwy 84. Head west toward I-84 W 1 min (0.2 mi). Follow I-84 W and US-30 E to Beech St in Arlington. The parking area for paddle boarders is located to the left. To Access the trailer boat launch or the Wind/ Kitesurfing areas Take exit 137 from I-84 E/US-30 E. Drive to Arlington Port Rd for 0.6 mi to access the Wind/Kite surfing area at the end of the road. To access the trailer boat launch follow Arlington Port Rd around the corner and back to the trailer boat launch area.
The Port of Arlington is located accross the river from the State of Washington Roosevelt Recreation Area.
Threemile Canyon at Quesna County Park
Boardman Marina Park a boating facility located on the Columbia River anaged by Boardman Parks District at 541-481-7217 is located approximately 27.3 miles from the Port of Arlington.
Launching a boat at Boardman has the advantage of mooring the boat at the marnia and camping at the the Boardman Marina Park to take advantage of the facilities enhances your recreational adventures.
Paterson Ferry Landing a boating facility located on the Columbia River is managed by Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife at 800-720-6339
Irrigon Marina a boating facility located on Columbia River is managed by Irrigon Parks District at 541-922-4933
Umatilla National Wildlife Refuge.
Mid-Columbia River National Wildlife Refuge Complex
Umatilla National Wildlife Refuge is managed as part of the Mid-Columbia River National Wildlife Refuge Complex. Read more about the complex.
Port of Umatilla Boat Launch Directions: take exit 1 from Hwy 395 onto Power City Rd Umatilla, OR 97882. Head northeast toward 6th St for 0.2 miles. Turn left onto 6th St for 0.1 miles. Turn right onto Brownell Blvd 0.4 miles. Turn left onto 3rd St/County 1275 Rd for 0.3 mi. Turn right onto Quincy Ave. The Port of Umatilla Boat Launch will be on the right.
Umatilla Big River Golf Course:
Oregon Boat Ramp - Lake Wallula: Location:Oregon Ramp Lake Wallula, Columbia River Mile 292, south river bank. Highway Directions: 1 miles east of Umatilla, Oregon, on Deschutes Ave.
McNary Beach Park Location: Lake Wallula, Columbia River Mile 293, South River Bank Highway Directions: 3 miles east of Umatilla on Highway 730. 1.0 miles north of the Port of Umatilla Road to Beach Access Rd. MCNary Beach Park is a "No Pets Park.
Cold Springs National Wildlife Refuge From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
About the Refuge Cold Springs National Wildlife Refuge is an undiscovered treasure, the proverbial hidden gem. Find Out Why . . .
Hat Rock State Park: Hat Rock State Park, located off U.S. Highway 730 nine miles east of Umatilla, lies on the south shore of Lake Wallula behind McNary Dam on the Columbia River. Hat Rock was the first distinctive landmark passed by the Lewis and Clark Expedition on their journey down the Columbia, and is one of the few remaining sites not underwater.
The park is a desert oasis surrounded by rolling sagebrush hills and outcroppings of basalt. The park offers visitors a chance to escape the summer heat under the shelter of cottonwood and black locust ringed by acres of green grass. A boat ramp provides access to the lake, which is noted for walleye, sturgeon, and other fish. Water skiing, jet skiing, swimming, and boating are popular here. The park has its own pond stocked with rainbow trout and provides year-round habitat for waterfowl.
Hat Rock State Park Boat Launch: From Hwy 730 head northwest on Hat Rock State Park Rd to the boat launch at the end of the road.
McNary Yachat Club: Facilities, Boating: 1-Lane Launch Ramp, Handling, DockTie-Up Dock, Season and Hours of Operation: Year round, during daylight hours.
Warehouse Beach Recreation Area (Lake Wallula) Tis located 10.0 miles east of the Oregon and Washington Boarder. The Warehouse Beach Recreation Area is located upstream of the McNary Dam on Lake Wallula, at Columbia River Mile 299. The 130-acre park is maintained by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and is day-use only. The park provides great views of Wallula Gap upstream. Downstream is located Hat Rock State Park and upstream is Sand Station Recreation Area.
Warehouse Beach Recreation Area: Highway Directions: 9.5 miles east of Umatilla, Oregon and Highway 730 to Highway 37. Exit at Highway 37, and head immediately north on gravel road for 0.4 miles.
Highway Directions: 10.5 miles east of Umatilla, Oregon and Highway 730. Follow highway signs.
Facilities, Camping Area: Open: May - Sept. One Group Camping Area(By permit only): Contact McNary Dam Ranger Desk for Reservations and Permit at 541-922-2268
Oregon/ Washington Border is 9.0 miles from the Sand Station Recreation Area.
Walla Walla Ychat Club is 2.7 miles northeast from the Oregon/ Washington Border. The Ychat Club allows boat launching but the truck and trailer must be parked outside of the gate.
Madame Dorion Memorial Park primitive boat launch, Burbank, WA on the Walla Walla River 1/2 mile from the Columbia River.
Directions to Madame Dorion Memorial Park from US-395 and Hwy 12 Pasco, WA 99301. Take the exit onto US-12 E toward Walla Walla for 16.4 miles to N. Shore Rd. Turn left onto N Shore Rd for 138 feet. Turn right for 0.2 miles to the boat launch at Madame Dorion Memorial Park.
US Army Corps of Engineers Walla Walla District
Facilities
Camping Area: 46 Regular RV/ tent sites, each site has fire pit/grill & picnic table, sites 3 -18 have 30 amp electric, Sites 2 & 19 - 69 have 50 amp electric. Flush toilets, hot showers, playground, amphitheater, dumpsters, potable water spigots & dump station. Day-Use Area: Picnic tables, sun shelters, grills, flush toilets, water, swim beach, playground, group shelter, horse-shoe pits & basketball court, nature trail, and fish ponds. Boating: 3- lane launch ramp, handling dock, crib wall.
Directions to Hood Park from US-395 and Hwy 12 Pasco, WA 99301. Take the exit onto US-12 E to WA-124 E/Ice Harbor Dr in Burbank For 5.3 miles Follow Ice Harbor Dr to Hood Park Rd for 0.8 mi to boat launch on Grain Terminal Rd.
Westway Feed Products Boat Launch. The boat launch is located between Westway Feed Products and Hwy 12.
To access the boat launch exit Hwy 12. Head south toward Ice Harbor Dr for 0.2 mi. At the traffic circle, take the 1st exit onto Gateway Dr for 0.3 mi. Turn right onto S 2nd St 0.3 mi. Turn right for 167 ft. Turn left for 180 to the boat launch.
Columbia Marine Center at Schlagel Park is accessed via US-12 W from the Bridge over the Snake River. Head northwest on US-12 W toward Sacajawea Park Rd 1.1 mi. Turn left onto E A St (signs for A Street/Port of Pasco) for 1.8 mi. Continue on S Oregon Ave to S 2nd Ave for 1.0 mi. Continue on S 2nd Ave for 0.3 mi. Turn left onto S 2nd Ave for 482 ft. Turn right onto E Washington St. for 0.1 mi. Turn left onto S 4th Ave for 210 ft. Turn right. The boat ramp will be on the left.
Wade Park Boat Launch is accessed via US-12 W from the Bridge over the Snake River. Head northwest on US-12 W toward Sacajawea Park Rd for 1.1 mi. Turn left onto E A St (signs for A Street/Port of Pasco) for 2.5 mi. Turn right onto S 4th Ave 0.6 mi. Turn left onto W Sylvester St for 3.3 mi. Turn left onto Rd 54 for 0.1 mi to the boat launch.
Chiawana Park Boat Ramp is accessed via US-12 W from the Bridge over the Snake River. Head northwest on US-12 W toward Sacajawea Park Rd for 4.2 mi. Continue onto I-182 W/US-12 W for 1.9 mi. Take exit 12A for US-395 S toward Kennewick Pendleton for 0.7 mi. Continue onto US-395 S for 0.1 mi. Take the Court St exit for 0.3 mi. Follow W Court St to your destination 4.4 mi. Turn left onto Rd 88 0.1 m. Turn left at Chiawana Park Rd for 0.3 mi to the Chiawana Park Boat Ramp.
Boating on the Hanford Reach can be a memorable experience, but without proper equipment and safety it could be your last! The Columbia is a cold, powerful river that has claimed lives. By following these safety suggestions your visit to the Monument will be a fun-filled event.
Be Aware of River Mileage: The Hanford Reach is the last non-tidal, free-flowing section of the Columbia River in the United States. The total distance from Priest Rapids Dam to Richland is 51 miles, a trip that can last over 16 hours in a non-motorized craft. There are minimal facilities along the river, with the only access points at Vernita Bridge, White Bluffs Boat Ramp, Parking Area 7 and Ringold Fish Hatchery. It is recommended that a full length float trip be divided into two day-trips with take-out at White Bluffs and Ringold. There are no camping facilities on the Monument, so vehicles need to be shuttled between access points. Inquire locally for up-to-date weather and river conditions.
River Conditions: River flows are regulated by Priest Rapids Dam, operated by the Grant County PUD. River levels can change dramatically, rising and falling up to 10 feet in a short time. While stopping along the river, be observant of changing river conditions and anchor your watercraft well above the high water line. Be aware of strong and swirling currents and gravel bars that can ground and swamp your craft.
Weather Conditions: Like the river, the weather can be very dynamic. Temperatures in summer can reach well above 100 degrees and winters drop below zero. Wearing sunscreen and carrying plenty of water is recommended. Winds also can be troublesome, especially for non-motorized craft experiencing a strong headwind. Plan ahead for the time needed to reach your destination.
Wear your Personal Flotation Device (PFD): The majority of boating fatalities on the Reach have resulted from boaters not wearing their PFDs. One Coast Guard approved PFD is required for each passenger. Be sure to follow state and federal boating laws requiring that proper safety equipment be onboard for your specific type of watercraft.
Observe Closed Areas: Both for your safety and that of the wildlife, please observe all closed area restrictions. The Department of Energy's side of the river, south and west shores, are closed above the high water line. All federally owned islands are closed for cultural resource protection and wildlife resting and nesting. Observe and enjoy wildlife from a distance and never remove—or even move—what might be an artifact.
Boat Launches: The Wahluke Unit provides two boat launches. The White Bluffs Boat Launch is concrete with a narrow, two-lane capacity. Please be aware that the White Bluffs Boat Launch is closed to launching of motorized craft from November 1 through June 30; this stretch of the river is a sanctuary for over-wintering waterfowl. The gravel/cobblestone launch at Parking Lot 7 is usable seasonally by four-wheel-drive vehicles.
Just outside the Monument boundary, the Ringold Fish Hatchery, operated by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, has an undeveloped launching area.
There are about 13 boat launches downstream of the Monument in the Tri-Cities area that can be used to access the Monument via the river.
Summary:
River Miles:
Click on the following news article, "Exploring the Hanford Reach" by Tony Buhr of Union-Bulletin for his unique perspective on the Hanford Reach North Trail access of the Hanford Reach National Monument. From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Saddle Mountain National Wildlife Refuge: Once a national wildlife refuge itself, Saddle Mountain National Wildlife Refuge still exists, but as part of the much larger Hanford Reach National Monument or the Columbia National Wildlife Refuge | Washington
Ringold Hatchery Boat Launch: the boat launch is located at the end of the road to the Columbia River. A primitive boat launch and 4WD vehicle use is recommended.
Parking Area 7 Boat Launch: is a primitive boat launch and 4WD vehicle use is recommended.
Hanford Reach White Bluffs Boat Launch at Sunnyside. is a concrete with a narrow, two-lane capacity. Please be aware that the White Bluffs Boat Launch is closed to launching of motorized craft from November 1 through June 30; this stretch of the river is a sanctuary for over-wintering waterfowl.
Vernita Bridge Boat Launch Primitive 4WD recommended.
PriestRapids State Recreation Area:
This site is located south of the Sunland Estates shoreline community. Amenities include: picnic area, parking area, double vault toilet, swim beach area with barrier protection, and interpretive display.
Priest Rapids State Wildlife Area: Buckshot Public Access
This is a dispersed recreation area. Shoreline fishing is popular. There is a day-use picnic shelter, an ADA fishing pier, walking path, interpretive signage and two vault toilets. Parking is limited. Non-motorized boating is allowed.
Nunnally Lake Non-motorized boating is allowed on the 120 acre lake while fishing for trout.
Turbine Park Boat Launch Depart Vantage Bridge Wa. Take I-90 E and WA-243 S to Wanapum Dam Rd in Grant County for 7.0 miles. Turn right onto Wanapum Dam Rd to the boat launch at the end of the parking lot.
Old Vantage Highway Boat Launch: Is a single lane concrete boat launch with a paved parking area.
Rattlesnake Cove Recreation Area
Sunland Boat Launch Wa: Depart Vantage Bridge north. Take I-90 E to Silica Rd SW in Grant County. Take exit 143 from I-90 E for 8.1 miles. Continue on Silica Rd SW. Drive to Sunland Rd. for 7.6 miles.
Crescent Bar Recreation Area: Camping, Golf, Marina, Rentals, Buses, and Food
Crescent Bar Boat Launch: the Crescent Bar boat launch recreation area features two boat launches one on Crescent Bar Island at Riverbend Park and one off the island at Chinook Park. Day use marina slips will be available on a first come first serve basis.
Directions from I-84: depart I-84 at the interchange with I-82 to Hermiston. Take I-82 W, WA-240 W, WA-243 N and I-90 E to Rd 5 NW/White Trail Rd in Grant County for 2 h 11 min (131 mi). Turn left onto Rd 5 NW/White Trail Rd. Continue to follow White Trail Rd. for 10 min (8.8 mi). Turn left onto WA-28 W for 4 min (3.4 mi). Follow Crescent Bar Rd NW to your destination at the off island Crescent Bar Boat Launch for 6 min (2.6 mi). Turn left at 1095 Crescent Bar Rd NW Quincy, WA 98848.
Private Boat Launch? Head north on Basalt Dr NW toward Mansfield Rd a restricted usage road. In other words private?
Apricot Orchard Boat Launch: Turn west from WA-28 W toward Lake Wanapum onto Spanish Castle Rd. The boat launch is located at the end of the road.
This area has a single-lane boat launch, ADA transfer platform, parking area, ADA paths/access, single vault toilet and informational kiosk. Sandy beaches are popular along the shoreline. Waterfowl hunting is a common fall and winter activity.
Kirby Billingsley Hydro Park is located 2 miles south of East Wenatchee on Highway 28. (Boat launch entrance: 1682 SR28; Day-Use/Ballfield.
Apple Capital Recreation Loop Trail The Loop is Wenatchee’s most famous hike/bike trail. Along the western bank of Wenatchee’s riverfront, the paved trail follows a series of riverside parks along the Columbia River. Next, the trail crosses the Odabashian Bridge (Highway 97) on the northside of town. Then it follows the much wilder waterfront of East Wenatchee before recrossing the Columbia on the Pedestrian Bridge (the first bridge spanning the Columbia built back in 1908) and returns to the starting point. A few paved bike trails also connect to the Loop — on the east side of the pedestrian bridge you can follow a paved trail from the Loop 2.2 miles down the Columbia to Hydro Park. And as of 2014-15 you’ll be able to follow another paved spur leading from the east side of the Loop Trail at the Odabashian Bridge about 5.5 miles up the Columbia to Lincoln Rock State Park.
East Wenatchee Primitive Boat Launch: the boat launch is located just upstream from the Hwy 2 bridge over the Columbia River. We recommend using developed boat launching facilities when they are available.
Boat Launch Riverside Recreation Area: From the Hwy 2 Bridge over the Columbia River head east on US-2 E/US-97 N toward WA-28 E. Use the left 2 lanes to turn left at the 1st cross street to stay on US-2 E/US-97 N for 4.7 miles. Turn left onto Lincoln Rock State Park Rd for 0.3 miles. Turn right onto Lincoln Park Rd for 0,3 miles. The boat ramp will be on the right.
Orondo River Park: It is 9.8 miles from the entrance to the Boat Launch Riverside Recreation Area via US-97 N to the boat launch at Orondo Park. Turn left at Fisher Ln to the boat ramp.
Daroga State Park: depart Orondo River Park north on US-97 N toward Ray Ln for 3.9 miles. Turn left for 0.2 miles. Continue onto Claphan Rd. for 0.4 miles. Turn left for 0.2 miles to the boat launch.
Sun Cove Boat Launc: Click on the Sun Cove link to view the location map.
Beebe Bridge Park Boat Launch: Click on the Beebe Bridge link to view the location on the map
Click on the link to view the updated Rereation Conditions Report
For those of you who are Young at Heart and yearning for Adventure we recommend participating on paddle journey of the Lower Columbia River Water Trail, or paddling the Northwest Discovery Water Trail Guide for Nonmotorized Watercraft: from the forty mile reach of the confluence of the Clearwater River with the Snake River downriver to the Bonneville Dam. The Northwest Discovery Water Trail is sponsored and defined in the Memorandum of Understanding.
Flow and Spill Query for Snake and Columbia River Sites
Return to the OCT or Return to Columbia River Fall Chinook Salmon
Dons amazing Oregon adventure in crabbing and clam digging adventure began in his home in San Diego making plans for the trip with his brother in law. Don is an avid digger of California's Pismo clams. Digging Pismo clams fueled his ambitious desire to partake in the wonderful bounty that digging clams and crabbing in Oregon represents; an experience that Don repeated several times. Don's Amazing Mile by Mile of his Oregon Adventure began on the Columbia River Estuary and ended when they returned home from Coos Bay.
Avid clam digger, crabber and fisherman Don, Don's Nephew and his brother-in-law share their Oregon vacation adventure with us in the following email and photo array. Don lives and works in San Diego and has shared photos of his Pismo clam digging adventures with us.
Don writes, "Sorry for the late Clamming report Bill, I've been up to my neck at work since coming back from my trip to Oregon from 8/25 - 9/3/10. We had a great time fishing, crabbing, and clamming in Astoria, Nehalem and Coos Bay.
We were able to savor Oregon seafood every day we were up there, it doesn't get any better than that. In terms of the clamming, we found the Purple Varnish Beds just south of the Nehalem boat launch, and directly across the bay from there, the heavy Softshell beds near the Brighton area. In Coos Bay (Empire area) we found heavy Butter Clam beds with the Manila Littlenecks mixed in, plus a Gaper Clam.
Interesting thing was, we were dealing (every day) with tides that were +2.0 - +3.0, and still had excellent harvests!! It was awesome and can't wait to dig up and savor some more clams next year!!
Just for the record, there were three of us clamming, which accounted for the sizeable amount of clams we harvested on some of our outings. Also, the Littleneck Clam Appetizer I made was modeled after Clamslayer's Clams Casino recipe. I cleaned and then chopped up and steamed the clam meat, then mixed with melted sharp cheddar, then topped with hot sauce. Wow, so delicious. Yet another great tidbit from your book. Thanks for your advice and your book. Don."
Don used a crab snare very effectively to take the Dungeness crabs in the photo off of the south jetty of the Columbia River Estuary. They dug the purple varnish and picked the mussels from Nehalem Bay. Don is pictured below digging softshell clams from the Brighton area of Nehalem Bay in the photo to the left. Don and his brother-in-law pose with softshell clams they dug next to the photo of the cleaned clams and cooking clams and above the photo of the purple varnish clams. The photo of them on the ATVs was taken at the Oregon Dunes Recreational Area. The photo of the butter clams that were dug from Coos Bay is next to the photo of Don's version of Clams Casino.INTRODUCTION TO THE TIDAL ZONE
The tidal zone is the transitional area between the aquatic world of the ocean and the terrestrial world. It is one of the most biologically diverse ecosystems in nature. The ebb and flow of the tidal current carries life sustaining oxygen and nutrients to the marine organisms in the tidal zone over the sandy beach, the rocky shore and into Oregon’s bays.
Tides are the rise and fall of the sea level caused by the gravitational pull of the moon and the sun. The outgoing tide exposes the diversity and the vulnerability of the tidal zone to the terrestrial world. Exposure to the elements and events of the terrestrial world stress the intertidal animals threatening their existence. Intertidal animals that die are not wasted; they become food for other marine organisms, or they are absorbed into the food chain as nutrients. Intertidal animals respond to the outgoing tide by withdrawing into their shells or by seeking refuge beneath the substrate of sand, mud and gravel, etc.; in tide pools, in the cracks and crevices of the rocky structure beneath the mussel beds or aquatic vegetation.
The sense of discovery is compelling for visitors to the tidal zone during low tide. The outgoing tide provides the visitor the opportunity to harvest a wide variety of species and exposes areas of the tidal zone for exploration at low tide.
Life seems to pause in the tidal zone during low tide, but it all changes during the incoming tide. Life rebounds with renewed energy as the rising tide floods the tidal zone with saltwater carrying life sustaining oxygen and nutrients to the marine organisms. Clams respond by extending their siphons toward the surface of the substrate in anticipation of the incoming tide.
The daily tidal cycle along the Oregon Coast is usually comprised of two high tides and two low tides. The gravity from the sun and the moon causes the ocean water on each side of the earth to bulge. The Oregon Coast passes through the bulge twice daily as the earth rotates causing two high tides on most days; conversely, when the Oregon Coast passes between the bulge two low tides normally occur. However, because the lunar day is approximately 50 minutes longer than the solar day, only a single high or low tide occurs on certain days of the month. The moon orbits the earth every twenty eight days. The result of the moon’s orbit is that it takes 1/28th of a day for the same point on earth to line up opposite of the moon on the following day. For this reason the low and high tides are approximately 50 minutes later than the previous day tides. The two high tides and low tides in the daily tidal cycle consist of a major tidal exchange followed by a minor tidal exchange. The highest and lowest tide occurs during the major tidal exchange followed by a lower high tide and higher low tide of the minor tidal exchange. The difference in the height of two successive high tides or two low tides is called the diurnal inequality and is caused by the tilt of the earth’s axis in conjunction with the relative position of the earth to the sun and the moon.
Spring tides and Neap tides are governed by the position of the sun in relation to the earth and the moon. The spring tides occur during the new moon or full moon when the sun, moon and earth are aligned. During the alignment the gravitational pull causes tidal fluctuations that are greater than usual resulting with the highest high tides and the lowest low tides. The fact that water appears spring away from the earth is the reason the tides are referred to as spring tides.
Neap tides occur during the 1st and 3rd quarter phase of the moon when the sun and the moon are at right angles to one another in conjunction to their relative position of the earth. The effect of their gravitational pulls is partially cancelled causing tidal fluctuations that are smaller than usual resulting with lower high tides and higher low tides.
The height of the surface water at low tide or high tide is predictable, but the actual height of the surface water may vary from the predicted height because of the weather related tidal surge. Onshore winds can push the ocean water onshore raising the height of the surface water to a level greater than the predicted height of the tide, while offshore winds push ocean water offshore lowering the level of the surface water below that of the predicted height of the tide. Atmospheric pressure also affects the height of the surface water. The actual height of the surface water will be higher than the predicted tide during a period of low pressure and lower than the predicted tide during a period of high pressure. Most of the time the weather related variance between the actual height of the surface water and the height of the predicted tide is negligible but occasionally the variance is great enough to impact clam digging in Oregon’s Coastal waters.
Tidal predictions for the Oregon Coast are available on the Internet by clicking on WWW Tide/Current Predictor. Select U.S. West Coast sites (North to South). Scroll down and display the tidal predictions for the location of interest on the Oregon Coast.
Wallet sized booklets containing the tide tables are available at most bait and tackle shops. I keep a copy of the tide tables in my wallet. That way there is a tide table at hand when I am discussing fishing, clamming or crabbing trips with my friends.
NOAA TIDAL INFORMATION
The following links provide recreational enthusiast the insight between the tidal cycle and the environment. Understanding the relationship will make you a more productive fisherman and crabber, clam digger or any other saltwater activity requiring knowledge of the tides.
Gravity, Inertia, and the Two Bulges:
Changing Angles and Changing Tides
Frequency of Tides - The Lunar Day
Types and Causes of Tidal Cycles.
How are Tides Measured?
DISCUSSION OF OREGON’S BAYS
The functional values (productivity) associated with the ecology of Oregon’s bays are their most valuable resource. The ecological productivity of Oregon’s bays contributes to the health and prosperity of most marine organism in the open ocean.
Oregon’s bays are transition zones between freshwater and saltwater. Saltwater dominates some bays, while freshwater dominates others. The ecological dynamics of Oregon bays are constantly changing with the daily exchange of fresh and saltwater. Once freshwater enters the upper tidal reach it continually mixes with saltwater as it moves through the bay to the ocean. As the brackish water nears the lower bay, it rises and flows above the more saline saltwater. The ebbing tide empties the bays of salt, brackish and freshwater exposing the surface of the tidal flats. The reverse occurs when the incoming tide floods the bays with saltwater. The incoming saltwater mixes with the freshwater as it flows into the bays covering the tidal flats.
The marine environment is challenged daily by the amount of freshwater entering the bays. To be successful marine animals have to adapt to fluctuating salinity and the changing water temperature. The temperature of the saltwater of the incoming tide is approximately 56 degrees as it flows into Oregon’s bays and estuaries. During the low river flows of late summer and fall the temperature of the freshwater flowing into Oregon’s larger bays can be 20 plus degrees higher than the temperature of the saltwater water flooding the estuary. The incoming saltwater mixes with the warmer freshwater raising the mean temperature of the now brackish water and influences the movement of crabs and the migration of Chinook salmon. During periods of seasonal heavy freshwater runoff that usually occurs from November through February, filter feeders withdraw into their shells and most fish and crabs leave the bays until the tide asserts its influence and once again saltwater dominates the bays. A high percentage of shellfish do not survive when the heavy flow of freshwater runoff persists for extended periods. During the winter and spring the heavy seasonal river flows lower the mean temperature of the estuary 18 to 20 degrees lower than the summer means, at times even lower than the temperature of the ocean water.
Tides are the lifeblood of the bays. The ebb and flow of the tidal current carries life sustaining oxygen and nutrients throughout the bays supporting a broad range of marine organisms. Chinook salmon smolts forage in the tidal reach of Oregon’s bays for an extended period of time before migrating into the ocean. Forage fish (Pacific herring, northern anchovies, and smelt, etc.), perch, greenling and bass move into and out of the bays with the tidal current feeding on marine organisms and other fish. The movement of marine fish species into and out of Oregon’s bays is mostly seasonal with the period of greatest activity occurring from March through October. During the incoming tide bass, cabezon and lingcod ambush forage fish from the base of the rocky structure along the jetties as the forage fish enter the bays. Bass move into the lower portion of the bays most often when the incoming tide coincides with the sunset feeding along the rocky structure of the jetties. The outgoing tide carries marine organisms and forage fish into the open ocean. Most perch, greenling and bass move out of the bays into the ocean with the outgoing tide, but some remain in the lower portion of the bays and along the jetty channels. Feeder salmon respond to the increased abundance of prey species carried with the tidal current by entering the larger bays to feed. The tidal current flows out of the bays carrying the forage fish in the direction of the ocean current. From late spring through late fall the ocean current flows southward along the Oregon Coast. The reverse occurs from late fall into late spring as the ocean current flows northward along the Oregon Coast. Knowledge of tides, currents and the movement of marine fish species and their prey enhance the angler’s chance for a successful fishing trip.
All of Oregon’s bays have resources that are common to the other bays and attributes that distinguish one bay from another. The beauty of Oregon’s bays is one of their most valuable resources. The beauty instills visitors with a sense of peace, tranquility and self–satisfaction. The beauty is as diverse as the wildlife the bays support. The diversity of the fishing, clamming and crabbing varies from bay to bay and is more productive in some bays than in other bays Herring spawn in some bays and not in other bays, while Nearshore rockfish inhabit some bays and not other bays. The bar at the entrance to the undeveloped bays enhances their natural beauty while the jetties of the more developed bays provide for safer access to the ocean.
The Army Corp of Engineers is the architect of the jetties constructed at the entrance to Oregon’s deep-water bays to reduce the tragic loss of life from ships that floundered and ran aground. The jetties have been rebuilt, improved upon and repaired many times since they were originally constructed. The south jetty of the Columbia River was the first to be completed by the Army Corp of Engineers in 1895, while construction of the north jetty was not completed until 1917. Yaquina Bay has the distinction of being the first bay with a south and north jetty. Construction on both jetties was completed in 1896. In 1960 the Rogue River Estuary jetties were the last constructed.
The construction of the jetties in Oregon’s bays enhanced habitat diversity by providing a home for the fish species usually associated with the nearshore reefs and the rocky shore. Construction of the south jetty on the Columbia River stabilized the 18 miles of sandy beach along Clatsop Spit providing ideal conditions for maximum productivity of razor clams. Construction of the jetties has had negative effects on the ecological dynamics of Oregon’s bays. The estuaries at the mouth of the Chetco and Rogue rivers are notable examples. Before construction of the jetties the cyclical movement of the sandbars at the mouth of the rivers created lagoons that served as nurseries for the juvenile Chinook salmon assuring their survival until the runoff from seasonal rainfall breached the lagoons washing the salmon smolts into the sea.
The disposition of dredging spoils into the tidelands of many Oregon bays is another negative practice with long lasting effects that limits ecological productivity. The creation of spoils islands in the Columbia River Estuary, Coos and Umpqua Bays are notable examples. The installation of tide gates used to convert tideland to pastureland is another negative factor limiting the ecological productivity.
The benefit that the ecological productivity of Oregon’s bays contributes to an abundant marine environment cannot be overstated. Remember to do your part. Conservation is the key to the future of fishing, crabbing and digging clams in Oregon Bays. Take enough fish, crabs or clams to fulfill you immediate needs.
Pollution Common to Oregon State Waters
Recreational Advisories:
Always call the Oregon Shellfish Hotline at (503) 986-4728 or 1-800-448-2474 toll free outside of Oregon before harvesting clams or mussels for messages listing the areas closed to harvesting shellfish due to high levels of marine toxins.
Shellfish contamination with saxitoxin or domoic acid can occur anytime during the year along Oregon’s beaches, but with the exception of razor clams it rarely affects the clams inside of Oregon’s bays. Shellfish contamination occurs most frequently when the seasonal changes of sunlight intensity and the upwelling of nutrient rich cold water along the continental shelf produce dramatic plankton blooms at times referred to as “red tide”. Clams, mussels, oysters and scallops are filter feeders and quickly become toxic when they consume Gonyaulacoid dinoflagellates plankton or the diatom Pseudo–nitzschia Australis. From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. The diatom Pseudo–nitzschia Australis is responsible for the high levels of Domoic Acid common to Oregon’s razor clams.
The potential indirect mortality associated with P. australis is of great concern to humans as toxic algae blooms, including blooms of P. australis, continue to increase in frequency and severity over recent years. Blooms of P. australis are believed to result from high concentrations of nitrates and phosphates in stream and river runoff, as well as coastal upwelling, which are also sources of other harmful algae blooms.[2]
The invasive diatom originated in Australia’s coastal waters and was introduced into Oregon’s coastal waters when it was discharged with ballast water near Puget Sound.
Fish and Shellfish Consumption Advisories and Guidelines In mid July the State issued shellfish advisories for elevated levels of arsenic in soft shell clams and gaper clams. The CDAO does not recommend consuming contaminated clams or fish species of any species. The Oregon Health Authority has prepared a series of asked and answered questions about the soft shell clams taken from Oregon's Bays. Click on Questions and Answers (pdf).
However the purple varnish clams common to most of Oregon's Bays have tested free of contamination from arsenic; and to date the clams have not been contaminated by Domoic Acid or PSP that have closed the Oregon Coast to the taking of razor clams and mussels.
Oregon's Beach Monitoring Program is a part time program that occurs between Memorial Day in May and Labor Day in September.
Oregon's Beach Monitoring program helps protect people who come into contact with beach water contaminated with elevated levels of fecal bacterium called enterococcus. The program does regular water testing to look for high levels of bacteria and issues a public health advisory when bacteria counts exceed acceptable risk levels.. Beginning in 2017 the EPA has implemented new higher standards to requiring Oregon to issue an alert notifying the public of the health risks.
New Beach Action Value for the 2017 beach monitoring season
The Oregon Beach Monitoring Program (OBMP) is beginning a process to adopt a new beach action value (BAV) for bacteria of 70 MPN that will be used as the basis for public health advisories at Oregon beaches starting in 2017. The 2015 and 2016 monitoring seasons will remain unchanged and continue to use the current BAV of 158 MPN.
What type of bacteria? Ocean waters are tested to see if a fecal bacterium called enterococcus is present. Enterococcus is found in the intestines of warm blooded animals, including humans. High levels of these bacteria show there is fecal material in the water and that microscopic disease-causing organisms may be present.
How does the water become contaminated? Fecal contamination can be due to multiple causes near anybody of water. Some of the reasons of contamination are due to: animal feces deposited by domestic animals and all wild animals including beavers, seals, migratory waterfowl and seabirds , swimmers with diarrhea, children not properly cleaned after using the bathroom, the improper disposition of diapers, the vomiting or fecal matter in the water, agricultural and storm water run-off, sewage treatment plant spills, inadequate or the absence of public septic systems, failing or leaking of public and private septic systems or the improper disposal of boat waste. The list of offending agents is seemingly endless. Do your part it reduce contamination of our waterways.
The Algae Bloom Surveillance program advises the public when a harmful algae bloom has been detected in a lake or river. Not all blooms are harmful, but some species of algae, such as cyanobacteria or blue-green algae, can produce toxins that can cause serious illness in pets, livestock, wildlife and humans.
Current Cyanobacteria Advisories
Please see the Oregon fish consumption guidelines for more information abut the health benefits of fish and how to make healthy fish choices.
Warning! Never consume shellfish taken from docks, pilings or from the substrate associated with the docks or pilings in Coos Bay, Yaquina Bay and Tillamook Bay because of the high level of contaminates associated with the shellfish taken from the chemical preserved wooden structure of the docks and pilings common in Oregon’s industrialized bays.
Internet Links of Interest for Western Oregon and the Lower Columbia River Estuary:
Check of the Northwest River Forecast to view river levels for all of Oregon's rivers. Look for river levels to rise with the return to seasonal rainfall events beginning in late Fall into the Winter months. The smaller estuaries the Chetco, Rogue, Salmon, and Necanicum are the first to be affected by seasonal flooding followed by the larger estuaries Coquille, Siuslaw, Alsea, Siletz, Nestucca, Nehalem, Yaquina, Tillamook, Coos, Netarts and the Lower Columbia River Estuary. Conversely when river levels drop crabbing improves first in Sand Lake, Netarts and Coos Bays before improving in Oregon's other estuaries.
Click on the Northwest River Levels to view the height of the river level for the Columbia River.
Click on Nehalem to display the height of the river level for the Nehalem River near Foss
Click on Trask for Tillamook to display the height of the river level for the Trash River above Cedar Creek near Tillamook
Click on Wilson - Tillamook to display the height of the river level for the Wilson River at Sollie Smith Bridge
Click on Nestucca to display the height of the river level for the Nestucca River near Beaver
Click on Siletz to display the height of the river level for the Siletz River at Siletz
Click on Alsea River at Tidewater to display the height of the river level for the Alsea River – At Tidewater.
Click on Alsea River at Lobster Creek to display the height of the river level for the Alsea River at Lobster Creek
Click on Umpqua River at Reedsport to display the height of the river level for the Umpqua River at Reedsport
Click on Umpqua River near Elkton to display the height of the river level for the Umpqua River near Elkton
Click on North Umpqua River at the Winchester Dam to display the height of the river level at the Winchester Dam.
Click on the South Umpqua River at Roseburg to display the height of the river level at Roseburg.
Click on Siuslaw to display the height of the river level for the Siuslaw River near Mapleton.
Click on the height of the river level for the Coquille River – At Coquille.
Click on the height of the river level for the Coquille River – At Myrtle Point.
Click on the Chetco River – Near Brookings to view the height of the river near Brookings.
Click on the height of the river level for the Rogue River – At Agnes, and on the Illinois River at Kriby.
Click on the Summary of river levels to view and identify your river of interest in the Pacific Northwest. Click on the following link to view the level of the river gages in the Rogue River watershed. Click on the river levels at Agate Dam, Grants Pass, at Raygold, below Prospect, Lost Creek Dam, near Agnes, near Eagle Point, near Mcleod, near Prospect and the Rogue River Valley Canal.
NOAA Tidal Projections for the North Jetty of the Columbia River Estuary.
Tidal Projections for the North Jetty of the Columbia River Estuary
Tbone Tidal Projections for the 12 Ave bridge at Seaside.
NOAA's National Data Buoy Center for the Columbia River Bar.
Recreational Advisories:
Always call the Oregon Shellfish Hotline at (503) 986-4728 or 1-800-448-2474 toll free outside of Oregon before harvesting clams or mussels for messages listing the areas closed to harvesting shellfish due to high levels of marine toxins.
Shellfish contamination with saxitoxin or domoic acid can occur anytime during the year along Oregon’s beaches, but with the exception of razor clams it rarely affects the clams inside of Oregon’s bays. Shellfish contamination occurs most frequently when the seasonal changes of sunlight intensity and the upwelling of nutrient rich cold water along the continental shelf produce dramatic plankton blooms at times referred to as “red tide”. Clams, mussels, oysters and scallops are filter feeders and quickly become toxic when they consume Gonyaulacoid dinoflagellates plankton or the diatom Pseudo–nitzschia Australis. From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. The diatom Pseudo–nitzschia Australis is responsible for the high levels of Domoic Acid common to Oregon’s razor clams.
The potential indirect mortality associated with P. australis is of great concern to humans as toxic algae blooms, including blooms of P. australis, continue to increase in frequency and severity over recent years. Blooms of P. australis are believed to result from high concentrations of nitrates and phosphates in stream and river runoff, as well as coastal upwelling, which are also sources of other harmful algae blooms.[2]
The invasive diatom originated in Australia’s coastal waters and was introduced into Oregon’s coastal waters when it was discharged with ballast water near Puget Sound.
Fish and Shellfish Consumption Advisories and Guidelines In mid July the State issued shellfish advisories for elevated levels of arsenic in soft shell clams and gaper clams. The CDAO does not recommend consuming contaminated clams or fish species of any species. The Oregon Health Authority has prepared a series of asked and answered questions about the soft shell clams taken from Oregon's Bays. Click on Questions and Answers (pdf).
However the purple varnish clams common to most of Oregon's Bays have tested free of contamination from arsenic; and to date the clams have not been contaminated by Domoic Acid or PSP that have closed the Oregon Coast to the taking of razor clams and mussels.
Oregon's Beach Monitoring Program is a part time program that occurs between Memorial Day in May and Labor Day in September.
Oregon's Beach Monitoring program helps protect people who come into contact with beach water contaminated with elevated levels of fecal bacterium called enterococcus. The program does regular water testing to look for high levels of bacteria and issues a public health advisory when bacteria counts exceed acceptable risk levels.. Beginning in 2017 the EPA has implemented new higher standards to requiring Oregon to issue an alert notifying the public of the health risks.
New Beach Action Values for monitoring Oregon's Beaches
The Oregon Beach Monitoring Program (OBMP) is beginning a process to adopt a new beach action value (BAV) for bacteria of 70 MPN that will be used as the basis for public health advisories at Oregon beaches starting in 2017. The 2015 and 2016 monitoring seasons will remain unchanged and continue to use the current BAV of 158 MPN.
What type of bacteria? Ocean waters are tested to see if a fecal bacterium called enterococcus is present. Enterococcus is found in the intestines of warm blooded animals, including humans. High levels of these bacteria show there is fecal material in the water and that microscopic disease-causing organisms may be present.
How does the water become contaminated? Fecal contamination can be due to multiple causes near anybody of water. Some of the reasons of contamination are due to: animal feces deposited by domestic animals and all wild animals including beavers, seals, migratory waterfowl and seabirds , swimmers with diarrhea, children not properly cleaned after using the bathroom, the improper disposition of diapers, the vomiting or fecal matter in the water, agricultural and storm water run-off, sewage treatment plant spills, inadequate or the absence of public septic systems, failing or leaking of public and private septic systems or the improper disposal of boat waste. The list of offending agents is seemingly endless. Do your part it reduce contamination of our waterways.
The Algae Bloom Surveillance program advises the public when a harmful algae bloom has been detected in a lake or river. Not all blooms are harmful, but some species of algae, such as cyanobacteria or blue-green algae, can produce toxins that can cause serious illness in pets, livestock, wildlife and humans.
Current Cyanobacteria Advisories
Please see the Oregon fish consumption guidelines for more information abut the health benefits of fish and how to make healthy fish choices.
Warning! Never consume shellfish taken from docks, pilings or from the substrate associated with the docks or pilings in Coos Bay, Yaquina Bay and Tillamook Bay because of the high level of contaminates associated with the shellfish taken from the chemical preserved wooden structure of the docks and pilings common in Oregon’s industrialized bays.
CLATSOP COUNTY FISHING LAKES extend from the mountains to the sea from Fort Stevens to Gearhart. The lakes and ponds offer the recreational families the opportunity to fish for a both warm water fish species and trout from the numerous lakes of Clatsop County. Clatsop Plain fishing ponds and lakes consists of a series of dune lakes impounded by the sand dunes of ancient marine terraces that dominate the Clatsop Plain. Some have names and are in the public domain while others do not have names and are privately held. Most contain a variety of warm water fish species. Most lakes and ponds do not have a boat launch or other facilities. We recommend visiting lakes that have developed recreational resources for individuals and family use over using primitive lakes that do not.
Tip- to find the location of the lakes listed here refer to the interactive map of lakes on the first plate of the Oregon Atlas of Lakes and enlarge the map view the location of the Clatsop County lakes. Eventually we will provide directions to the most accessible of the Clatsop County Lakes.
Each year, ODFW stocks millions of trouts in dozens of reservoirs, lakes and ponds throughout the state. You can use the search and filter functions to search the stocking schedule for specific locations and dates. The schedule is subject to change without notice; see individual waterbody listings in the Recreation Report for updates.
The U.S. Army Corps stockings have been incorporated into the ODFW stocking schedule. ODFW provides U.S. Army Corps stocking information as a courtesy to anglers, but changes may be made to those stockings without notice.
Burkes Lake a 6.3 acre isolated lake is located 1 mile west of Warrenton off of the Ridge Road. Fish for largemouth bass. No boat launch or other facilities.
Cemetery Lake - 10.3 acres; south of Warrenton at the Astoria Cemetery. Black crappie, bluegill, largemouth bass, warmouth, yellow perch. The lake is on the property of the Ocean View Cemetery. No boat launch or other facilities.
Clear Lake - 8 acres in size is tucked between Ridge Road and downtown Warrenton, Clear Lake was the last undeveloped dune lake on the Warrenton peninsula (outside of Fort Stevens State Park) to be conserved. Sphagnum moss growing on the property, an active bald eagle nest, and a robust population of red-legged frogs were all indications that the ecosystem was in good health No public access. Largemouth bass. No boat launch or other facilities.
Coffenbury Lake - 50 acres with an improved boat launch is located within (map) Fort Stevens State Park - 2 miles west of Warrenton and contains yellow perch, brown bullhead.
Crabapple Lake - 22 acres with unimproved boat launch is located within (map) Fort Stevens State Park - 2 miles west of Warrenton. Largemouth bass, yellow perch. Fishing is a challenge as the area of open water diminishes with the growth of aquatic vegetation during the lengthening daylight hours of summer.
Creep and Crawl Lake - 5 acre lake purchased from Clatsop County with help from a North American Wetlands Conservation Act grant made available through the Columbia Land Trust. The Lake is located 2 miles west of Warrenton and contains bluegill. Public entry is by guided access.
Mailing address: Physical address
P.O. Box 67 2609 N. Roosevelt Drive
Seaside, OR 97138 Seaside, OR 97138
(503) 738-9126 NCLC@NCLCtrust.org
There is a real problem with government when they have the need to deed public property to None Profit Organizations to protect the resource.
Pond Lily Lake
Leinenweber Lake is 3.9 acres in size.
Kyle Lake is 2.7 acres in size.
Long Lake is 9.2 acres in size.
Pond Lily Lake and Leinenweber, Shag Lake, Kyle and Long Lakes are located off of Ridge Road north of Delaura Beach Ln. No boat launch or other facilities.
Taylor Lake is an 8.7 acre isolated lake located north of Cullaby Lake with no boat launch or other facilities available.Cullaby Lake - Cullaby Lake County Park is located (map) off U.S. Highway 101 between Astoria and Seaside. The park has 165 acres, offering public access to Cullaby Lake boat launch and docks, four-stall flush restrooms, picnic shelters, barbecue pits, horseshoe pits, play areas, fishing, swimming, nature observation of beavers, bald eagles, deer, and waterfowl, and is home to the Lindgren Cabin, a Finnish-American heritage site. The lake contains both white and black crappie, yellow perch, largemouth bass and brown bullhead catfish.
The shelters at Cullaby Lake are available year-round for rental at a daily rate of $35. Reservations can be requested by calling (503) 338-3740 and leaving a message OR by calling the Clatsop County Fisheries office at (503) 325-6452. NEW! Credit card payments for reservations and prepaid parking passes are now being accepted via phone. A 2.5% fee ($2.00 minimum) will be charged to the customer.
Reservations for Cullaby Lake picnic shelters for the 2016 season will be accepted beginning October 1, 2015. Summer weekend days fill up very quickly, so reserve early to ensure space for your event!
Use these forms to apply for permits for general special events or special events for exclusive use of the boat ramp.
Daily passes are available at our automated fee station for $3 per vehicle per day. Annual passes may also be purchased by completing this park pass application. Cullaby Lake is known Blue/Green algea location.
Carnahan County Park is located off U.S. Highway 101 between Astoria and Seaside. The 30-acre park is at the north end of Cullaby Lake and offers passive lake sports, day use activities and access to land leased by the Boy Scouts of America. There are no facilities at this park. The day-use fee of $3 per vehicle per day is collected May through September.
There is a Boat Launch at Carnahan County Park Google Maps. Annual passes may be purchased by completing this park pass application form.
Triangle Lake is a small isolated lake located north of Lounsberry Ln where it becomes 70 Rd. From there the lake flows into Cullaby Creek. There is a small unidentified lake on Cullaby Creek located just south of Lounsberry Ln.
Lost Lake: is a 15-acre lake on Oregon Department of Forestry property which can be reached by turning south on Nehalem River Road one-half mile east of Olney's Restaurant and traveling eight miles to Spruce Run Park. Just before entering the park, there is a logging road (Lost Lake Road) heading east. Follow Lost Lake Road for approximately five miles to Lost Lake. Trout are stocked. Note: During times of extreme fire danger, access to this lake may be restricted by the landowner.
Slusher Lakeis a 20 acre lake at Camp Rilea. Camp Rilea is an Oregon National Guard Facility located 3.5 miles southwest of Warrenton and west of Highway 101. The dune lakes contain yellow perch, white crappie, largemouth bass and bluegill. For lodging inquiries or reservations by veterans or active duty personnel, please contact the billeting office at 503-836-4052. Currently the Oregon National Guard does not allow public access to Slusher or the other lakes and ponds located at Camp Rilea.
Smith Lake - 41 acres; 2 miles south of Warrenton and west of Highway 101. The shoreline is now entirely in private ownership and homes are established on at least half of it. Access for the public is not provided, although two roads that cross the lake can be used to reach the water. The lake contains largemouth bass, yellow perch, bluegill, white crappie, black crappie. No boat launch or other facilities. Clatsop County Park access at Smith Lake.
Sunset Lake is 107 acres in size and is located (map) 4 miles north of Gearhart and west of Highway 101 on Neacoxie Creek. Access via Sunset Beach Road. Yellow perch, brown bullhead, largemouth bass, black crappie. Each spring the lake is stocked with catchable rainbow trout.
The Clatsop County boat launch at Sunset Beach Park on Sunset Lake is a free launch.
Wild Ace Lake is located 1 mile southwest of Warrenton off Ridge Road. The lake contains largemouth bass From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, black crappie, bluegill, warmouth bass, with no public access the lake is bounded on the east side by a high ridge. Wild Ace Lake is part of a four-mile-long corridor of wetlands lying in the dune swales west and south of Warrenton. Waterfowl spend winters on the lake or pause to rest here during fall and spring migrations. Large, open sedge marshes along the shoreline mingle with Sitka spruce and alder trees to create an edge effect essential to highly productive and diverse wetland systems. No boat launch or other facilities.
West Lake a 32 acres dune lake located 3 miles north of Gearhart and runs west and east of Highway 101 off of Dellmore Loop Rd. West Lake contains brown bullhead, largemouth bass, yellow perch. No boat launch or other facilities.
Mile by Mile Continuation to razor clam beaches on Clatsop Spit
8.1 Ensign Ln. Zip Lining at High Life Adventures offers the thrill of lifetime with their Zip Line Adventures. Located near Warrenton on Alternate Hwy 101. Click on the spirit of adventure to view the beginning and ending of the zip line adventure taken by my wif Diane, my daughter Kristina and my grandsons. Click Here for travel directions
11.5 Sunset Beach Rd. Astoria Golf & Country Club Directions from Pacidic Ave in Gerhart north on Hwy 101 for 5.4 milest to Sunset Beach Rd. Turn west onto Sunset Beach Rd and Right into the driveway for the Astoria Golf and Country Club at 33445 Sunset Beach Rd.
17.0 Del Rey Beach State Wayside located on Highland Ln. 2 miles north of Gearhart and offers excellent digging for razor clams. Parking is allowed on the beach. The Highland Golf Club is located on Highland Ln.
18.8 Gearhart is accessible by turning west onto Pacific Avenue from Highway 101. Follow the signs for beach access and park on the beach. The razor clam digging from Gearhart south to Tillamook Head is not quite as good as the beach north of Gearhart but the clams are larger. Access the Gearhart Golf Links by turning west from Hwy 101 onto Pacific Avenue to Marion Avenue. Turn right onto Marion Avenue and proceed to the Gearhart Golf Links.
19.5 Neawanna Point Wayside is located on the west side of Hwy 101 and is eastern access point to the Necanicum River Estuary to crab and dig for purple varnish clams or soft shell clams.
Goodman Park at the 12 th Avenue Bridge is located at 1172 Necanicum On the corner of 12th Avenue and Necanicum Drive, this park has restrooms, basketball hoop, and swings. It is also located right next to the 12th Avenue Bridge, where locals and visitors alike often congregate to enjoy crabbing off the bridge.
The summer of 2011, I visited Seaside and everywhere I drove there were crabbers taking crabs on the 12th Ave Bridge.
The 2012 crabbing from 12th Ave. Bridge over the Necanicum River Estuary at Seaside was good! Parking is available at the City Park located at the southwest corner of the 12 Ave Bridge. In between the time I parked my truck and walked onto the bridge to videotape the crabbers working their gear an OSP officer parked on the eastside of the bridge and observed the crabbers through a pair of binoculars. I did not notice him until I had left, returned to my truck and was driving eastward across the bridge, but by the time I turned around to video tape him in action, he was gone.
The Necanicum River Estuary
The broad sandy beaches north to Clatsop Spit consistently produce the highest density of razor clams found along the
Do not attempt to cross the bar of the Necanicum River Estuary. Avoid boating in the lower reach of the Necanicum River Estuary during any stage of the tidal cycle.
Fishing in the Necanicum River Estuary:
Pileperch, striped seaperch, walleye surfperch and white seaperch enter the estuary in small numbers to feed on intertidal animals. The best fishing occurs during the summer and ranges from poor to occasionally good depending on the tides, time of year and the amount of freshwater in the estuary. Local residents’ fish for perch and crab from the
Chinook salmon return in small numbers to the
Coho salmon: small numbers of Coho salmon return in late September peaking in October before declining into November and December. The run is small and of interest to local anglers fishing for Chinook salmon and steelhead.
Steelhead fishing on the Necanicum River offers excellent small-stream steelhead fishing throughout the winter. The river is stocked with 40,000 smolts at several locations up to Black’s Bridge. Hatchery steelhead are caught in the early winter months, with the peak of the run in late December/early January. Wild fish are more commonly caught later in the season. The Necanicum is open to steelhead fishing through March 31 downstream of the Hwy 53 Bridge at Necanicum Junction.
The Necanicum River is usually one of the first North Coast streams to clear following heavy rains. Boaters should keep a wary eye out, especially after storms when woody debris can move during periods of higher river flows.
Bank access is available along Hwy 26, especially at Klootchie Creek Park and around Black’s Bridge (about 1.5-2 miles above Klootchie Creek). Lower river access is available in the Peterson Point area. Boaters may launch at the park, and takeout at a site along Hwy 101 just south of Seaside.
Starry Flounder fishing was at onetime fairly consistent, but today the fishing ranges from poor for most of the year to fair at best in the spring. The best fishing occurs in Spring from the lower estuary
Clam Digging in the estuary is limited to the softshell clams and purple varnish clams, but because of the limited size of the tidal flats we recommend digging for those species in the clam rich tidal flats of Nehalem Bay.
The Necanicum River Estuary like the Salmon River Estuary is dominated by freshwater and crabbing productivity is limited to periods of extended clear weather. The most productive crabbing is from boats and from the 12th Ave Bridge. Necanicum River Estuary clam digging is limited to softshell clams and purple varnish clams.
Necanicum River boat launches are located at: Qutat Marine Park at 493 Oceanway (just North of Broadway on the Necanicum River, and opposite the Convention Center), this park has boat ramp, picnic tables, river viewing decks, fishing dock, deck seating with a stage area, and restrooms. The Qutat Marine Park is operated by the City of Seaside and a use fee applies. Call 503-738-5511 for additional information. This park is also literally footsteps from the shops and attractions on Broadway. Cartwright Park on the Necanicum River is located off of Avenue U at 1942 Franklin in South Seaside. A no use fee park, the park has a public boat ramp, restrooms and playground. The Neeawanna Creek boat launch, Broadway Park a no use fee park is Located at 1300 Broadway, right next to the Sunset Empire Park & Recreation District. This park has a skate park, picnic tables, covered picnic shelter, restrooms and river access. in addition to the City of Seaside boat launches the boat launches up Hwy 101 at Mile Post 22.8. The SEF Johnson Tract is a no use fee boat launch operated by ODFW. Call ODFW at 800-720-6339 for additional information. Further upriver on Hwy 26 the Klootchy Creek Park a no use fee boat launch is located 4.9 miles from Avenue U to the turnoff at the Bridge over the Necanicum River to Klootchy Creek Park. Turn left immediately after crossing the Bridge into the entrance to Klootchy Creek Park. The Klootchy Creek Park a no use fee park operated by Clatsop County. Call 503-325-9306 for additional information.
Seaside Lakes:
MILLPONDS PARK at Chapman’s Ponds is a series of small ponds located on the east side of Seaside. From Hwy 101 turn east on Avenue 'S' and turn right onto the unmarked road (Alder Mill Road). Park alongside the road. There are nature trails around the lakes and plenty of birds and other wildlife. No boat launch or other facilities.
Stanley Lake is 7 acres in size and contains yellow perch, black crappie, largemouth bass and brown bullhead catfish. Stanley Lake is located just east of Seaside. No boat launch or other facilities.
Mantel Lake located in Seaside is a 1.8 acre lake containing largemouth bass, Bluegill and Bream are found in Mantel Lake, which also allows the public access to its shores.
Seaside Hiking Trails in and near to Seaside. Hiking around Seaside Parks takes many forms. From a stroll or brisk walk along the ocean Promenade, a short, easy family hike at the estuary through Gateway Park, all the way to the challenge of nearby Saddle Mountain, there are a multitude of options for every age and ability.
Seaside Aquarium via Mile Post 21.0 at 1st. Ave. and Hwy 101. Turn west onto 1st. Ave. Cross over the Necanicum River then turn right onto Necanicum Dr. and travel 1 block to 2nd. Ave. Turn west onto 2nd Ave and find a parking place. The Seaside Aquarium is located on the Promenade between 2nd and 3rd Avenues.
Founded in 1937, Seaside Aquarium is one of the oldest aquariums on the West Coast. The aquarium is privately owned and the descendants of some of the founders are still active in the aquarium operation.
The aquarium is proud to be involved in public awareness programs: Marine Mammal Stranding, Seaside Beach Discovery Program, Sea Week, Haystack Rock Awareness Program, the Wildlife Center of the North Coast and other marine education tours and activities for school children.
21.1 Broadway Stroll, bike or drive down the gateway to Seaside - Broadway - to the Heart of the City at the Turnaround - the Promenade. The Heart of the City is bordered to the south by U Avenue and to the north by 12th Avenue. The Turnaround at the Promenade has the distinction of being the end of the Lewis and Clark Trail. Members of the expedition camped over the winter of 1805 making salt for their return trip east.
The Skatepark (located on Broadway next to Sunset Pool) is open from dawn until 10 p.m. with open access (which means that bikes, scooters, etc. are also allowed).
Digging productivity for razor clams from Seaside Beach at the foot of Broadway can be excellent, which it has been in recent years. This area of the Clatsop beaches is often overlooked because parking is not allowed on the beach.
Seaside Streetcar Trolley is the leisurely way to see Seaside. The Trolley runs weekends from June through September, ride the Seaside Streetcar Trolley on a tour through the downtown core, to the north side of town along 12th Avenue, or south to the Cove or the trail head at Tillamook Head. The Seaside Streetcar Trolley runs hourly on Satudays and Sundays in Seaside from 11am to 7:30pm, fare is $1 per ride.
22.1 Avenue U: is the first access point to the fabulous razor clam beaches associated with Clatsop Spit. Avenue U is the northern access point to the Tillamook Head Trailhead located off of Ocean Vista Way. It also the location of the Seaside Golf Club at 451 Ave U in Seaside.
The Cove Beach at the end of Avenue U offers excellent digging for razor clams and at times fair to good fishing in the spring for redtail surfperch as the perch move into Oregon's Bays to give live birth.
Seltzer Park: located on Sunset Blvd. in the Cove (South Seaside), this park has excellent ocean-view benches and restroom facilities. Watch the waves, surfers, sunsets and wildlife!
The City of Seaside, like other beach communities, does not allow parking on the beachfront streets from 11:00pm to 5:00am. Access to Seaside Beach is available from multiple locations in the City of Seaside beginning at the Cove Via Avenue U to public parking area at the end of Avenue U; or, turn south onto S. Edgewood St. Continue south on Edgewood St. to the public parking area located on Ocean Vista Dr. Park and follow the trail to the beach at the Cove. Turn west onto Avenue G., but parking is limited to the street. There is a beach side public parking area located between 12th Avenue entry, and 11th Avenue exit. And additional but limited parking between 11th Avenue entry and 10th Avenue.
Several options for parking in Seaside: whether you are arriving to Seaside from the north, or the south, parking in Seaside is free*, quite easy and in larger abundance than many are aware. If you aren't sure of your activities while in Seaside, stop into the Visitors Center on the corner of Broadway and Hwy 101 (Roosevelt). The friendly staff can help you find a nice restaurant, family-friendly activities and quaint shops or direct you towards the beach.
From the North: turn right onto 1st Avenue as you approach Broadway along Hwy 101 (referenced as Roosevelt within Seaside city limits). Drive west until you pass the Seaside Civic and Convention Center. The lot just west of the Convention Center is free and open to the public. Street parking is also available but in lower supply. Should the Convention Center lot be full, continue west on 1st Avenue and turn left onto Columbia. Pass through Broadway and take your first right onto Avenue A. The public parking garage sign is located on your immediate right and the first two levels are free and open to the public. There is no overnight parking allowed in this garage for public vehicles.
From the South: turn left onto Broadway from Hwy 101 (referenced as Roosevelt within Seaside city limits). The possibility exists that street parking will be available on Broadway. We simply advise that your pay attention to all posted signs. If street parking is not available, proceed until you get to the corner of Broadway and Columbia. Turn left onto Columbia and take your first right onto Avenue A. The public parking garage sign is located on your immediate right and the first two levels are free and open to the public. There is no overnight parking allowed in this garage for public vehicles.
*Please pay attention to posted signs as parking hours may vary from location to location. Also note that Motor Home and Bus parking is prohibited in the Convention Center lot from June 1 - October 1.
RV and Motorhome Parking: there are a few options for those driving large vehicles through Seaside but not planning to overnight in the area. Option number one is located just north of the Seaside Visitors Bureau at the corner of Broadway and Hwy 101 (referenced as Roosevelt in Seaside). Broadway and its many shops, restaurants, family-friendly activities and ocean beach are located no more than 1/2 mile from this lot.
25.3 Junction of Hwy 26 with Hwy 101 (From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia) is located 80 miles west of Portland. The western terminus of the highway (and of US 26) is at an interchange with U.S. Route 101 between Seaside and Cannon Beach.
Directon to Seaside from Portland. From I5 North, exit 1A on I5. Exit North on Hwy 405. Exit 1D on the right toward Beaverton/Ocean Beaches for 73.6 miles to Hwy 101. Click HERE to view the recreational opprotunities on Hwy 26.
28.3 Ecola State Park is located 2 miles north of Cannon Beach between Chapman Point and Tillamook Head. The park encompasses Indian Point the southern access point for the Tillamook Head Trailhead, Indian Cove, Crescent Beach and Chapman Point. Captain William Clark named the area after the Chinook Indian word Ekoli for a whale that had washed ashore when he visited there in 1806. Turn west from Highway 101 onto Old Highway 101 two miles north of Cannon Beach. Follow the signs to Ecola Park Road (brochure and area map). The single lane road to the park is narrow and windy. To fish for the bass, perch, cabezon, sea trout and lingcod from the rocky shore at Ecola Point follow the trail from the main parking lot south for ¼ of a mile. The fishing for redtail surfperch from the sandy beach at Indian Cove or Crescent Beach is fair. Indian Cove and Crescent Beach are listed by ODFW as a location to dig for razor clams. The park offers visitors a dramatic view of coastline and Haystack Rock.
29.4 Cannon Beach is named for the cannons that washed ashore after the USS Shark sunk on Clatsop Spit in 1846. Cannon Beach is well known for the numerous small specialty shops and quaint restaurants that attract thousands of visitors each year. Haystack Rock, Cannon Beach’s most famous attraction, is the World’s third largest freestanding monolith rising 235 feet out of the surf. The Dorymen of Cannon Beach offer visitors charter fishing trips launching their dories from in front of Haystack Rock. Cannon Beach is listed by ODFW as a location to dig for razor clams and has good fishing for redtail surfperch. Refer to the Oregon Sport Fishing Regulation restricting the taking of shellfish within a 300 yard radius of Haystack Rock.
Cannon Beach is located between the State Recreational Site Tolovana Beach, and, Chapman Beach. Chapman Beach is a small beach located between Ecola Creek and Chapman Point and is generally considered as part of Cannon Beach. To access Cannon Beach, turn onto Sunset Blvd from Highway 101. The parking is very limited to one small public parking lot.
30.8 Tolovana Beach SRS is located 1 mile south of Cannon Beach between Cape Falcon and Tillamook Head. Turn west onto Warren Way from Highway 101. There is ample parking at the State Park Wayside. The beach offers good fishing for redtail surfperch.
32.4 Arcadia Beach offers good fishing for redtail surfperch but parking is limited. More than a mile of beach between two headlands. Tidepooling and surfing are the primary attraction here.
33.7 Hug Point State Park Wayside parking lot has only enough room to accommodate cars and pickup trucks. Hug Point is named for the roadway that hugs the point. The road was built by early travelers and could not be used during high tide.
35.2 Arch Cape is located north of Cape Falcon. Access to the cape is very limited. Arch Cape Beach is listed by ODFW as a location to dig for razor clams.
The cannon emerge: Oregon Parks and Recreation Department staff removed a pair of historic cannon from the beach near Arch Cape on February 19, 2008. The cannon were discovered by beach visitors, and had been revealed by extreme low tides and the natural loss of beach sand due to winter storms. Latest Cannon News from Oregon State Parks
37.2 Cove Beach is located north of Cape Falcon and is a fair location to fish for redtail surfperch. Cove Beach is listed by ODFW as a location to dig for razor clams. Access to the beach is very limited.
39.0 Cape Falcon Trail: the 2½ mile Cape Falcon Trail begins at the northwest parking lot along Highway 101. A quick ½ mile hike to the Kramer Memorial gives way to a brilliant overlook of Short Sand Beach. Continue the rest of the way out to Cape Falcon, through the high-growing salal, where on a clear day you can see north all the way to Tillamook Head and south to Cape Lookout
39.2 Oswald West State Park: is comprised of 4 parking areas. The parking areas are the source for many of the park's trailheads (pdf map). The trailhead to popular Short Sands Beach located is located at Smuggler Cove on the lee side of Cape Falcon. There are trails leading to the summit of Neahkahnie Mountain and to beach at base of the mountain from the park. Forest Trail The Old Growth Forest Trail and its several offshoots are located between Necarney and Short Sand Beach Trails. This trail system is easily accessible. Short Sand Beach Trail This short, ½ mile walk leads through the woods to the beach. From the main parking lot, walk under Highway 101 and down the trail, following the contours of Short Sand Creek. Cross the creek on a railroad-style bridge and you’ll find yourself at a beautiful picnic area overlooking the beach. Short Sands Beach is listed by ODFW as a location to dig for razor clams. Now a day use area at onetime there were 37 primitive campsite nestled in the forest. If you plan on visiting the area refer to the regulations of managing the taking of marine resources from the Cape Falcon Marine Reserve.
Click HERE to return to the top of the page or HERE to return to the Mile by Mile guide of the Oregon Coast.
Internet Links Common to the Oregon Coast
Don's Oregon Crabbing and Clam Digging Vacation on the Oregon Coast defines Oregon's Mile by Mile. Clam digger Don and his brother in law's amazing adventure set the standard for all the recreational enthusiast to follow.
Backing and shaking crab. Recover more usable crabmeat in addition to reducing the time it takes to shake and pick crabmeat.
Oregon State Park's Horse Camps and Trails
Horseback Riding: click on Horseback Riding to view the stables that offer horseback riding on Oregon's beaches.
Marine Reserves and Gardens: For more details refer to the marine reserves and gardens listed on the fishing synopsis, or visit the Oregon marine reserves website at www.oregonmarinereserves.com.
Northwest River Forecast displays the current levels of Oregon's rivers and forecast future level of river flows based on the current weather conditions and weather forecast of the immediate future weather forecast. The Northwest River Forecast is a rich resource of information for clam diggers, crabbers and fishermen to view the dynamics of the changing flows of Oregon's rivers.
ODFW Weekly Recreational Report for your zone of interest.
Marine
Columbia
Northwest
Southwest
Willamette
Central
Northeast
Southeast
Snake
ODFW Trout Stocking Schedule the ODFW stocks all sizes of trout into Oregon's lakes each spring. The ODFW posts the stocking schedule of the planning on their website.
Oregon's Atlas of Lakes: Discover the rich diversity of Oregon’s lakes—learn about the current and historical topography, environmental relationships, and recreational and practical uses. The Atlas of Oregon Lakes is a resource for the public, resource management agencies, and scientists to better manage and enjoy our lakes. With all of that being stated, Portland State needs to put more effort to bring the information in Oregon Atlas of lakes up to date.
Oregon's Boat Launches: Click on the link. Answer the disclaimer’s question by clicking the OK box prior to entering the name of the boat launch or the name of the body of water in the search parameter and go.
Ocean Fishing Charters: Internet links to charter services websites on the Internet by Bays.
Oregon Coastal River Fishing Guides: Internet links to Oregon fishing guides who advertise through their websites on the Internet by Coastal River Bay by Bay.
Oregon State Parks: besides booking a place or reservation to camp or park your RV, Oregon State parks offers many recreational oriented events to the public participation: Find a Park, Ocean Shore State Recreation Area, Let's Go Event Calendar, Scenic Trails, Scenic Bikeways, Whale Watch Spoken Here! And the Junior Program for kids 6 to 12.Oregon
Link to Download the Oregon State Parks Guide. The list the location of the State Parks located within Oregon.
Oregon Shellfish Hotline post levels of marine toxins that pose a threat to the public safety. Know before you go. Always check the Oregon Shellfish Hotline prior to digging clams, harvesting mussels or other marine invertebrates or taking crabs.
Oregon Surfing is embraced by enthusiasts of all ages as they ride the waves along Oregon's Northern Beaches, Central Oregon Beaches and Oregon's Southern Beaches.
Oregon Hiking Trail information on the Oregon Hikers.org a service of the Oregon Trail keepers website to access information about hiking trails in Oregon.
Oregon Tide Pool Tours attract thousands of visitors to the Oregon Coast each year.
Oregon's Waterfowl Hunting. Hunting Oregon's Waterfowl is permitted in some of Oregon's National Wildlife Refuges, State Parks and within the city limits for some cities associated with Oregon's Bays. ODFW Hunting Access Map
US National Wildlife Refuges of the Oregon Coast.
Click on Welcome o the Columbia River to view the boating facilities and recreational opportunities from Westport Ramp located of off Hwy 30 east of Astoria eastward to the Snake River.