If you are looking for close access to the beach, plenty of water activities and even a bit of hiking while still being close to civilization, then spending some time in Nehalem Bay State Park is a perfect option! Located on the Nehalem Spit just south of Manzanita, OR, this is a great spot for relaxing on the beach and soaking in the beauty of the Oregon Coast. Additionally, there are some great things to do in the park!
We put together what we think are the best thing to do in Nehalem Bay State Park. We’ll also cover how to get here, fees, what to expect for weather and what to do nearby! And don’t forget, we’ll even include a few fun facts to impress your travel companions with!
NEHALEM BAY STATE PARK HISTORY
Like much of Oregon, the Nehalem Spit was originally settled by Native Americans. Specifically, the Tillamook Indians stayed here seasonally. Tillamook County acquired the land in the 1930s before transferring it to the State of Oregon. Nehalem Bay State Park was established in 1972.
Today Nehalem Bay State Park contains 895 acres of pristine coastal scenery.
FUN FACTS ABOUT NEHALEM BAY STATE PARK
- Nehalem Bay State Park is the only State Park in Oregon to have a landing strip!
- During World War II, the Oregon State Guard used to patrol this area to spot potential enemy landings.
- This area is a spot for passing migratory birds, including plovers, sandpipers and others.
THINGS TO DO IN NEHALEM BAY STATE PARK
Nehalem Bay State Park map, courtesy of Oregon State Parks
Relaxing and Exploring on the Beach
Certainly, most who come to Nehalem Bay State Park come for the beach. The Oregon Coast is truly amazing, with its beaches belonging to the people of Oregon and development is minimal. To get to the beach, park in the lot all the way to the south in the park. Follow the path down to the beach and here you’ll have over 2 miles of beach belonging to the Nehalem Bay State Park.
The beach is an outstanding place to enjoy the day. Be advised that the tide is significant here, so if you pick a spot close to the water, expect to have to move frequently. You may also build a fire on the beach, but take care to do it properly and within state regulations (information is available at the entrance gate).
Nehalem Bay, image courtesy of ktcochan
Beachcombing
Checking out the beach for shells is very popular, especially after a storm. Agates are colorful stones that can sometimes be found as well.
Birding
The Oregon Coast is a popular place to spot migratory birds. Western Snowy Plovers nest here, and it’s common for certain areas to be blocked off between mid-March and mid-September, so just keep an eye out for signs and respect the wildlife.
Picnicking
Picnicking in Nehalem Bay State Park is quite popular. There are three main spots where you can picnic. The first, and most popular, is to pack a lunch before heading out to the beach. You can also find picnic tables near the boat launch and overlooking Nehalem Bay.
Hiking / Walking
There are a couple of hiking and walking trails that are great-you can explore them the entire way, or you can just do part of the trails if you want an easier stroll. We’ll cover hiking in the park in the next section.
Biking
Though this park isn’t known for its mountain biking trails like you’ll find in Silver Falls State Park, there is a very nice two-mile bike trail here that can be used for biking or walking. There is a two-mile trail that heads from the ranger station to the campground and then around the airstrip that is worth checking out. It’s short, but flat and great for kids.
Kayaking
Nehalem Bay is a fantastic place to paddle. Nehalem Bay comes together with the Nehalem River to the north. It’s a saltwater bay and provides great opportunities for spotting harbor seals and birds. Be sure to check what’s happening with the tides so you know which way will be easier to paddle during your time out!
Some great places to get a kayak from include Kayak Tillamook and Wheeler Arena. You can of course bring your own and put in at the marina.
HIKING TRAILS IN NEHALEM BAY STATE PARK
Nehalem Bay Loop Trail
- Difficulty: Easy
- Distance (round-trip): 2.0 miles
- Elevation gain: 28 feet
- Hiking time (approximate): 45 to 60 minutes
- Trail type: Loop
- Potential hazards: Sun exposure
- Restrooms: Flush toilets located at the trailhead.
- Recommended footwear: Comfortable walking shoes
- Pets: Allowed, but must be kept on a leash at all times.
Nehalem Bay Loop Trail map, courtesy of Oregon State Parks
Trail Description
This is a great, family-friendly trail that can be used for hiking and biking. The hike departs the Ranger Station and camping area and makes a loop around the airstrip that belongs to the park. The mostly paved trail (and part gravel trail) is partly shaded as well.
While few would come to Nehalem Bay State Park for hiking, this is a nice diversion and can offer a change of scenery from spending time on the beach all day. It’s also a good trail to be able to see aircraft coming and going from the airfield. Planes come and go irregularly, but it’s impressive to see them land with the gusty winds that this area is known for!
Trailhead Directions
The trail starts from the ranger station on the north side of the park or the camping area.
Nehalem Spit Trail
- Difficulty: Easy / Moderate
- Distance (round-trip): 4.1 miles
- Elevation gain: 38 feet
- Hiking time (approximate): 2 hours
- Trail type: Out-and-back
- Potential hazards: Sun exposure
- Restrooms: Flush toilets located at the trailhead.
- Recommended footwear: Comfortable walking shoes, hiking shoes or sandals
- Pets: Allowed, but must be kept on a leash at all times.
Nehalem Spit Trail map, courtesy of Oregon State Parks
Trail Description
The Nehalem Spit Trail travels south from the day use area to the end of the Nehalem Spit. Early in the hike you won’t have any views of the water, but once you get about 1.2 miles to the south the views will open up. You’ll likely see plenty of harbor seals on the trail as you approach the eddy.
This trail is shared with horses and can be really windy. You can also walk back on the beach and make it a loop hike with views the entire way back!
Trailhead Directions
The trail starts from the day use area.
THINGS TO DO NEAR NEHALEM BAY STATE PARK
The Oregon Coast has plenty of things to do, and a few that we recommend that are close by to Nehalem Bay State Park include the following:
- If you are visiting Nehalem Bay State Park, we recommend walking through the town of Manzanita. Here you’ll find some cute shops and a classic coastal town. Plus there are great options for coffee and eating!
- About 3 miles to the north is Oswald West State Park. Here you’ll find some great options, including hiking and exploring on the beach. There is also some amazing picnicking.
- 17 miles to the north is Ecola State Park. This beach is another one with exploring, and the hiking in Ecola State Park is some of the best coastal hiking in the state. You’ll also be hear Cannon Beach and the famous Haystack Rock.
HOW TO GET TO NEHALEM BAY STATE PARK AND OTHER TRAVEL INFORMATION
Nehalem Bay State Park isn’t particularly hard to get to if you are traveling up the coast of Oregon. Highway 101 is the most common road to travel is you are taking a trip along the Oregon Coast and it passes right by Nehalem Bay State Park. Once you arrive in the town of Manzanita, you head south along one of the side roads and you’ll find yourself in Nehalem Bay State Park.
- Here are directions from Portland, OR to Nehalem Bay State Park. The drive is about 85 miles and will take nearly 2 hours without traffic. Traffic is normally not too bad once you leave the city.
- Here are directions from Astoria, OR to Nehalem Bay State Park. The drive is about 1 hour and travels along the coast the entire way.
Nehalem Bay State Park entrance station, Image courtesy of Visitor7, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
ENTRANCE FEES AND REQUIRED PASSES FOR NEHALEM BAY STATE PARK
A day-use permit is required to enter into the park. The permits are only for one day. Annual passes are also available.
WHERE TO STAY IN NEHALEM BAY STATE PARK
Nehalem Bay State Park Camping: The only available lodging inside of the park is to stay at the Nehalem Bay State Park Campground. The campground is very large, accommodates RVs, tents, bikers, hikers and even those the fly into the park! Pets are also allowed, and there are also nearly 20 yurts. You can learn more in our article, Camping in Nehalem Bay State Park.
BEST TIME TO VISIT NEHALEM BAY STATE PARK
Nehalem Bay State Park is open year-round. The Oregon Coast is beautiful in all seasons, but summertime is the most pleasant if you plan on enjoying the beach and perhaps spending some time in the water.
VISITING NEHALEM BAY STATE PARK IN THE WINTER
The Oregon Coast does get a lot of rain, and in the winter months the coast can be downright cold and harsh. If you are visiting in the winter, just be prepared to wear plenty of layers to keep yourself warm, and be certain that some of those layers are waterproof as this area of Oregon does get a lot of rain.
ARE PETS ALLOWED IN NEHALEM BAY STATE PARK?
You can definitely bring pets to Nehalem Bay State Park. They are required to be on a leash of 6 feet or less at all times.
RELATED INFORMATION ON NEHALEM BAY STATE PARK AND THE SURROUNDING AREA FROM JUST GO TRAVEL STUDIOS
- If you are planning on staying in the park, check out our article on Camping in Nehalem Bay State Park. We cover all you need to know, including how to make reservations, campsite photos and more!
- Be sure to read our other articles on the area, including Things to Do in Ecola State Park and Things to Do in Silver Falls State Park.
- Right after your trip to Oregon, let us create a custom, vintage travel poster from your photos! It makes an amazing travel memory.
